52 Weeks of Fun

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Darien-McIntosh County Visitors' Center

Local Attractions

The City of Darien was established in 1736 as a military outpost by Scottish Highlanders under the command of General James Oglethorpe. Originally known as New Inverness, Oglethorpe recruited settler-soldiers protecting the frontiers of Georgia from the Spanish in Florida, the French in the Alabama basin, and the Indian allies of each colonial enterprise. Among the initial settlers was Lachlan McGillivray, who became a noted trader with the Creek people, and Lachlan McIntosh, a leader during the American Revolutionary War.

The Scottish emigrants originated mainly from around Inverness and consisted of both Jacobite and Hanoverian supporting clans, the majority of whom spoke only Gaelic.
When visited by Oglethorpe in February, the settlers had already constructed "a battery of four pieces of cannon, built a guardhouse, a storehouse, a chapel, and several huts for particular people." Darien was laid out in accordance with the now-famous Oglethorpe Plan. Darien is the 2nd oldest planned city. Columbus Square and Vernon Square are remnants of the planned layout.

The British built Fort King George in 1721, near what would become Darien. At the time it was the southernmost outpost of the British Empire in North America. The fort was abandoned in 1727 following attacks from the Spanish. Its remains constitute the oldest fort on the Georgia coast.

A visit to Darien and McIntosh County will be full of phenomenal fresh seafood and local produce, astounding amounts of history, beautiful scenery and photo opportunities with local flora and fauna, and a chance to reconnect with nature in a million different ways. Its coastline is home to many types of resident wildlife and birds as well as migratory species around the calendar. Explore rivers, estuaries, islands, beaches, and natural habitats. The area boasts one of the world’s largest estuarine systems swimming with seafood that is harvested locally.
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Darien is conveniently located off Interstate 95, between Savannah and Brunswick, along Georgia’s scenic coast and US Highway 17. As the second oldest planned city in Georgia and the site of the first fort on Georgia soil, the city of Darien and McIntosh County have a unique blend of history and natural beauty.



A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Darien

This is the second-oldest planned town in Georgia. It was a military outpost established by Scottish Highlanders.

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The Burning of Darien occurred in 1863, when Union Troops burned its port.

Darien is in the perfect location for an abundance of seafood, and an abundance of restaurants that prepare it well.

Fort King George Historical Park replicates the actual fort established by the British. Darien is the second oldest planned city in Georgia.

The water around Darien brings a slower, more welcomed pace of life.

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