My wife and I visited Old Fort Jackson on our Savannah trip, directly after Fort Pulaski and right before a friend’s wedding. We got there just as costumed interpreters were starting a rifle demonstration, then explored the rest of the small fort. It’s a quick stop, and the live firing demonstrations make it worth the detour.
Is Old Fort Jackson Worth Visiting?
Yes, if you time it for a demonstration. Old Fort Jackson is the oldest standing brick fort in Georgia, and its daily cannon and rifle firings are the main event. The fort itself is small; we saw all of it in 10 to 15 minutes. Without a demonstration, it’s a short stop. With one, it’s one of the more memorable things to do in Savannah.
Old Fort Jackson isn’t an official Georgia state park. It’s a partner site listed on the Georgia State Parks map, owned by the state and operated by the Coastal Heritage Society.
Quick Facts
- Location: 1 Fort Jackson Road, Savannah, GA, on the Savannah River a few miles east of the Historic District
- Time Needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour, including a demonstration
- Best For: Families, history fans, anyone who wants to see (and hear) a cannon fired
- Don’t Miss: The cannon firing
- Best Time to Visit: A little before 11 a.m. or 2 p.m., for the daily firings
- Hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Admission: Adults $15, children 3–12 $10
- Official Website: https://chsgeorgia.org/old-fort-jackson/
Overview of Old Fort Jackson
Fort James Jackson was built between 1808 and 1812 to guard the river approach to Savannah. It’s named for James Jackson, a Revolutionary War veteran and Georgia governor. During the Civil War, it was one of the Confederate forts defending Savannah, alongside Fort Pulaski and Fort McAllister, and it fell when Sherman took Savannah by land in December 1864. Today it has a moat and drawbridge, casemates with exhibits, and the riverfront parapet where the cannons fire. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 2000.
Best Things to Do at Old Fort Jackson
- Watch the cannon firing: daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather permitting.
- Watch a rifle demonstration: interpreters in period uniforms load and fire a Civil War rifled musket by command.
- Walk the fort: cross the moat, explore the casemate exhibits, and look out over the Savannah River shipping channel.
Best Hikes at Old Fort Jackson
There are no hiking trails here. For a walk, head to Wormsloe or the trails at Fort Pulaski.
Key Areas in Old Fort Jackson
- Visitor center: Tickets, plus the eye and ear protection you’ll need for the demonstrations. You enter and exit here.
- Moat and drawbridge: The entrance into the fort.
- Casemates: Brick rooms with exhibits on the fort’s history.
- Parade ground and river wall: Where the demonstrations happen.
Our Experience at Old Fort Jackson
Getting there. My wife and I visited Old Fort Jackson directly after Fort Pulaski, before heading to our friend’s wedding. The drive involves crossing numerous railroad tracks, and the road got rougher as we got closer.
The visitor center. You enter and exit through the visitor center, and we were surprised to find out they accepted our America the Beautiful pass. I am not sure if this is policy or we just got lucky. We were given eye and ear protection at the visitor center before walking over to the fort.
The rifle demonstration. When we entered the fort, interpreters dressed in Civil War uniforms were just starting a demonstration with a Civil War rifled musket, an Enfield. One called out the commands while the other systematically loaded and fired the rifle. We had to wear the ear protection. Seeing them load and fire it step by step, in period uniform, was a highlight.
The rest of the fort. After watching them fire the rifle, we quickly saw the rest of the fort. We saw it all in 10 to 15 minutes, since it’s small. Then we had to leave for the wedding, before the cannon firing.
Don’t Make Our Mistake
Don’t squeeze this in right before another commitment. On our visit, the cannon firing came after the rifle demonstration, and we had to leave before it.
What We Would Do Differently
We had to head to a wedding, so we didn’t get to watch them fire the cannon. That would have been a highlight, just like watching them load and fire the Civil War rifle in period uniform. Next time, we’d plan around the 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. firing and stay for the whole show.
How to Visit Old Fort Jackson in 45-60 Minutes
- Arrive 15 minutes before a scheduled cannon firing. Buy your ticket, get your eye and ear protection, and ask staff about the day’s programming.
- Watch the demonstration. The daily cannon firings are scheduled for 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather permitting.
- Explore the fort. Walk through the casemates, cross the parade ground, and look out over the Savannah River.
