Darien in McIntosh County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Fort Darien
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 2008
1. Fort Darien Marker
Fort Darien, laid out by General James Edward Oglethorpe in 1736, was built on this first high bluff of the Altamaha river to protect the new town of Darien. It was a large fortification, with two bastions and 2 half bastions, and was defended by several cannon.
From the time of its settlement by Scottish Highlanders in 1736, until after the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742, the town of Darien was in constant danger from the Spaniards of Florida. Often for weeks at a time the Highland soldiers were absent from home on military campaigns, with only a few men left to guard the women and children who, for safety, lived within the walls of the fort. On several occasions the post was fired upon by Spaniards or their Indian allies.
After the War with Spain was ended, the fort, no longer needed, fell into ruins, but was rebuilt and armed during the Revolution, when it again saw action, this time against British forces.
Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 095-18.)
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. A significant historical year for this entry is 1736.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Port of Darien (here, next to this marker); Fort King George (within shouting distance of this marker); Darien Waterfront (within shouting distance of this marker); The Burning of Darien (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Methodists at Darien (about 600 feet away); McIntosh County (about 800 feet away); Oglethorpe Oak (about 800 feet away); Vernon Square (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Darien.
Also see . . . The Battle of Bloody Marsh. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry:
"...the Spanish sent more troops into the region, and the English forces fired upon them from behind the heavy cover of brush in the surrounding marshes. This ambush, coupled with mass confusion within the smoke-filled swamp, resulted in another Spanish defeat despite Oglethorpe's absence." (Submitted on August 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
2. Fort Darien Marker, at the Altamaha River bridge, US 17, southbound
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
3. Fort Darien Tabby Ruins
Photographed By Mike Stroud, August 17, 2008
4. More Fort Darien ruins
Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,421 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
