When you look through the arch made by the trees you are looking at Fort McAllister. The Union army didn't even know it existed until they followed a rebel blockade runner up the Ogeechee River and discovered the fort by accident. This fort was a vital defence link in the protection of Savannah.
This is an earthwork fortification. There are no wall or buildings above ground; everything is buried under 10 feet of dirt. This was an excellent design for warfare in the 1860s. Bombs would explode as the fell on the fort but do very little damage because of the soil and vegetation cover.
Looking across the Ogeechee River where the Union gunboats would moor to launch their barrage of shells against the fort. This fort was attacked 7 times by the Union army and didn't fall until attacked by land during General Sherman's "March to the Sea" campaign in 1864.
The soldiers' barracks deep underground. This was used as a hospital when the fort was under siege.
One of the heavy guns used to defend the fort. There is also an excellent museum here depicting life and events of the civil war era. Doug, you would have enjoyed the tour.
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Great history tour, thanks!
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