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Fort Tyler: Last Stand of the Confederacy

Explore the site of the Civil War's last Confederate stand at Fort Tyler in West Point, GA, where history echoes on the banks of the Chattahoochee.

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Fort Tyler, in West Point, GA, marks the site of one of the Civil War's final battles, fought after Lee's surrender. This earthen fort, named for Confederate General Robert C. Tyler, stands as a testament to a desperate defense of the Chattahoochee River crossing and vital railway lines.

A brief summary to Fort Tyler

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

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up the hill to the fort.
  • Read the interpretive panels to understand the fort's history.
  • Visit the nearby Fort Tyler Cemetery where soldiers from both sides are buried.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown West Point, Fort Tyler is accessible by foot. Head north on 6th Avenue. The entrance to the fort and parking area is located on 6th Avenue, a short walk from the main downtown area. The walk is uphill.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 85, take Exit 1 (Highway 80) and head west on GA-18 for approximately 3 miles into downtown West Point. Follow the historical markers to Fort Tyler. The main entrance and public parking are located on 6th Avenue, just northwest of downtown. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Fort Tyler

Fort Tyler, located in West Point, Georgia, holds the somber distinction of being the last Confederate fort captured by Union forces. The Battle of West Point took place on April 16, 1865, after General Robert E. Lee had already surrendered. Confederate Brigadier General Robert C. Tyler commanded a small garrison of around 200 men, including volunteers, tasked with defending the Chattahoochee River bridges and the vital railway junction. Outnumbered by Union troops, General Tyler and his men mounted a courageous defense. The fort itself was an earthen structure, strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the town and river. It was armed with three artillery pieces: a 32-pounder naval gun and two 12-pounder Napoleon guns. Despite their efforts, the Union forces eventually captured the fort after hours of intense fighting. General Tyler was killed during the battle, becoming the last Confederate general to die in the Civil War. Today, Fort Tyler has been reconstructed on its original site, allowing visitors to explore the grounds and learn about the battle. Interpretive panels tell the story of the fort and the events that transpired there. Visitors can see reproductions of the cannons that once defended the position and walk the marked trails around the earthen fort. Fort Tyler stands as a reminder of the sacrifices made during the Civil War and the enduring impact of the conflict on the region.

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