Old Fort Jackson - The Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, also known simply as Fort Taylor, is a Florida State Park and National Historic Landmark centered on a Civil War-era fort located near the southern tip of Key West, Florida.
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Old Fort Jackson

4.7
·2k reviews·Savannah, United States

Georgia's oldest brick fort, offering river views, thrilling cannon firings, and immersive historical demonstrations.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Cooler months

Comfortable exploration

CrowdLow
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Old Fort Jackson - The Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, also known simply as Fort Taylor, is a Florida State Park and National Historic Landmark centered on a Civil War-era fort located near the southern tip of Key West, Florida.

Old Fort Jackson

Best Time

Cooler months

Comfortable exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Georgia's oldest brick fort, offering river views, thrilling cannon firings, and immersive historical demonstrations.

4.7
(2k reviews)

"A must-visit for history buffs and families, with engaging reenactments and beautiful river scenery."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Demos

Catch the exciting cannon and musket firings by arriving early.

🦟 Don't Forget Bug Spray!

Mosquitos can be intense near the river. Protect yourself for a better experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cannon Firing Demonstration

Cannon Firing Demonstration

Fort Grounds

Witness the thunderous roar of a cannon firing, a thrilling spectacle for all ages. Safety gear provided!

TikTokReddit
Musket Demonstration

Musket Demonstration

Fort Grounds

Learn about 19th-century weaponry and see a rapid-fire musket demonstration. Impressive historical insights!

TikTokReddit
Savannah River Views

Savannah River Views

Fort Ramparts

Enjoy picturesque views of the Savannah River and passing boats. A serene backdrop to historical exploration.

TikTokReddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Visit during cooler months for a more comfortable experience, especially if you're a history enthusiast. Arrive early to catch demonstrations and explore without the midday heat. Reddit

Bug Spray is Your Friend

Mosquitos can be prevalent, especially near the river. Pack bug spray to ensure a pleasant visit, as they can be quite persistent. TikTok

Best Times

When
Cooler months
Why
Comfortable exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Morning demonstrations
Why
Catch all the action
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Old Fort Jackson
gladden_warriors
85 likes • 7K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Demos

Catch the exciting cannon and musket firings by arriving early. TikTokReddit

🦟 Don't Forget Bug Spray!

Mosquitos can be intense near the river. Protect yourself for a better experience. TikTok

We’ve been busy at Old Fort Jackson, operated by Coastal Heritage Society! From a special day on March 18th celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day like it’s 1860 and enjoying the intrepid friends of @bellaharmonymusic and more, to delivering programs to hundreds of students, to making ready for our next special event on April 8th to relive the Skirmish on Whitemarsh Island in 1862, we have incredible hi...
libertyencounters
62 likes • 382 views
Old Fort Jackson is a great site to visit. Amazing history reminder as well as great re-enactment. A must visit when in Savannah GA
mhern003
4 likes • 174 views

🚶‍♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace

It's not a huge fort, so take your time to absorb the history and views. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Historical Music

Look out for special events featuring historical music performances. TikTok

Spending the day at Old Fort Jackson today for their "medicines and melodies in 1859" presentation. Come out and see us for soldiering and dancing!!! #halloween #instagram #oldfortjacksonsavannah #bellaharmonymusic #savannahmusiciansinstitute #historicmusic #soldiersjoy #classicalguitar #fluteandguitar #alvarezguitars #woodenflute #classicalguitarist #coastalheritagesociety
bellaharmonymusic
9 likes • 353 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Demos

Catch the exciting cannon and musket firings by arriving early. TikTokReddit

🦟 Don't Forget Bug Spray!

Mosquitos can be intense near the river. Protect yourself for a better experience. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore at Your Own Pace

It's not a huge fort, so take your time to absorb the history and views. Reddit

🎶 Enjoy Historical Music

Look out for special events featuring historical music performances. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Old Fort Jackson for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, engaging historical demonstrations, and beautiful Savannah River location. The fort offers a well-preserved glimpse into the past, making it a worthwhile stop for history buffs and families alike. Some visitors note the presence of mosquitos, recommending bug spray for comfort.

"What an amazing visit we had!! The location is beautiful, old fort Jackson sits on the Savannah river. You will meet the most friendly, informative staff. They will tell you so much information that time will pass quickly as you take it in, you may even want to go back to learn more soon! They have demonstrations of weapon firings and cannon firings. It is a real treat to witness, they provide ear and eye safety for all visitors. You may be lucky enough to see the riverboat cruising from here! If you've done that cruise it is so cool to see it from a new angle. If not, the riverboat is beautiful on its own and an added visual perk. For bird watchers we saw American Eagles and Terns during our visit. When you arrive, slow down and take in this wonderful site slowly. It is not a large fort, to me that is what made it so special. Thank you to everyone who works hard to keep these historic sites alive for generations to experience. To the 2 soldiers at the fort today you knocked it out of the park!"

