Richmond Hill in Bryan County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Fort McAllister The Assault From The Rear

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

1. Fort McAllister The Assault From The Rear Marker

Inscription. Dec. 1864. Fort McAllister, built 1861-62 to close the Great Ogeechee River to enemy ships, mounted 11 siege guns, 12 field pieces and 1 10-inch mortar. Below it, piles and torpedoes obstructed the channel. As the Union forces neared Savannah, the fort`s capture became imperative in order that ships could pass up-river to supply them. Naval attempts having failed, Brig. Gen. Wm. B. Hazen's Division, 15th Corps [USA], was ordered to cross the river, move to the fort, and take it from the rear.

At dawn on the 13th, Hazen crossed at King's Bridge, marched via "Cross Roads" (Richmond Hill) and Bryan Neck road (Ga 63), arriving about noon. At 4:45, after a difficult deployment, he assaulted the fort; by 5:00, his three brigades had swarmed over the works and overpowered individually Major Geo. W. Anderson's small garrison of 230 Georgians who fought gallantly to the end. Gen. Sherman watched the assault from Dr. Cheves' rice mill, 2 1/2 miles NNW across the river, after which he opened communications with Adm. Dahlgren's fleet [USA], waiting in Ossabaw Sound.

Losses: [USA] 24 killed, 110 wounded, total 134; [CSA] 14 killed, 21 wounded, 195 captured, total 230.

Erected 1958 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 015-3.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed

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in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society, and the Sherman’s March to the Sea series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is December 1, 1864.

Location. 31° 53.394′ N, 81° 11.913′ W. Marker is in Richmond Hill, Georgia, in Bryan County. Marker can be reached from Fort McAllister Road. Located Behind Visitor Center along path to Fort McAllister. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond Hill GA 31324, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Capt. John McCrady (a few steps from this marker); Fort McAllister The Naval Bombardments (a few steps from this marker); Major John B. Gallie (a few steps from this marker); Tom Cat (within shouting distance of this marker); Sinking of the CSS "Nashville (Rattlesnake)" (within shouting distance of this marker); C.S.S. Nashville (within shouting distance of this marker); Destruction of the C.S.S. Nashville (within shouting distance of this marker); Machinery From The C.S.S. Nashville (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond Hill.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

2. Fort McAllister The Assault From The Rear Marker

Fort McAllister The Assault From The Rear Marker along the path from the Visitor Center to the fort image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009

3. Fort McAllister The Assault From The Rear Marker along the path from the Visitor Center to the fort

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,552 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 13, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.