At Fort Morris outside Savannah, colonial history comes to life

Beneath a sea of hazy summer sunshine, they wear wool uniforms or long cotton dresses. Tricorn hats and sunbonnets shade determined but cheerful faces as activities from a different era are described: spinning thread to make cloth, walking guard duty with a musket or how to entertain children in a time without TV, internet or PokemonGo.”

You are at the Fort Morris State Historic Site near Savannah talking with historic reenactors wearing period costumes that reveal a glimpse of life in Colonial America.

For an hour, it becomes easy to forget that you live in a modern age as you talk about the past and even participate in some activities such as hoop racing or put your fingers in your ears to witness the firing of a cannon. But then your cell phone rings and you remember that you have bug spray in the car and that the visitor’s center is nicely air-conditioned. Sometimes enjoying the past comes with an appreciation of the glories of the present.

Fort Morris State Historic Site near Savannah seems to exemplify that thought.

Located only an hour from Bluffton just on the other side of Savannah, it is one of several parks and historic sites owned and managed by the state of Georgia along the coast.

In 1741 a fort was constructed to protect a small but growing settlement on the Medway River from hostile forces that threatened from Spanish Florida. This fort was expanded several times over the year as the neighboring village of Sunbury grew and began to rival Savannah as a trading port.

Briefly renamed Fort Defiance during the American Revolution, it stood in the path of an invading British army in 1778. Upon a demand to surrender, the fort’s commander, Col. John McIntosh, responded “Come and take it!” After a short bombardment, the British did just that, putting the town of Sunbury to the torch as well and ending this settlement as a viable coastal trading town once and for all.

When you visit Fort Morris State Historic Site now, you will find as small but well-maintained earthwork fort overlooking a vast and scenic marsh and creek that stretches to the white breakers of the Atlantic on the far horizon. There is an interpretive nature trail that takes you beneath stately live oaks and through a coastal wood where songbirds serenade and other wildlife can be observed. A welcoming visitor’s center houses a small but informative museum and an engaging staff who share an enthusiasm for their small, historic corner of the Georgia coast. This is the real attraction of Fort Morris State Historic Site: the people.

Throughout the year the site hosts living history events such as encampments and musters where volunteers and park staff appear in period dress to reenact historic events or share a slice of colonial life with you.

My family and I have visited Fort Morris State Historic Site near Savannah several times to experience these opportunities. You can enjoy an Independence Day celebration, experience a Revolutionary War encampment in the fall or enjoy homemade cake, cider and 18th century music by firelight at the Colonial Christmas in December.

Events are hosted in each season that offer an entertaining and informative time for all ages.

Between events Fort Morris State Historic Site is a quiet place where nature takes over and the busy traffic of nearby I-95 and its cares of the modern world are temporarily forgotten.

Whether you wish to visit and experience colonial life or simply stroll through the natural wonders of the Georgia coast, Fort Morris State Historic Site makes an ideal destination.

This story was originally published July 28, 2016 at 7:10 AM with the headline "At Fort Morris outside Savannah, colonial history comes to life."