Gilley

Ft. Pulaski National Monument
by Julie Gilley of Mount Ulla, N.C. 

Monday, January 19, 2009 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
11:30–1:50pm - The middle adventure of our day

After our community service project at Bonaventure Cemetery, the Scholars traveled to Fort Pulaski National Monument to soak up more of Savannah's rich, cultural history. The majority of us had tons of fun posing with the large cannons around the fort's inner walls.

Walking into the fort over the moat, we found jellyfish making their home near the once active fort that defended Savannah from attack from 1733 to 1870. After crossing over the moat, we all took the time to at least walk around the inner part of the fort and climb the stairs to the top where replicas of cannons used during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War were kept.

Walking around the top of the fort, we were all astounded at the amazing view. On one side of the fort, there was a long, raised platform and some of the Scholars chose to dance a silly dance while others enjoyed the show on this beautiful coastal day.

Just before we were scheduled to leave, a Ft. Pulaski employee, dressed as a Union soldier, provided a demonstration about life as a soldier at Fort Pulaski during the Civil War. She also provided information about the various aspects of her uniform which was made entirely of wool, and her weapon—a working musket. The employee then loaded her gun and made an attempt to demonstrate how the musket worked, but it misfired on the first try — a little anti-climactic, but still worth the wait!

Overall, we had fun walking around Fort Pulaski before heading to the Marine Science Center. We enjoyed spending time together learning about the fort and taking memorable pictures that we all will keep for a lifetime, or at least until next year's trip!!

PHOTOS: Teaching Scholars in Savannah, GA