Background

Fort Tyler: Echoes of the Civil War

Explore the site of the last Confederate fort to fall during the Civil War, where a fierce battle was fought even after the war's end.

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Fort Tyler, in West Point, GA, was the last Confederate fort to fall during the Civil War [5, 8]. Though the war had technically ended with Lee's surrender, the battle here raged on April 16, 1865 [4, 5, 8]. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved earthworks and learn about the fort's strategic importance [4, 5].

A brief summary to Fort Tyler

  • 1105 6th Ave, West Point, Georgia, 31833, US

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails around the fort.
  • Visit during the annual commemoration of the Battle of West Point for living history demonstrations.
  • Check out the West Point Depot, once a major railway hub during the Civil War.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown West Point, Fort Tyler is a walkable distance. Head north on 6th Avenue. The entrance to the fort will be on your left, a short distance from 10th Street. The walk is uphill but paved [9, 11].

  • Public Transport

    While West Point has limited public transportation, bus routes may serve areas near downtown. From the nearest bus stop, follow the walking directions to Fort Tyler. Check local bus schedules for accurate timings and fare information [17].

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in West Point [14]. Request a ride to 1105 6th Ave, West Point, GA 31833. The fare from downtown West Point typically ranges from $8-$15 [14].

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Discover more about Fort Tyler

Fort Tyler Historic Site marks the location of a Civil War battle that occurred after the war was already over [4, 5, 8]. Built in 1863, the earthen fort was erected to defend the Chattahoochee River bridges, a strategic railroad junction, and a vital supply depot in West Point [4, 6, 7]. Named for Confederate Brigadier General Robert C. Tyler, who was in charge of the outpost, the fort was attacked by Union troops on Easter Sunday, April 16, 1865 [4, 5, 7, 8]. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the Confederate soldiers mounted a fierce defense, holding off the Union forces for eight hours before finally being captured [6]. Tragically, many lives were lost on both sides, unaware that General Robert E. Lee had surrendered to General Ulysses S. Grant a week prior [5, 8]. Fort Tyler's capture earned it the somber distinction of being the "Last Fort to Fall" in the Civil War [5, 8]. General Tyler was killed during the battle, becoming the last Confederate general killed in the Civil War [5]. Today, visitors can walk the grounds of the fort, explore the well-marked trails, and examine the reconstructed earthworks [4, 5, 8]. Interpretive signs tell the story of the battle and the people who fought there [11]. The site features replicas of the artillery pieces that once defended the fort, including a 32-pounder naval gun and two 12-pounder Napoleon guns [5, 9]. Fort Tyler is also part of the Civil War Discovery Trail, which links over 300 sites in 16 states to tell the story of the Civil War [4, 5, 8]. Some visitors have reported paranormal activity at the fort [11].

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