Fort Pulaski Celebrates a Century as a National Monument
Savannah, a city rich in history and culture, recently celebrated a significant milestone. Fort Pulaski marked its 100th anniversary as a national monument with an exciting weekend of cannon fire and festivities, drawing history buffs, families, and curious visitors alike to this iconic site. From Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon, the National Park Service (NPS) teamed up with Fort Pulaski for a weekend packed with programs that highlighted the fort’s fascinating past as a protector of a budding nation and its vital role during the U.S. Civil War.
Celebrating a Proud Legacy
The atmosphere was vibrant as families gathered, veterans and park rangers alike shared stories about the fort’s history. Park Superintendent Melissa Memory spoke about Fort Pulaski’s resilience, stating, “For over 250 years, Fort Pulaski has stood as a testament to resilience, not only as a military stronghold during the Civil War but also as a symbol of our enduring commitment to preserve and protect our nation’s heritage.” This was a powerful reminder of the fort’s role in American history—not just as a military installation, but as a reminder of the ideals of freedom and preservation.
A Rich Tapestry of Stories
One of the highlights of the weekend was a presentation by the Slave Dwelling Project, which aimed to educate visitors about the lives of enslaved individuals who lived and worked around the fort throughout its history. Their stories add depth to our understanding of historical events. It enhanced the heartfelt conversations about the impacts of history on the present day.
The lively tunes of the Third Infantry Division Band filled Fort Pulaski’s grounds, uplifting spirits and encouraging visitors to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served at this site. Music, like history, has a unique way of bringing people together and enhancing the sense of community.
Personal Connections to History
Wayne Scheiner, an Atlanta author and former Savannah College of Art and Design student, attended the celebrations with his three children. He confessed that although he had driven past Fort Pulaski many times over the years, he had never actually entered the fort until now. “This is the first time we stopped in because the kids are doing some school reports on the history of Savannah,” he said. “And this is a really good time to do that.”
As a parent, Scheiner noted how invaluable the experience was, adding, “I’ve learned ‘what life was like’ in those time periods, and the history of Fort Pulaski as a whole. I’ve only been in one room, and I’ve learned a tremendous amount of information thus far.” It’s moments like this that remind us of the importance of connecting young minds with the lessons of the past.
Looking Ahead
The weekend was a celebration of a history that is rich, layered, and complex. NPS Chief Historian Turkiya Lowe remarked on the importance of preserving these stories for future generations, saying, “Each of those individual places that the National Park Service stewards also let you steward in your local communities, the stories you tell, are a culmination of who we are as a nation, and who we will choose to become in the future in this next 100 years.”
This weekend was not just a celebration of Fort Pulaski’s past; it was an invitation for everyone to become part of the ongoing narrative of resilience, preservation, and community. As the cannon fire echoed in the background, it served as a powerful reminder that while we honor history, our focus should also be on the future we shape together.
