FORT FREDERICA NATIONAL MONUMENT

Fort Frederica was established in 1736 by General James Edward Oglethorpe and colonists from England, Scotland, and the Germanic states.

In the 1742 Battles of Bloody Marsh and Gully Hole Creek, forces under Oglethorpe successfully repulsed Spanish attempts to retake St. Simons Island. Afterwards the Spanish no longer threatened the colony, so the garrison at Frederica was disbanded, and the town fell into economic decline.

Fort Frederica was authorized as a National Monument on May 26, 1936. Starting in 1947, the National Park Service and the Ft. Frederica Association sponsored a series of archeological investigations at the Frederica site. Using information from 18th century maps and journals as a guideline, archeologists unearthed sections of the fort and town. By matching the archeological data to the historical documents, these archeologists have provided a glimpse into Frederica's past.

As a historic area under the National Park Service, the National Monument was administratively listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 15, 1966.

Today, visitors can explore the remains of the Fort and the colonial town of Frederica. Informative exhibits and walking tours hosted by park rangers will enthrall history buffs. Visitors can tour the ruins of Frederica, where each foundation has been researched and identified.

Visit nps.gov or georgiaencyclopedia.org for more information.