Inside the Star Fort

The Star Fort was built with 6-foot-high earthen parapets and a 6-foot-deep trench completely surrounding it, and its walls were topped with interlacing railroad ties that formed a multi-pointed star. The fort’s only opening was the sally port, through which artillery, supplies, and troops could pass. During the Confederate assault, approximately 700 Federals took refuge inside. Unable to capture the position, Confederates surrounded the fort on three sides and kept up continuous musket fire over the walls and through the gun embrasures, while sharpshooters struck men inside the crowded works. Federal losses rose sharply, and General Corse was wounded across the cheek and ear while looking over the wall at the enemy position. After the battle, 192 bullet holes were counted in the American flag that had flown inside the fort.

Georgia · United States