- Allow extra time if a rifle demonstration is taking place. Programming can vary, so don’t assume every demonstration will happen at the same time.
If you only have 15 minutes, you can look around the small fort, but you’ll miss the main attraction if you leave before the firing.
If You Only Do One Thing
Stay for the cannon firing.
Full-Day Itinerary
You don’t need a full day. Make it a Savannah forts day: Fort Pulaski in the morning, then Old Fort Jackson for the 2 p.m. firing, since it’s on the way back toward downtown.
Where to Eat Near Old Fort Jackson
There’s no food at the fort. Downtown Savannah’s restaurants are just a few minutes away.
Where to Stay Near Old Fort Jackson
Stay in Savannah’s Historic District, a few minutes away, or on Tybee Island if you’re pairing this with Fort Pulaski and the beach.
Tips for Visiting Old Fort Jackson
- Time your visit to the firings. They’re at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather dependent.
- Ask about discounts. They accepted our America the Beautiful pass, though that isn’t posted online.
- Don’t worry about the drive. The approach goes through an industrial area with rail crossings and a rough road, but you’re in the right place.
- Wear the ear protection. Visitors who skip it say the cannon is deafening.
When to Visit Old Fort Jackson
Old Fort Jackson is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
We recommend visiting from fall through spring, timed to the 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. demonstration. Summer is hot on the open parade ground.
Always check the website or call the Coastal Heritage Society for the most up-to-date information.
What to Bring to Old Fort Jackson
Your America the Beautiful pass (just in case), water, and sunscreen. They hand out ear and eye protection.
Fees & Reservations
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 3–12. You can buy tickets online or at the visitor center. EBT, SNAP and WIC cardholders get in free through the Museums for All program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Fort Jackson a state park?
Not exactly. It’s a Georgia State Parks partner site, owned by the state and run by the Coastal Heritage Society, so state park passes don’t automatically apply.
What time is the cannon firing at Old Fort Jackson?
Daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., weather permitting.
How long do you need at Old Fort Jackson?
About 15 minutes for the fort alone, or 45 minutes to an hour with a demonstration.
Is Old Fort Jackson the same as Fort Pulaski?
No. Fort Pulaski is a much larger NPS fort near Tybee Island. Old Fort Jackson is smaller and older, closer to downtown, and known for its live firings.
Is Old Fort Jackson good for kids?
Yes. The live firing demonstrations and costumed interpreters can make military history more engaging for children. Bring hearing protection or use the protection provided on site, and prepare younger visitors for loud noises.
Can you visit Old Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski on the same day?
Yes. They make a good pairing for visitors interested in Savannah’s coastal defenses. Visit Fort Pulaski first, then plan to reach Old Fort Jackson in time for a scheduled cannon firing. Leave enough time to explore each site rather than rushing through both.
Does Old Fort Jackson offer discounts or free admission?
Standard admission is listed as $15 for adults and $10 for children ages 3–12. Coastal Heritage Society also participates in the Museums for All program. Check the official website for current eligibility and admission details before visiting
Conclusion
Old Fort Jackson is a small fort with a big show. Plan your visit around the 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. firing, wear the ear protection, and stay for the cannon. That’s the one thing we missed.
Our February Lowcountry and Coastal Georgia Trip
My wife and I visited these parks on one February trip for a friend’s wedding in Savannah. Here’s every post from the trip:
- Charleston area, SC: Charles Pinckney National Historic Site: a free, one-hour founding father stop in Mount Pleasant; May Forest State Park: harbor views and dolphins on James Island (weekdays only)
- Savannah area, GA: Fort Pulaski National Monument: the brick fort rifled cannons broke in 1862; Old Fort Jackson (you’re here); Wormsloe State Historic Site: the 1.5-mile avenue of live oaks
- Beaufort area, SC: Reconstruction Era National Historical Park: where Reconstruction began; Hunting Island State Park: lighthouse, lagoon and connected trails
- Golden Isles, GA: Fort Frederica National Monument: the tabby ruins of Oglethorpe’s 1736 town; Jekyll Island State Park: Driftwood Beach and the Horton House
Other Sights Near Old Fort Jackson
- Fort Pulaski National Monument: The bigger Civil War fort, about 20 minutes east.
- Wormsloe State Historic Site: The 1.5-mile avenue of oaks, about 20 minutes south.
- Savannah Historic District: Squares and restaurants, a few minutes west.
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