Fort Frederica, St. Simons Island, Georgia
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Fort Frederica is a bit different from the other forts we have
collected. When James Oglethorpe claimed what is now Georgia for
England, he needed to establish settlements and defences. One such
settlement was Frederica, established in 1736, the southernmost English
settlement in the colonies. Fort Frederica was espcially important to
defend Georgia from the Spanish in Florida. In 1742, the Spanish
attempted to take the island. Outnumbered 3 to 1, the small garrison
there launched a sneak attack on the Spanish camp and defeated them in what
came to be known as the Battle of Bloody Marsh.
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As they colonies grew, the military threat along Georgia's coast
decreased and, in 1749, the garrison at Fort Frederica disbanded, and
the settlement was eventually abandoned. Today, the site is a National
Monument. The National Park Service has a Visitor's Center and other
informational displays.
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None of the original structures have survived, but the original
foundations of several structures have been dug out and restored to give
you an idea of how the settlement and fort were situated.
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The Park Service has a documentary that runs every half hour, with the
characters performing in the actual ruins, that you will find very
interesting.
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A must see when you visit St. Simons Island!
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