Explore Darien

Darien, Georgia, was founded in 1736 by Scottish Highlanders brought by James Oglethorpe to defend the young colony of Georgia. Originally called New Inverness, the town was established near Fort King George, Britain’s southernmost outpost in North America. The settlers quickly gained a reputation as fierce soldiers, helping repel Spanish forces at the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742.

In 1816 it was incorporated, and the Bank of Darien became one of the South’s strongest financial institutions. The Civil War brought devastation in 1863 when Union troops burned the largely undefended town. Rebuilt in the late 19th century, Darien prospered through timber and then seafood, especially oysters and shrimp. Today, with its historic squares, churches, and the nearby Fort King George site, Darien reflects centuries of resilience while honoring its Scottish roots and coastal heritage.