Robert T.S. Mickels The African-American Experience at Fort Pulaski to be Celebrated on July 4.

Fort Pulaski National Monument will celebrate the African-American experience at the historic fort on Saturday, July 4th. Activities include a book signing by a popular local author, Gullah music performed by the Fellowship Concert Choir of Beaufort, SC, and Civil War soldier programs.

“There is a rich African- American history in this area connected with the Civil War,” commented Randy Wester, superintendent at Fort Pulaski National Monument. “It is fitting that Fort Pulaski, an important Civil War site, commemorate the African- American contributions in the Civil War.”

Slave laborers helped build the fort, escaped slaves worked at the fort during its active years in the Civil War and some of the first African- American soldiers in the Civil War served in the coastal Low Country.

Local author Robert T.S. Mickles, Sr. will be signing copies of his popular books, Blood Kin, A Savannah Story and Isaiah's Tears. Based on stories he heard as a young boy in Savannah, Mr. Mickles' books offer penetrating insight into the African-American experience in the Civil War era. Mr. Mickles will be available to sign his books from 10:00 am until about 2:00 pm.

The Fellowship Concert Choir of Beaufort, SC, will be presenting programs drawing on Gullah music history.

The local African- American population for many years maintained strong links with their African roots, forming a unique culture known as Gullah. With distinctive food, music, and traditions, Gullah culture remains today a strong link with the Civil War era.

Once it was re-taken by the Union Army during the Civil War, Fort Pulaski served as a place of refuge for escaping slaves. Some of them worked at the fort, and eventually, escaping slaves from the area served as soldiers in the Union Army. Civil War soldier programs on July 4 will showcase this highlight of the African-American experience in the Civil War.

Fort Pulaski National Monument is on U.S. Hwy 80, 15 miles east of Savannah.

An entrance fee of $3 per person is charged; ages 15 and under are free.

Call the park on 912- 786-5787 for details, or visit the park's official website at www.nps.gov/fopu.