Battery Garland

Battery Garland is a preserved coastal defense site at Fort Screven on Tybee Island, where you can see the kind of military earthworks and gun emplacement that once protected the mouth of the Savannah River. It’s a quiet, outdoorsy stop that appeals to visitors interested in military history, historic landscapes, and the island’s role in coastal defense rather than a typical beach attraction. The setting also makes it easy to combine with other Fort Screven landmarks while exploring Tybee’s historic north end.

History

Battery Garland is one of the surviving batteries associated with Fort Screven, the U.S. Army post built on Tybee Island in the late 19th century to help defend the entrance to Savannah. Like the other batteries at the fort, it was part of a broader system of coastal artillery positions designed for the era of heavy seacoast guns; today it remains as a historic military feature rather than an active defense installation.

Expert notes

• Bring sun protection and water; the site is exposed and can feel hot.
• Combine it with other Fort Screven stops for a fuller understanding of the area’s military history.
• Check local access conditions before going, since historic military areas may have uneven surfaces or limited signage.