By Denise Spear, cultural resource specialist, Fort Frederica National Monument
On the serene, isolated west shore of Georgia’s St. Simons Island, the
ruins of an 18th century settlement stand as quiet testimony to a
once-flourishing community. A powder magazine overlooks Frederica River,
a remnant of British occupation in the New World.
Fort Frederica was established in 1736
by James Oglethorpe to protect the southern boundary of his new Georgia
colony from the Spanish in Florida. The excavated foundations of
structures remind visitors that the planned community of Frederica
served the military garrison quartered there and housed a population of
1,000 from 1736 to 1758.
Oglethorpe's vision in establishing Frederica was rewarded in
1742 during the War of Jenkins' Ear, when Spanish forces from Florida
and Cuba landed on St. Simons Island. Oglethorpe's attack on a Spanish
reconnaissance party at Gully Hole Creek led to the battle at Bloody Marsh.
Despite the name, casualties were light, and the Spanish continued
their campaign on St. Simons. Clever deception on Oglethorpe's part
convinced the Spanish to retreat from Georgia seven days later.
After the war, the British regiment disbanded, leading to the
eventual decline of the civilian population and the town itself. Two
centuries of fire, neglect, and the reuse of building materials left the
fort and town of Frederica nearly barren. Few structures remained to
tell the story.
Archeological investigations, begun in 1947, have uncovered the broad outlines of Frederica and many small treasures
left behind by residents of this short-lived community. Using 18th
century maps and journals as a guide, archeologists have unearthed many
sections of the fort and town site. The resulting excavations provide
great insights into Frederica's past.
Today you can stroll through the ruins of the former town site,
marvel at the huge trees covered in Spanish moss, and wander the grounds
for a glimpse into Frederica's past and colonial history.
Stop by the visitor center, open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, to
pick up the park brochure and explore museum exhibits and artifacts. The
23-minute film, “History Uncovered,” shares a good overview of the
park. Be sure to ask about the free audio tour before you set out on any
self-guided exploration.
The Bloody Marsh Unit
of the park commemorates the site where the 42nd Regiment of Foot and
Highlanders from Darien defeated a regiment of Havana Grenadiers. This
battle was deemed essential in ending the Spanish claim to Georgia. This
area, on St. Simon's Island along Demere Road, is open from 8:30 am to 4
pm.
Centrally located on St. Simons Island, Fort Frederica is about
an hour and a half drive from either Savannah, Georgia, or Jacksonville,
Florida. The
archeological remnants of Frederica are protected by the National Park
Service. The park is open year-round except for Thanksgiving,
Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Fort Frederica offers tours, programs, and events throughout the year.
Click here for more details on the park and its activities.
All photos courtesy NPS.
