Fort McAllister was built on the Ogeechee River 4.5 miles east of here to guard the "back door" to Savannah. During 1862-63, it repulsed seven attacks by armored vessels, some mounting 15-inch guns. On December 13, 1864, its small garrison of 230 Georgians was overwhelmed by Hazen's Division, 15th Corps (US), which had marched via this road. Its fall opened the Ogeechee River to United States vessels which, loaded with supplies for General Sherman's army, had been lying in Tybee Roads and Port Royal Sound. A wharf and depot were built at King's Bridge (on present-day US 17) from which these supplies were distributed to the invading forces.