Jill Williams

"Must go and enjoy. Preferred when it's cooler months! The curator was absolutely amazing! The gift shop was overly fair priced... And if you're a history nut, it doesn't matter what the weather is."

John Coffey

"Definitely worth visiting this old fort near the Savannah port. We most enjoyed the musket demonstration where the soldier explained how the guns, bullets, and bayonets were used in battles and skirmishes. His demonstration of how to quickly load and fire 3 rounds in about 1 minute was wonderful. We enjoyed the artifacts and displays along with walking around and exploring the fort. There’s a small fee to get in but well worth it. History buffs will love this place! Not a history buff? This fort is a great place to learn about why the US built forts in post-revolution history and the role they served through the late 1800s."

Steve Roberts

What People Like

Informative and friendly staff
Exciting cannon firings
Picturesque river views

What People Dislike

Mosquitoes in warmer months

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Old Fort Jackson is located just outside of Savannah, Georgia. Driving is the most common way to get there, with ample parking available. It's a short drive from the historic district, making it an easy addition to your Savannah itinerary. TikTokReddit

Public transport options to Old Fort Jackson are limited. It's best to plan for a car, ride-sharing service, or a taxi for convenient access. Reddit

Yes, many Savannah River cruises pass by Old Fort Jackson, offering a unique perspective of the historic fort from the water. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a small fee to enter Old Fort Jackson, which is considered well worth the cost for the historical experience and demonstrations. Reddit

Operating hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. TikTok

While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check if special events or peak seasons require pre-purchased tickets to guarantee entry. TikTok

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or military personnel is typically available on the fort's official website. Inquire directly for details. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Old Fort Jackson features daily demonstrations, including thrilling cannon firings and informative musket demonstrations, showcasing historical weaponry and tactics. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Kids love the interactive demonstrations, especially the cannon and musket firings. It's a fun and educational outing for families. TikTokReddit

The fort's history spans from its construction in the early 19th century, serving through the War of 1812 and the Civil War. TikTok+1

The staff and reenactors at Old Fort Jackson are highly informative and provide excellent insights into the fort's history during your visit. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Consider light clothing in warmer months and layers in cooler weather. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning shots of the fort's architecture, the Savannah River, and the action during cannon and musket demonstrations. The river views are particularly scenic. TikTokReddit

Yes, photography is generally encouraged during demonstrations, but always be mindful of safety guidelines and the performers. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Old Fort Jackson is a fantastic destination for families. The musket and cannon demonstrations are a huge hit with children, offering exciting and educational entertainment. TikTokReddit

It's a great place to spark a child's interest in history. The fort isn't overly large, making it manageable for little legs to explore. Remember to pack bug spray as mosquitos can be present, and comfortable shoes for a day of discovery. TikTok

🏛️ History Buffs

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Old Fort Jackson

Old Fort Jackson, Georgia's oldest standing brick fort, was constructed between 1808 and 1812. Its primary purpose was to defend the city of Savannah from naval attacks. The fort played a role in the War of 1812 and was later a Confederate stronghold during the Civil War. Its strategic location on the Savannah River made it a vital defensive outpost for centuries. TikTok+1

The fort has weathered over 200 years of history, witnessing significant events and changes along the Savannah River. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's military past, offering visitors a tangible connection to history. The Coastal Heritage Society operates the site, ensuring its preservation and educational programming. TikTokReddit

Visitors can explore the fort's ramparts, barracks, and powder magazine, gaining insight into the daily lives of soldiers and the fort's strategic importance. The interactive programs and demonstrations bring this rich history to life, making it an engaging experience for all ages. Reddit

Interactive Experiences and Demonstrations

Old Fort Jackson is renowned for its engaging, live historical demonstrations. The cannon firing is a highlight, providing a thunderous and exciting experience for visitors. Safety gear is provided, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacle safely. TikTokReddit

Another popular demonstration is the musket firing, where reenactors explain the intricacies of 19th-century weaponry, including loading and firing techniques. These demonstrations offer a vivid glimpse into military life and tactics of the past. TikTokReddit

Beyond weapon demonstrations, the fort often hosts special events that may include historical music performances, reenactments of daily life, and themed activities like St. Patrick's Day celebrations in an 1860s style. These events add an extra layer of immersion to the visitor experience. TikTok+1

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