Fort Pulaski National Monument on our Last Day
It's the last day of our vacation but we're not leaving until we take a look at the Fort Pulaski National Monument at the nearby Cockspur Island. We passed by the place from the Tybee Island Lighthouse just to check their schedule the day before.
We woke up the kids at 7am for an early breakfast and soon we were on the way. At the gate, we found out there's a scheduled 'firing' of the cannons. Cool! Although we were not sure if we can wait for it since we really didn't want to stay too long. It's going to be an 8 hour drive plus plus depending on how long we take bathroom and meal breaks. There were several factory outlets on the way back but if we just even think of dropping by, we would probably have to find a hotel to stay for the night.
Fort Pulaski was part of a extensive chain of coastal forts built to protect the country from foreign invasion. Construction was started in 1829 and required 18 years and 25 million bricks to complete. It survives as one of the nations's best preserved fortifications.
As impenetrable and invincible as it was thought to be when it was made, it was surrendered to the Union soldiers on April 11, 1862 after a bombardment of 30 hours resulting to gaping holes in the 7 ft. thick walls. It was the first time the James rifled cannons were tested and it sure was the deciding factor. The Confederate Colonel Olmstead thought it was better to surrender than suffer from the improbable blasting of the whole fort if the main powder room explodes from enemy fire. The damaged portions were rebuilt but one can still see the tell-tale signs of it's storied past.
We were glad that we visited the place. Aside from learning about the history of the place, we were amazed on how well preserved the fort was. It also showed that a masterful planner did the work and it was a job well done.
It was also the first time we've watched some re-enactment of how a cannon is fired. David was adamant that we wait for it so that's what we did. You'd think it was easy like just 'pulling the trigger' so to speak but it was done in military precision composed of a series of steps. It was loud too! But of course, no real cannon balls were fired.
It was already 12 noon when the firing was finished and it was time to leave. One more bathroom break and then we were on our way home. I filled up on gas in one of the gas stations close to Savannah at $1.45 per gallon for regular. I almost can't believe my eyes but we were happy with that.
We got home at around 9pm on Jan. 3 after a 500 mile trip from Savannah. It was a wonderful 5 day vacation. Would I suggest to friends to visit Savannah especially? Definetely! But only if they are the type of person who appreciates history and can find beauty in the timeworn but well-preserved structures of the past. If their cup ot tea is only the Disneyworld kind of stuff, then Savannah is not for them.
It's time to explore more places we've never been to or visit again the same places we've treasured for next time but Savannah will continue to be in the list for the future.
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