Liberty County
Previous site name: Sunbury State Historic Site
Date Established: 1968
Original Acreage: 66 Acres
Current Acreage: 66 Acres

Fort Morris was acquired as the Revolutionary War Fort Morris site. Research revealed the site was more significant than originally believed. The original land to establish Fort Morris State Historic Site was purchased on June 14, 1968 from the Liberty County Commissioners. The surrounding area was being subdivided for development, creating a need for preservation of the site. With the help of local citizens, land purchases and acquisitions continued into the 1980s ending with a total of 66 acres. Governor Zell Miller designated 56 of the acres as a Heritage Preserve on November 6, 1998. The manager's residence was built in 1975 and the museum/visitor's center and maintenance barn were built in 1976.

The site is representative of the coastal defense of Georgia as far back as the 1750s, the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and the War Between the States. In 1756 a battery was erected at Sunbury. From this time to the American Revolution, defenses were prepared to protect the site whether it was against the Native Americans, privateers, the British or the Union Army. During the American Revolution defenses were known as Sunbury Fort or the Fort at Sunbury. There were three expeditions against the British-held Florida that were all based out of Sunbury, with the fort being attacked at least twice: once by Lieutenant Colonel L. V. Fuser in November 1778 who, when requested to surrender the fort, gave the laconic reply, -"come and take it", and once by Colonel John McIntosh. It was during this event that the fort became known as Fort Morris. In January 1779, British General Augustine Prevost captured the rebel fort and renamed it Fort George in honor of the king. Fort Morris was the last patriot post in Georgia to fall to the British and thus the whole state was brought back under Royal Rule.

Visitors are made aware of these historically significant events through a film, the museum, exhibits, special events and programs. The walking tour allows the public to be within the fragile earthwork remains of the fortifications from times past. The magnificent vistas of the saltwater marsh, Medway River, coastal wildlife and St. Catherine's Sound are also a fragile bonus. The heritage and nature of this site are truly priceless and in need of preservation, interpretation and promotion.

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