Fort King George, Darien, Georgia

Well, lots of photos are going to tell the story, today, because it is all very complex! I do hope you will take the time to read all these, as they really are worth it. The history of the area is quite unexpected, frankly.

These say it all much better than I ever could, so happy reading, about Fort King George and the surrounding area/Sawmilling.

A copy of the plans for the Fort

These facts about the arms are worth reading!

The homes/barracks were made this way. It made the most sense, under the conditions, and this was really all that was available.

Remember I talked about 'Tabby' in the last post? here is the official definition.

 

 

 

I thought this was especially interesting!! Did you know this?

An Artist's rendition of the building of the Fort King George.

You apparently pronounce the name Guale (the Spanish name for the local Indians) as 'Warl'. Talaje is pronounced ' Ta la hay', I'm told.

One of the original Plans of the Fort.

This is an artists drawing of what the Guale village looked like, many moons ago.

The remains of one of the Saw Mills

Entry to the Fort.
Much kudos to the National Park's Service, which lovingly administers this site. Their movie (10 mins) was excellent, about the history of the fort, and the signage and other historic markers are great.

A Sentry Post.

The kitchen on the right.

 The smithy

 The large structure at the rear is three stories high and was used when they were under attack. Everyone would retreat to this building which was specially built for the purpose, of course

 Overlooking the Darien River, this was a perfect place for the Fort.

 

 

The Latrine!

 Faithful rendering of all the details!

A fireplace at the end of the enlisted Men's barracks.

 Another fireplace at the other end. They slept on reed mattresses. I cannot imagine the horrid circumstances in these places. The heat in summer must have been horrendous, and that is without the addition of the 747 sized mozzies and flies...no-see-ums et al.

Cannon Balls

Officer's quarters

Stairs to the fortified building..three stories high

You can see the moat filled with reeds, on the far right side, before the long sharp spiked fence.

Cannons facing the Darien River

Up close and personal with a small Alligator!

The history of Sawmilling in this area is truly fascinating...but the conditions were horrid!

 

 

 

We toddled off to the supermarket on our bikes, after this. It was HOT! We stopped on the way home for some lunch, at Subway, around 2.45pm. A bit late!

 

We are now sitting in air conditioned comfort...Well I am..Waz is fast asleep! There is a new little boat behind us on the dock, today. Maybe he is here for the night?

 

Time for me to get another cuppa...before I attack dinner.

 

Ciao for now. No action tonight..we are staying away from the Wine Bar:)