Southwest Bastion

The Southwest Bastion held a special type of cannon to protect the fort’s entrance. These cannon, known as 24-pounder flank defense howitzers, were aimed at the drawbridge. This area now provides a cutaway view of the fort’s upper foundations. In 1895 a fire destroyed the wooden floors in front of this area. Because the fort was abandoned at the time, the floors were not replaced. Originally, the open space below allowed ventilation and air flow to keep out dampness and remove smoke from recently fired cannon. Brick piers rise from a wooden grillage, now hidden by several layers of sediment. Beneath the grillage, wooden pilings extend up to 70 feet into the marshy terrain of Cockspur Island. Completely encased by mud and not exposed to air, the pilings still remain in place today.

Georgia · United States