Fort Hawkins was established in 1806 by President Thomas Jefferson and Indian Agent Colonel Benjamin Hawkins as an official U.S. Army Fort and Factory for trading and meeting with the indigenous people. At the time, it was the Western frontier and a wilderness. It overlooked the ancient Indian Mounds of the "Old Fields" held sacred by the Muskogee Creek Nation. Other nearby landmarks included: the Ocmulgee River, the Lower Creek Pathway that became the Federal Road connecting Washington, D.C., to Mobile and New Orleans, and the future site of the city of Macon founded across the river 17 years later.

Historic Fort Hawkins is preserved today and can be found at 736 Emery Highway in Macon. It is located just across Emery Highway from Ocmulgee National Historical Park. The site is now open on weekends and for special events. Hours are Saturday from Noon. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 4 p.m.