This green state marker is located not far from the Darien Waterfront Park and points out some of…read morethe earliest settlement of the area. The marker reads, "Fort Darien. Fort Darien, laid out by General James Edward Oglethorpe in 1736, was built on this first high bluff of the Altamaha river to protect the new town of Darien. It was a large fortification, with two bastions and 2 half bastions, and was defended by several cannon. "From the time of its settlement by Scottish Highlanders in 1736, until after the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742, the town of Darien was in constant danger from the Spaniards of Florida. Often for weeks at a time the Highland soldiers were absent from home on military campaigns, with only a few men left to guard the women and children who, for safety, lived within the walls of the fort. On several occasions the post was fired upon by Spaniards or their Indian allies. "After the War with Spain was ended, the fort, no longer needed, fell into ruins, but was rebuilt and armed during the Revolution, when it again saw action, this time against British forces." If you're here for any length of time, Fort George is about one mile to the east and worth a visit. [Review 15732 overall - 417 in Georgia - 1236 of 2021.]

Back in the day in the 1800's, Vernon Square was like a hub they had a couple banks here, and this…read morewas also a place to socialize. Now it is the center in which the Open Gate B & B resides, as well as two churches and a few homes. It has a nice water fountain and nice grass and trees. A perfect place for the kids and dogs to run and enjoy the day under the trees. It is a nice quiet simple spot to think about what it must have been like here in past times!

Vernon square is a lovely place to read. Nice quiet park and it is beautiful. Picnic. Ďog walk…read more Just beautifully put together with some history behind it...

Wonderful historic site that was a former rice plantation. The same family lived in the home for…read moremultiple generations and the last heir left the estate to the state of Georgia. Beautiful antiques, cool grounds, and amazing landscape. All left in It's original state. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and shared many interesting facts. Definitely worth visiting!

The history of this region is worth thinking about, but tough to see. Most of these sorts of…read moreplantations are long abandoned; the story of how this one fell into the hands of the state government is told, along with other context, on a half-hour tour of their small mansion. The tour starts on the hour, and having arrived shortly in advance, they told me to drive down a service road that said not to drive down on it so I could park at the house and make it on time. The tour content focuses on the family line that owned the house; there is some discussion of the people they owned early in its history, but a more detailed take on the forced labor system involved in rice farming is given in the museum back where one starts. It is a distinctive and difficult topic, but the films they play offer a relatively level-headed take. The area is very swampy now; I got outside of the house and thought to wander around and take pictures, but was immediately beset by flies. Fortunately, I had the luxury of my car. Seeing these places in person makes one wonder how anyone ever lived and labored here without modern conveniences. There's plenty of food for thought.

Highly recommended…read more If you have any interest at all in the history and impact of British Colonial America on present day affairs, make sure you set aside an hour or two to tour this place. Take exit 49 at Darien, Georgia off of I-95 and you'll be at this place in a matter of minutes. Built by the British in 1721, this fort stands as the oldest English fort on Georgia's coast. It was originally constructed to protect the southernmost part of the British colonies from Spanish forces and Native tribes. Though it faced many challenges, including disease and harsh weather, it became a symbol of determination and survival. Walking through Fort King George today feels like stepping back into time. The reconstructed fort gives you a glimpse into what life was like for the soldiers stationed here. You can explore the blockhouse, barracks, and guardhouse, which are exact replicas of the original structures built nearly 300 years ago. Climb to the top of the blockhouse, and you'll be greeted with sweeping views of the river and marshland, a reminder of why this spot was so strategic. But this site isn't just about military history. It's also a window into the cultures that shaped the area. The nearby museum shares the stories of the Guale tribe, who lived along the river long before the fort was built. You'll also learn about the Scottish Highlanders who later settled in the area and gave Darien its unique identity. What makes Fort King George so special is how it blends history with nature. The surrounding landscape is stunning, with moss-draped oak trees, tidal creeks, and expansive marshes teeming with wildlife. It's the perfect setting for a peaceful walk or a family picnic after exploring the fort. The office / store offers many books about local history and culture. I left with two bags of books! You can view the orientation film about the fort and then tour the site.

I knew that British loyalists had a presence in South Carolina during the Colonial period after…read moreseeing some history on Hilton Head Island. I was pleased to learn that they were as far south as Darien at the same time. This was their southernmost outpost and the fort was built to help protect the area from the Spanish, who had their own colonies in the new world and were in Florida. The fort and battlements have been reconstructed and offer a great opportunity to see what life would have been like here in the 1700s. In addition to the grounds and the fort structures, there is a cemetery. None of the soldiers who died here was a result of battle, instead it was due to dysentery and malaria. Mosquitoes were quite strong back then and remain so today as I got pretty well attacked by them when outdoors. Indoors is a museum with artifacts and displays angled for school age learnings about life in the 1700s and what it would be like as a soldier in the fort at the time. The fort is only a couple of miles off I-95 so if you're looking for a break on the highway, this is a good choice. [Review 15736 overall - 419 in Georgia - 1240 of 2021.]

Avoid this tour company at all costs. I booked a Crimson Trails tour. Only to be told that the tour…read morewasn't going to happen today. I called the store on Wednesday before the tour to find out where to meet for our tour and to confirm the time of the tour. I came into the store this morning again to confirm the meeting place and time of the tour. When we arrived at 4:45 we were told by Asia that there was no Crimson Trails tour tonight. When I tried to explain I've already confirmed the tour 2 times she had no answer. Asia tried calling the manager Anjenette. Who offered no resolution to my problem. When I tried to call Viator who I booked the tour thru there was no resolution as well. Frustrated and angry !

Just okay. I bought a magnet here today but only because it's my last day in town and I hadn't…read morebought one for my collection yet. They don't take credit cards for purchases under $10. Both magnets and shot glasses are reasonably priced, about $4.50-$6.50 each.