Savannah, GA - Part III

March 08 - 11

We walked around the outside of the fort and observed the damage to the wall by the Union Army's barrage. The fort was thought at the time to be invincible. Because of the swampy surroundings the closest a cannon assault could be mounted was on Tybee Island about a mile away. The distance made conventional cannons ineffective against the strong fort walls.

When the Union army landed to the north at Hilton Head Island, the Confederate troops fled their occupation of Tybee Island. The Union army quickly setup eleven artillery batteries there, one of which had ten experimental rifled cannons. Because of the distance from the fort, it was unconcerned and refused to surrender. By noon on the second day of the Union cannon assault, the rifled cannons had destroyed the south east corner of the wall and threaten to go through to the powder storeroom and the fort was surrendered.


In a closer look you can see a cannon ball still lodged in the wall. There are several of these still in the wall and a few of the rifled shells.

Savannah, GA - Part II

March 08 - 11

Another look at the trail in the park.


Tuesday we drove north up to see Fort Pulaski. In April 1862 the fort was attacked by first significant use of rifled cannons. Accurate and long-range rifled cannons reached Fort Pulaski from over a mile away, tearing through the fort's 8-foot thick solid brick walls. After thirty-hours of bombardment, the fort surrendered. The battle signaled the end of masonry fortifications. Entrance to the fort is over a small draw bridge to the island. You can see the bridge down the right side. Then through a narrow channel through the island, a right turn to another draw bridge to the entrance through the wall.


This is the first moat full of water and as we walked along the edge we noticed, yes, an alligator!


Here is a closer look from the bridge. For sure CAL OSHA has no influence here in Georgia as we walked along the edge of the moat that had no railing. When we got inside the fort there wasn't any railing on the second floor either.


Debbie crossing the second draw bridge.


Inside the walls.


We have been fortunate to 'accidentally' arrive just in time for an activity at the different sites we have been to visit. This was no exception. We were surprised to have a presentation and demonstration on a Tuesday. Here Joceline talks about the history of the fort and it's weapons and then demonstrates a musket firing drill.

Savannah, GA

March 08 - 11

We're staying at a beautiful Georgia State Park, Skidaway Island. The sites are large with a lot of space between. They are full hookups with 5o amp electrical service.


This park is now one of my favorites. But not Debbie's. Her arms were bug food while we sat outside on our first evening. We think it was very small gnat like fly that bit her. I didn't get any bites. : )

I really enjoyed the park's trails. I finally had an opportunity to ride my bike and what great trails to ride! The trees all have moss hanging down.


The park is almost full but the trails are empty.


One of the things we wanted to do was to eat at Paula Dean's 'Lady and Sons' restaurant in downtown Savannah. You can't just walk in or call and make a reservation. Each morning beginning at 9:30 you have to go to the restaurant's podium in front of the restaurant, in person, and sign up with their hostess for a priority seating time.


The green sign says "Sorry We're Booked for Today". We had already signed up for lunch and had some time to explore the area. There is a 'new' mall area where they have closed a block to auto traffic and opened shops and restaurants in the old buildings. We stopped for a cappuccino at one and sat outside.


The general area is older and most of the streets are narrow and one way which makes driving a challenge. Our lunch was great and we rediscovered how great real butter and lots of it can make a dish taste sooo good.


A fountain in a downtown park.