Engineering Dry Land

Controlling tidal flow over the island was a critical first step in the construction of Fort Pulaski. A complex system of ditches and dikes drains water away from the fort. Designed in 1829 by young Army engineer Lieutenant Robert E. Lee, the system created and maintained dry land to support the massive fort. Tide gates control the flow of incoming water used to flush out the moat. The canal and moat carried supply barges to the fort during its construction and operation, and the moat feeder canal is still used to flush and maintain the moat. The moat surrounding the fort is seven feet deep and 32 to 48 feet wide. Engineers designed it to be a barrier to approaching infantry during a time of war. The Army built the dikes 12 feet above sea level to protect the fort and island from tides.

Georgia · United States