Fort Benjamin Hawkins

Fort Benjamin Hawkins was a military outpost built on high ground overlooking the Ocmulgee River and featured log palisade walls with two blockhouse structures at opposite corners. The reconstructed southeastern blockhouse and the archaeological materials found on site reveal the original layout of the installation.

The outpost was established in 1806 under President Thomas Jefferson as a protective installation and trading center between settlers and the Creek people. Its founding came during a period of westward expansion and rising tensions in the region.

The location shows where Native American territories and early American military outposts met in this part of Georgia. Visitors can observe how two very different groups occupied the same landscape.

The site is located on Emery Highway in Macon and is relatively easy to reach, with the reconstructed blockhouse and archaeological displays on location. The grounds sit on a hill, so visitors should expect sloped terrain and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Excavations between 2005 and 2013 uncovered about 40,000 artifacts and revealed multiple palisade walls, showing that the fort was rebuilt several times over its existence. These findings allowed archaeologists to trace the different building phases and landscape changes over time.

Location: Georgia

Website: https://forthawkins.org

GPS coordinates: 32.84890,-83.61160

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45