Fort Frederica National Monument: General Oglethorpe chose the strategic location of Frederica on the banks of the Frederica River to defend the colony’s southern frontier. The settlement included a military garrison and a bustling town of approximately 1,000 residents. Frederica was pivotal in the British victory at the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742, which effectively ended Spanish attempts to claim Georgia.

By the mid-1740s, the military threat had diminished, and the fort’s importance waned. By 1758, the settlement was abandoned, leaving behind ruins and an enduring legacy of courage and perseverance.

What to See and Do at Fort Frederica

1. Explore the Ruins
   Wander through the remnants of Frederica’s tabby (a type of concrete made from lime, water, sand, and oyster shells) structures, including the fort’s barracks and various town buildings. Informative plaques and markers provide context about daily life and the town’s layout.

2. Visit the Museum and Visitor Center
   The Visitor Center features interactive exhibits, artifacts, and a short film detailing the history of Fort Frederica and its role in Georgia’s colonial story.

3. Walk the Nature Trails
   The monument is surrounded by marshlands and live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The walking trails offer scenic views of the Frederica River and opportunities to spot wildlife like birds, deer, and crabs.

4. Attend Living History Events
   Throughout the year, Fort Frederica hosts reenactments and living history demonstrations, bringing the colonial era to life with costumed interpreters, musket drills, and period crafts.