Townsend in McIntosh County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Fort Barrington

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Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 2, 2008

1. Fort Barrington Marker

Inscription. Approximately ten miles west of here on the banks of the Altamaha River stood Fort Barrington, a stronghold whose origin dates back to earliest Colonial times. It was built as a defense against the Spaniards and Indians and was called Fort Barrington in honor of a friend and kinsman of General James Edward Oglethorpe, Lieutenant Colonel Josiah Barrington. This gentleman, a scion of the English nobility, was a large landowner in Georgia, whose home was just east of Barrington Ferry on San Savilla Bluff. Fort Barrington, which was twelve miles northwest of the town of Darien was renamed Fort Howe during the Revolution as it fell into the hands of the British.

The fort long ago ceased to exist, but the old military road which formerly ran between Savannah and Fort Barrington is still known as the Old Barrington Road. Barrington Ferry, important ferry since Colonial Days, was in use until the early years of the Twentieth Century.

Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 095-2.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Forts and Castles • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list.

Location.

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31° 34.621′ N, 81° 34.009′ W. Marker is in Townsend, Georgia, in McIntosh County. Marker is on State Highway 57, on the right when traveling south. Marker is 3.7 miles north of Townsend, Ga at the McIntosh - Long County line. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Townsend GA 31331, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Rice Hope (approx. 8.7 miles away); John Houstoun McIntosh (approx. 8.7 miles away); Old Court House at Sapelo Bridge (approx. 8.8 miles away); Capture of 26 Men in 1864 (approx. 9.3 miles away); Woodmanston Plantation (approx. 10 miles away); William Bartram Trail (approx. 10 miles away); The McIntosh Family Of McIntosh County (approx. 10.2 miles away); a different marker also named William Bartram Trail (approx. 10.2 miles away).

Regarding Fort Barrington. Today, time has claimed the wooden fort, and the river has eroded half the earthworks. A hunting club owns the remaining earthworks, and unfortunately a private boat ramp runs down the middle of the fort. Nearby, Barrington County Park is open to the general public for boat launches, tent or RV camping, or a quiet picnic.

The historic fort is on private property that is popular with hunters. Please respect their property rights and avoid the area during

Fort Barrington Marker, looking southward along GA-57 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

2. Fort Barrington Marker, looking southward along GA-57

At the Long - McIntosh County Line

hunting season.

Fort Barrington Marker, looking westward, the direction of the Marker Arrow image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

3. Fort Barrington Marker, looking westward, the direction of the Marker Arrow

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,606 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 12, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.