Guardian of Savannah

"In this exciting tale of dirt versus iron, Roger Durham provides an outstanding history of Savannah's Fort McAllister, an earthen battery that withstood numerous attacks by Union ironclads before finally succumbing to a land-based assault. Through his thoughtful interpretation of the facts and his use of defenders' narratives, Durham captures all aspects of life and duty within the walls of this coastal fortification. He also carries the story forward to present day in his discussion of the preservation efforts that have established Fort McAllister as a popular historical site. Guardian of Savannah will appeal to students and enthusiasts of Civil War, Georgia, and maritime history as well as anyone with an interest in preserving our nation's rich and complex history."—Daniel Brown, superintendent, Fort McAllister State Historic Park

"Located south of Savannah and built of sand and mud, Fort McAllister was pivotal in Confederate defiance of the Union blockade and thus a frequent target of naval attacks. Roger Durham has crafted a fascinating and thorough history of the fort's role as a proving ground for coastal defense designs and as the final obstacle in General Sherman's March to the Sea. Durham also details how Henry Ford's interest in preserving Fort McAllister set in motion the efforts that have since established the site as a historical park for interpretation and tourism."—W. Eric Emerson, author of Sons of Privilege: The Charleston Light Dragoons in the Civil War

"Guardian of Savannah is a much-needed study of Fort McAllister which includes discussion of a number of examples of Civil War technology and innovations. Ironclad warships, torpedoes, and rifled cannons all make their appearances here in this story of the earthen fort and its small band of defenders. Roger Durham is to be commended for explaining how these military technologies were utilized and how the lessons learned at this Georgia fortification had wider implications for this war and others."—Jeffrey Seymour, Auburn University

"In the winter of 1862–1863, a little-publicized duel took place along the Great Ogeechee River of Georgia, twelve miles south of the city of Savannah. The adversaries were newly constructed iron warshipspitted against a massive coast defense position built of the simplest materials: mud and sand. Roger S. Dunham has collected a large number of first-hand accounts by participants on both sides and quotes freely from many of them to narrate the story of the 'Guardian of Savannah'. Readers of Civil War history, especially naval warfare and the history of forts, will find much to savor here."—The Journal of America's Military Past

"This fascinating book will be enjoyed by any student of the war."—Blue & Gray Magazine