Holiday Family Events including 150th Winter Muster re-enactment @ Fort McAllister State Park, Savannah
150th Winter Muster
Sat. Dec 13, 2014 9 AM-4 PM
Civil War History Event: Come join Fort McAllister in Richmond Hill on the actual date — 150 years since General Sherman ordered his troops to take Ft. McAllister. Watch as they reenact this significant moment in our country’s history. Help make this 150th Winter Muster the greatest one yet. The museum and staging area will be closed to the public at 4PM and will reopen for the battle at 5 PM. 912-727-2339.
This 150th Anniversary of Sherman’s ‘March to the Sea’ will bring 300 Re-enactors to Fort McAllister exactly 150 years after Gen. William T. Sherman ended his “March to the Sea” by overtaking the fort.
Additional public events planned for December 11 and 12 as well.
The three-day commemoration begins Thursday, December 11 as Union soldiers set up camp at the Richmond Hill Museum and answer visitors’ questions about the upcoming battle.
On Friday, soldiers will march from the intersection of Highway 144 and Fort McAllister Road to the park, setting up camp when they arrive.
By 9 a.m. on Saturday, the fort will be filled with Confederate soldiers as they prepare for the battle they know is coming. Throughout the day, visitors can watch skirmishes between Union and Confederate troop as they fire muskets and cannons. Guests can also walk among the earthworks and tour a Civil War museum.
Then at 5 p.m., the same time that the actual battle occurred 150 years ago, visitors can watch Union forces breach the fort and take Confederates as prisoners.
When Union troops took control of Fort McAllister in 1864, they marked the end of Gen. Sherman’s “March to the Sea” and enabled him to present Savannah as a Christmas gift to President Lincoln.
“Fort McAllister is a very significant part of Georgia’s history, and we’re especially pleased that our annual Winter Muster falls on the exact date of the original battle” said Park Manager Jason Carter. “This event is expected bring in a large number of visitors to the Richmond Hill and Savannah areas, so it’s good for tourism. They will be dining and shopping at local businesses and making a positive impact on our community.”
Fort McAllister State Park is located on the Ogeechee River. Admission to Winter Muster is $6. To learn more, visit www.GaStateParks.org/fortmcallister or call 912-727-2339.
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A Soldier’s Serenade with the Eighth Georgia Regimental
Sat. Dec 20, 2014 noon-4 PM
Step back in time as the Fort McAllister is filled with the sounds and songs of the Eighth Georgia Regimental Civil War Band. This is a unique opportunity to experience the “in the moment” of the Civil War era with this phenomenal instrumental band. Admission and time of event TBA. 912-727-2339.
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Christmas Carols Around the Campfire
Sat. Dec 20, 2014 7 PM-8 PM
Fort McAllister campground guests are invited to come to a campfire at the assembly shelter where the choir from Saint Elizabeth Episcopal Church will be singing Christmas Carols. You are welcome to join them in singing carols that we all know. Get your Jingle on and come get in the Christmas spirit. $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
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First Day Hikes
Thurs. Jan 1, 2015 10 AM-2:30 PM
Join Fort McAllister at 10AM for a 3 mile nature hike with Ranger Rowe on the Redbird Creek Trail. This hike is medium difficulty and requires sturdy shoes and water. At 1:00 there will be a History Hike in and around the fort. An Interpretative Ranger will walk you through the past and tell you about the daily life at Fort McAllister during the war. $3. Children under 5 free. $5 parking. 912-727-2339.
Location:
Fort McAllister State Park
3894 Fort McAllister Road
Richmond Hill, 31324
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