The Golden Isles are one of the crown jewels of Georgia. Not only do they offer stunning scenery, but they are also full of history. One prime example of this is Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island. This fort is one of our favorite spots to explore.
Historical sites, especially forts, are some of the best places to visit with kids. Our kids love to run around and explore the wide open spaces. They are interesting because sometimes the sites are really well preserved (like Fort Clinch and Castillo de San Marcos), other times a replica for the fort has been erected (like Fort Caroline), and other times the sites are mere fragments of what they once were- like Fort Frederica.
If it’s gone…is it still worth the visit? In a word, yes. Join us as we show you just how amazing the ruins of Fort Frederica are!
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History of Fort Frederica
During colonial times, the land between South Carolina and Florida (now known as Georgia), served as a battle ground for Britain and Spain. The British, Scottish and Germans banded together to build a fortified town to help ward off the Spanish.
In 1736, Fort Frederica was established by James Oglethorpe (the same dude that founded Savannah) to protect the colony of Georgia. The fort was named for Frederick Louis, the Prince of Wales. Frederica served as a military outpost and allowed the Frederica River to be closely monitored.
In 1742, Spanish forces from Florida and Cuba swarmed St. Simons Island. Oglethorpe’s troops attacked the Spanish in a battle that would later be known as the “Battle of Bloody Marsh.” The victory solidified that Britain controlled the region.
The Brits would control the fort and town until the armies were disbanded. With no troops in the area, there was no reason to stay. The fortification became a ghost town and disintegrated into ruins. Today, only a few fireplaces, foundations of buildings, and a portion of the coquina fort remain. In 1936, the fort was declared a protected site and later, in 1945, it became a National Monument.
Fort Frederica National Monument; Today
As mentioned above, the fort and town that was once known as Fort Frederica, is all but gone, today. All that is left is a few fireplaces, building foundations, fragments of a barracks, and a part of a coquina fort. The kids enjoyed storming the old fort and pretended to shoot cannonballs at passing boats.
It really is a shame that the area wasn’t better preserved. A lot of it is left for interpretation. There are display boards throughout the property that help you activate your imagination. There are also street signs to help you visualize how the town was laid out.
One cool part about the national monument is that it is still being excavated. On our most recent visit to the fort, we got to witness a crew doing a dig.
To us, the most exciting part of the site was the wide open spaces and shady Spanish moss draped trees. The kids love having the freedom to just get out and run.
What is there to do at Fort Frederica National Monument?
Although the site is mostly ruins, there’s actually quite a bit do do and see. Plan on spending about an hour to roam the grounds. Be sure to stop by the Visitor Center to learn about the history of the fort and the Golden Isles.
- There is a scavenger hunt that helps to guide you around the site.
- Explore the gardens
- Walk the ancient streets
- Visit the old coquina fort
- Enjoy a picnic
Fort Frederica Visiting Information
Physical Address:
6515 Frederica Rd,
St Simons Island, GA 31522
Is Fort Frederica National Monument Worth the Visit?
If you are looking for a day trip from Jax, or if you’re already in the Golden Isles, then yes, Fort Frederica is worth the trip. We wouldn’t make the trip just to see the fort though.
The historical factor is pretty cool, and it’s definitely a neat experience.
What is there to do Nearby?
- Beaches-St. Simons Island is home to some pretty awesome beaches that are easily accessible.
- Wesley Gardens- These impeccable gardens are located right across the street from the fort. We love to enjoy a picnic fort amongst the azaleas.
- King and Prince Resort
- St Simons Island Lighthouse
- Neptune Fun Zone Park (water park)
- Search for the Spirit Trees
- Mallery Park
While you’re exploring the Golden Isles, we strongly suggest you also visit Jekyll Island. Jekyll Island is home to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and one of our favorite water parks- Summer Waves.
If you’re planning out a full-fledge tour of the Golden Isles, be sure to add Cumberland Island National Seashore to your itinerary. The ferry for this unique island leaves from St. Marys, Georgia, just 50 miles south.
Learn more about Georgia’s 11 National Parks!
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2 replies on “Beautiful Fort Frederica National Monument”
[…] worked to preserve historic sites such as the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park, Fort Frederica, Fort Pulaski, and the Martin Luther King National Historical Park. Join us as we explore the […]
[…] trips to Georgia to visit the sensational Cumberland Island National Seashore, Fort Frederica, St. Simons Island, Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and Summer Waves Water […]