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The Area
The Atlantic Ocean is right around the
corner from Fort McAllister Marina. The Atlantic is the
destination for our fishing charters. We take advantage of easy
access and a great location for the trip out. The Atlantic is home to
many species of fish and wildlife, and the waters quickly change from
the tannic color of the Ogeechee to crystal clear turquoise off shore.
Those who have never experienced it are amazed at the captain's ability
to spot the big fish even before it hits. In calm, clear seas, you can
literally watch the fish take the hook and then the fun begins.
The
Ogeechee River is well known by many
for its abundant and varied wildlife, vegetation, and fishing. The
Ogeechee is one of Georgia's few remaining untamed rivers. It is the
longest river in Georgia to keep its name from beginning to end. The
Ogeechee is the Ogeechee Throughout its course. It begins at 650 feet
above sea level near I-20 in Greene County, and meets the ocean at
Ossabaw Sound at the coast, just around the corner from Fort McAllister.
Its drainage to the coast plays a significant role in forming Blackbeard,
St. Catherines, Ossabaw, Sapelo, and Wassaw islands. These islands are
easily accessible by a short boat trip from Fort McAllister. For those
who enjoy the outdoors, the ever changing Ogeechee can be a never ending
source of new and unusual sites and adventures.
Fort
McAllister's
history dates back to Native Americans as early as 3000
B.C. The presence of these "Guale" Indians, as they were
called, continued and was recorded at the time of first
European contact.
In 1850, Genesis Point was
bequeathed to Joseph L. McAllister from his father. At
the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, McAllister
founded the Hardwicke Mounted Rifles which served in
Virginia. He also agreed to allow the construction of
Confederate gun defenses with earthwork fortifications
for four guns on his land. This structure was to guard
the southern flank of the Savannah defenses as well as
the entrance to the Ogeechee River. An important
railroad trestle of the Atlantic and Gulf railroad, as
well as rich cotton and rice plantations, lay upstream.
The initial
structure was augmented by the construction of officers'
quarters and barracks. The capture of Hilton Head, S.C.
by the Union in 1861 and a visit by Robert E. Lee to the
site to review its defenses brought additional
strengthening. Fort McAllister was never taken by sea,
but was finally defeated by land in late 1864. The Fort
has a thrilling history, with a fascinating restoration,
which began in the 1930's by Henry Ford. It is now a
state park, full of things to discover for couples,
families, or curious individuals.
Ossabaw Island
consists of 25,000 acres of land. Almost 10 miles are
beach. It is the second largest barrier island on the
Georgia coast. All of Georgia's barrier island beaches
are open to the public up to the tide line. During
daylight hours, the public is allowed to use the beach
for hiking, picnicking, or shelling. However, the
interior of the island is off limits to the public
without permission. The management of the island is the
responsibility of the Georgia Department of Natural
Resources. As a heritage preserve, the island is open to
individuals or groups for "natural, scientific, and
cultural purposes based on environmentally sound
practices." Captain Tim takes groups to Ossabaw Island
several times a year for various outings. Let us know if
this is something you are interested in!
Richmond Hill "The
City Henry Ford Built" and The Ford Plantation are less
than 10 minutes from us. Take a half or full day to
visit Henry Ford's settlement and mansion, then stop by
the Richmond Hill Historical Society and Museum to
explore our rich heritage as
you venture through small townships with traces of old
plantation rice fields still clearly visible along the
marsh; tour the museums, browse in quaint boutiques,
and fall in love with Richmond Hill, "just as Henry and
Clara Ford did in 1925".
Savannah
is an easy, 20 to 30 minute drive from our dock and inn.
Two malls, nearly 20 movie theatres, restaurants of
every size, shape, and ethnicity, and a thriving,
historic downtown are all ripe for discovery. Fish with
us, then take a day to take the "Midnight in the Garden
of Good and Evil" tour. Maybe a spooky tour of Savannah
hauntings is more up your alley, or a romantic dinner
and carriage ride. For the young, and young at heart,
nearly every decade of music and dancing can be found
somewhere in Savannah. Classics, blues, pop, disco,
metal, rock, country, and jazz can all be found. Some
folks choose to visit River Street and all that can be
found there.
Keller's Flea
Market has to be seen
to be believed! It is a 15 minute drive from us, and we
get a hankering to visit the giant cow every now and
then ourselves. If you love fleas, this is a must do.
Savannah
Festival Factory Stores
have over 20 factory direct stores to choose from. You
can take the back road from our dock and inn, cruise by
the bamboo farm (maybe stop for fresh strawberries if in
season), and be there in around 15 minutes. Shop 'til
you drop!
 E-mail
Captain Tim
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