SAVANNAH, Ga. – Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District attended the Cockspur Island Community Day at Fort Pulaski National Monument April 18.
The event kicked off the beginning of National Park Week and brought together organizations that work with Fort Pulaski National Monument through a variety of different relationships such as researchers, emergency responders, philanthropic friends’ groups, and other community partners.
“Events like these are great ways for our district to engage with folks that may not otherwise interact with the Army Corps of Engineers,” said Andrea Farmer, Savannah District archaeologist. “Engaging with our local partners and community gives us the opportunity to educate and inform the public about the many projects we are working on and the importance of our role in the region.”
Farmer brought several Revolutionary War-era artifacts, from the recent dredging of the Savannah River during the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project, to display at the Savannah district’s booth. The district team also provided free promotional material, such as books, pamphlets, and posters, to educate the community about the many missions of USACE in the Southeast region and beyond.
Participating organizations included: Friends of Cockspur Island Lighthouse, Chatham County Police Department, Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, Chatham County Parks and Recreation, Healthy Savannah, Savannah Bar Pilots, U.S. Coast Guard Station Tybee, Tybee Fire Department, Tybee Police Department, Manomet - Georgia Bight Shorebird Conservation Initiative, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, University of Georgia Skidaway Institute of Oceanography, Fort Frederica National Monument, Old Fort Jackson, Savannah Technical College, Bark Ranger Program, Oatland Island Wildlife Center, Park Volunteer Recruitment Table, Old Fort Jackson, and the Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization.
“It’s wonderful that we are all able to come together to educate the community and one another today,” said Julia Pearce, Tybee MLK Human Rights Organization coordinator. “Before today I did not know much about the Army Corps, but it is truly amazing all that you do to protect our country and preserve our history.”
Visitors could also explore the historic 19th century masonry fort, which served as the original home of the Savannah District at its inception in 1829. For much of the 19th century, masonry fortifications such as Fort Pulaski were the United States’ main defense against overseas enemies and the then “Savannah Station” played a key role in the fort’s construction.
“Fort Pulaski National Monument greatly benefits from our many partners that help to expand our reach and offerings,” said Michael Donato, Fort Pulaski National Monument administrative officer. “We are so happy to welcome representatives from the Savannah District back home to Pulaski and hope to do it all over again next year.”
The Cockspur Island Community Day event is part of Fort Pulaski National Monument's National Park Week festivities. For more information on National Park Week, visit: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-park-week.htm