COCKSPUR ISLAND

also called Long Island, island, Chatham county, southeastern Georgia, U.S., in the mouth of the Savannah River. Known during colonial times as Peeper Island, it was given the name Cockspur for the shape of its reef. Its strategic advantages were early recognized; the island held Fort George (dismantled), used mainly for defense against privateers, and, later, Fort Greene (destroyed by hurricane), which was used for quarantine and for customs and inspection of slave-trading ships. When the War of 1812 once again made clear the need for coastal defense, Fort Pulaski was built (182947). Upon its completion, the fort remained unoccupied until it was seized by Confederate troops in 1861. It was captured by Union troops in 1862. Fort Pulaski National Monument was established in 1924.