Fort Morris State Historic Site

Fort Morris State Historic Site was built to defend the former town of Sunbury, which was once a bustling seaport second in Georgia only to Savannah. Fort Morris was used as a coastal fortification during the Revolutionary War. The earthen works were reconstructed during the War of 1812 and were later used as a Civil War Encampment.

Photo by Tammy Lee Bradley of Visit the South

Under the name of Fort Defiance, this bulwark was once again used against the British during the War of 1812, and Sunbury’s harbor was guarded by armed barges. Today, visitors can stand within the earthwork remains and view scenic Saint Catherines Sound.

The site’s museum features displays of civilian and military life during Georgia’s Colonial, Revolutionary, and Antebellum past. It also offers visitors a fascinating video, entitled Sunbury Sleeps, and self-guided tours of the 200-year-old earthen works. During periodic special events, reenactments bring Fort Morris alive with roaring cannons and the measured tread of marching soldiers.

Photo by Tammy Lee Bradley of Visit the South

Visitors may borrow binoculars and a field guide to go birding. Fort Morris is part of Georgia’s Colonial Coast Birding Trail. Downy woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, goldfinches, wood storks, painted buntings, great egrets and many other coastal species can be seen.