Fort Daniel Site Offers Window to Gwinnett's Early History-- Part 2

The Fort Daniel Foundation wants to build a life-size recreation of what the fort probably looked like in 1813, but they don't know exactly what it looked like..

It was built on the Hawkins Line which separated where Georgia's settlers could live and Indian land.  Those Indians were the Creeks who allied themselves with the British during the War of 1812.

It was named for Major General Allen Daniel, commander of Georgia's 4th Division.  In October 1813, he ordered Brigadier general Frederick Beall and the Division's 2nd Brigade to build a new fort at Hog Mountain to replace one already there that was deemed inadequate.

After the war, as the Indian frontier was pushed west, the fort was no longer needed and eventually it was dismantled and the land used for agricultural purposes.  All signs that it had once been a fort eventually were erased.

In recent years, archaeological digs have found the locations of the two blockhouses and wall trenches.  The county bought the land in 2012.  The recreation fort will not be built on the fort's actual site.

--Brock-Perry

Georgia County Purchases Fort Daniel Site

From the Dec. 12, 2012, Gwinnett (Ga) Daily Post" by Camie Young.

Fort Daniel protected area settlers in the War of 1812. Its four acres on Hog Mountain predates the county. The Gwinnett County Archaeological Research Society unearthed walls and found artifacts. The land was bought for $24,000.

It is near the intersection of Georgia highways 124 and 324. There is a historical marker and a local elementary school named for the fort. Hog Mountain is the highest point for miles around.

It is named for Major General Allen Daniel, garrisoned by the 25th Regiment of Georgia Militia and was built in 1813.

Fort Peachtree was constructed at Chattahoochie River about 30 miles away. Atlanta's Peachtree Road was built to connect the two forts.

About 300 forts housed Georgia soldiers between the frontier and Civil War days.

--Brock-Perry