Jail due to the death of Police Chief Robert L. Freeman and the wounding of Deputy Collins and two other officers while trying to capture the two men after a robbery at the Darien Bank. The town was put under martial law by Colonel W.R. Neal of the Georgia militia in response to the mob. There are 32 markers of historic sites near Darien and 42 markers in McIntosh County. (See the external link for a list.) Darien in the 21st century has shown signs of growth. With the formation of the Interstate Highway System, Interstate 95 was constructed and passes approximately west of the city. This drew off businesses from the city center as development ensued near the I-95 interchange with GA 251. This has resulted in the building of several chain restaurants, gas stations, and hotels, as well as a small outlet mall. But downtown Darien has flourished with an emphasis on its historic heritage and the waterfront. Many new businesses have opened as the city has reclaimed its walking center. Geography Darien is located on the southern edge of McIntosh County at (31.371134, −81.430742). It is bordered to the south by the Altamaha River, upstream (west) from its mouth at the Atlantic Ocean. The city is sited on a low bluff overlooking the Darien River, a tidal channel that reaches the Atlantic at Doboy Sound north of the Altamaha. U.S. Route 17 passes through the center of town, leading north to Eulonia and south to Brunswick. Interstate 95 passes through the west side of the city limits, with access from Exit 49 (State Route 250). I-95 leads north to Savannah and south to Jacksonville, Florida. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which are land and , or 11.94%, are water. Demographics 2020 census As of the 2020 United States census, there were 1,460 people, 957 households, and 609 families residing in the city. 2010 census As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 1,975 people living in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 51.9% White, 44.1% Black, 0.1% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 0.1% from some other race and 1.1% from two or more races. 1.9% were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 2000 census As of the census of 2000, there were 1,719 people, 697 households, and 464 families living