Revolutionary War Sites in Georgia
From the Kettle Creek Battlefield to Fort Morris, explore Georgia's role in the American Revolution (1775-1783) at these historic sites
The first act of the Revolutionary War in Georgia occurred after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, when revolutionaries broke into a powder magazine in Savannah on May 11, 1775. After violence in the backcountry and the seizure of rice-laden merchant ships in the Savannah harbor by British warships, George Walton and Button Gwinnett joined Dr. Lyman Hall to sign the Declaration of Independence.
As the war reached a stalemate, British commanders turned south. Augusta was captured and then quickly abandoned after the Battle of Kettle Creek, the state's most infamous battle on Feb. 14, 1779. Visitors today can tour the battlefield and historic sites named for the battle's heroes, including Elijah Clark.
The same year, Fort Morris fell, the British governor returned to Savannah, and Georgia became the only colony to be restored to royal allegiance. In 1782, however, the British were driven out, and the state elected its first post-colonial government, ending the war in Georgia.
Browse the descriptions below to plot your tour of Revolutionary War sites through seven of Georgia's travel regions - from The Coast into the Northeast Georgia Mountains.
Savannah
The oldest city in Georgia, and the colonial capital, experienced much of the colony's political conflict during the Revolutionary War. When a British fleet appeared in the Savannah River, the Council of Safety placed the provincial governor under house arrest, and the Georgia militia engaged the warships in the Battle of the Rice Boats on March 2-3, 1776. Savannah would later be recaptured by British forces, where they would remain in control until the war's end.
Savannah History Museum
Preserving Savannah's colorful history, the Savannah History Museum contains artifacts from the Revolutionary War, in which the city played a key role for Georgia.
Fort Morris State Historic Site, Midway
“Come and take it!” A defiant Continental Congress and Army established Fort Morris on the Medway River to protect their growing seaport from the British. On Jan. 9, 1779, Fort Morris fell after a short but heavy bombardment by the British fleet. Today, visitors can see the earthwork remains and watch battle reenactments.
Effingham Historical Society and Museum, Springfield
Discover artifacts from pre-colonial, Revolutionary War and Civil War periods in a renovated jailhouse, now the Effingham Historical Society and Museum.
Augusta
Augusta served as the location for Georgia's provisional congress after the arrest of the colonial governor in Savannah. Two battles were fought for control of this important city sitting on the Savannah River and South Carolina border. Monuments of Georgia's Revolutionary War history can still be found in the heart of Augusta, such as the Signers' Monument, a tall obelisk marking the final resting place of two of Georgia's three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Lyman Hall and George Walton.
Kettle Creek Battlefield, Washington
In the most infamous battle of the Revolutionary War in Georgia, patriots defeated loyalist troops to remove British influence from Georgia (with the exception of Savannah). The Daughters of the American Revolution developed the Kettle Creek Battlefield into a monument that hosts a parade, battle reenactment and pageantry during Revolutionary Days each February.
Washington Historical Museum
Each year, Washington, Georgia, hosts a Revolutionary War battle reenactment, celebrating old-time mule power. The town reportedly was the first incorporated community in the country to be named for George Washington and is the seat of Wilkes County, named for John Wilkes, an Englishman who supported the colonists' cause in the British House of Commons. An important example of antebellum architecture, the Washington Historical Museum includes relics from the Revolutionary War, including George Washington’s gravy boat.
Sandersville
Sandersville was established as the seat of Washington County, the first county in the country to be named for Revolutionary War hero, and later president, George Washington.
Elijah Clark State Park, Lincolnton
Named for a frontiersman and Georgia war hero who led pioneers during the Revolutionary War, Elijah Clark State Park is located on the western shore of Clarks Hill Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Visitors can enjoy water activities, a spacious campground, rental cottages and a replica of Clark's log cabin, featuring furniture, utensils and tools from the 18th century.
Greensboro City Cemetery
Discover the gravesites of several Revolutionary War soldiers at the Greensboro City Cemetery, including Major Jonas Fauche and Jeremiah Sanford – a neighbor to, close friend of and soldier under George Washington.
Revolutionary Cemetery, Louisville
Situated in Georgia's first designated capital, Louisville, this cemetery contains the graves of several servicemen who served in the Revolutionary War.
Dublin-Laurens County Heritage Center
Housed in the Laurens County Library, the Heritage Center includes a collection of indexes for the Revolutionary War through the Civil War.
Montgomery County Historic Village at Brewton Parker College, Mount Vernon
The Cooper-Conner House in the Montgomery County Historic Village is considered the oldest house in Montgomery County. It was built by slave labor for Richard Cooper, a Revolutionary War soldier who lived in Montgomery County and is buried in Dead River Cemetery.
Benjamin Hawkins Gravesite, Roberta
Col. Benjamin Hawkins served Gen. Washington in the Revolutionary War as the head officer over the Indian Tribes South of the Ohio River. He made his home in Crawford County and is buried near the Flint River. The Benjamin Hawkins Monument was erected in 1931 by the United States government to commemorate his service.
MGRL Genealogical and Historical Room, Macon
The Genealogical and Historical Room at the Middle Georgia Regional Library was founded by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. In addition to the general genealogical collection, special collections focus on pre-colonial, colonial and Revolutionary War history.
Old Athens Cemetery
Athens’ original burial ground houses the gravesites of two Revolutionary War soldiers.
American Legion Military Museum, Trenton
The American Legion Military Museum features military history displays ranging from the Revolutionary War to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Alta Vista Cemetery, Gainesville
Three Revolutionary War soldiers rest in this cemetery surrounded by former Georgia governors, U.S. congressmen, songwriters, a NASA astronaut, Lt. General James Longstreet and numerous other famous Georgians.
Old Clarkesville Cemetery
Clarkesville was named for Revolutionary War veteran John Clark, the son of war hero Elijah Clark. Buried in the city's old cemetery are two Revolutionary War soldiers: Matthew Rhodes and R.D. McCroskey.
Nancy Hart Log Cabin, Elberton
The Daughters of the American Revolution established this park in Elbert County to honor Nancy Hart, Georgia's most acclaimed female participant in the Revolutionary War. Hart single-handedly defended north Georgia from loyalists and their American Indian allies, and served as a patriot spy. The replica cabin was constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Georgia Veterans State Park, Cordele
Established as a memorial to U.S. veterans, this state park features a museum with military artifacts reaching back to the Revolutionary War. After exploring the museum and monument, guests can enjoy an 18-hole golf course, the Lake Blackshear Resort or take a ride on the Historic SAM Shortline Railroad.
Oak Hill Cemetery, Newnan
Hidden among the tombstones of soldiers who did not survive the Civil War are the graves of several Revolutionary War soldiers.
