Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia

"Fort Pulaski National Monument, Georgia" by Ralston B. Lattimore is a historical handbook published in the mid-20th century, specifically in 1954. This book is part of a series documenting significant historical and archaeological sites managed by the National Park Service. The focus of the book is on Fort Pulaski, an important military fortification in Georgia, detailing its construction, historical significance, and the military conflicts it was involved in, particularly during the Civil War. The narrative covers the establishment of Fort Pulaski on Cockspur Island, detailing the fort's strategic importance and its role during various significant events, including the seizure by Confederate forces in 1861 and the subsequent Union bombardment and capture in 1862. Lattimore describes the technological advancements in warfare that rendered traditional fortifications like Pulaski obsolete, emphasizing the impact of rifled artillery on military fortifications. The book also reflects on subsequent changes in military strategy and fortification design as a result of the fort's fall, illustrating how the Civil War marked a turning point in military architecture and strategy. It concludes by discussing the fort's preservation and its current status as a national monument, highlighting its place as a relic of American history.