Celebrate Memorial Day with a Reflection on American Battles, Touring Historic Sites

As many families gather for picnics over Memorial Day weekend, some may also want to honor those who fought on American soil. Georgia is home to many significant battlefields and forts that have been carefully preserved. A visit to one of these sites is a great way to teach children about our country’s rich history and honor those who have fallen. Below are suggested forts, museums and battlefields across Georgia. For directions and admission fees, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.

·         Fort King George State Historic Site, Darien
From 1721 until 1736, this fort was the southern outpost of the British empire in North America.  Climb into the reconstructed cypress blockhouse, explore the palisaded earthen fort and tabby ruins, tour the museum.  Be sure to hike the pretty nature trail following the river and marsh.  For those wishing to take a mini staycation while in the area, campsites and cabins are nearby at Fort  McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.
 
·         Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
This earthen fort on the Medway River protected Georgia against the British in both the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812.  A museum describes the colonial port of Sunbury, and a nature trail and picnic sites are available.  For a holiday getaway, cabins and campsites are found nearby at Fort McAllister and Skidaway Island state parks.
 
·         Pickett’s Mill Battlefield State Historic Site, Dallas
Pickett’s Mill is one of the best-preserved Civil War battlefields in the nation, highlighted with a museum, earthworks and wooded trails.  The 1864 battle was one of the few Confederate victories during General Sherman’s Georgia campaign.  Water lovers may want to spend Memorial Day weekend nearby at Red Top Mountain State Park on Lake Allatoona, where they can also visit Allatoona Pass Battlefield.


·         A.H. Stephens State Historic Park, Crawfordville
This park is named for the Confederate Vice President, and his 1875 home, Liberty Hall, is furnished and open for tours.  A museum houses one of the finest collections of Civil War artifacts in Georgia.  Families can also enjoy geocaching, fishing, hiking and boating at the park.  Campsites and cabins are available for overnight getaways.
 
·         Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
This beautiful park south of Savannah marked the end of General Sherman’s March to the Sea and is the best-preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy.   On Saturday, May 24, watch a program about Civil War soldiers, as well as musket and cannon firings.  Nestled among giant live oaks and Spanish moss, this park is also a great place for camping, hiking, fishing and boating.  Cabins overlook the forest and marsh. 
 
·         Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this park features a museum with aircraft (including a Boeing B-29A), armored vehicles, uniforms, weapons, medals and other items from the Revolutionary War through the Gulf War.  Park visitors can also enjoy camping, cabins, Lake Blackshear Resort, golf and boating.
 
 
About Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Georgia’s state parks and historic sites are operated by the Department of Natural Resources and offer pristine natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor activities.  Numerous Memorial Day Weekend events, such as a patriotic bicycle parade and guided hikes, are posted on GeorgiaStateParks.org/events.  Keep up with the latest news by following Georgia State Parks on Facebook  and Twitter.  
 
 
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