Lawyer, newspaper publisher, and equal rights advocate, Robert Abbott, placed a monument on St. Simons Island in memory of his aunts and father. Born on the island, his newspaper, The Chicago Defender, addressed inequities for black Americans and became the largest black-owned daily newspaper in the world.
Located across from the Abbott Monument, visit the African American Burial Ground to learn more about the enslaved people on St. Simons Island and surrounding areas.
Bloody Marsh is the site of the last battle of the Spanish invasion of Georgia that took place on July 7th, 1942. Open to visitors between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, an overlook provides a view of the scenic salt marsh. Learn more about the pivotal battle over contested land here on Saint Simons Island.
Broad street was the main thoroughfare through the town of Frederica. Homes lined the street as it led to the fort at Frederica. It is a ¼ mile walk to what remains for Fort Frederica. Take some time to read about who once lived in the town before reaching the river.
Fort Frederica's defenses were never truly tested. The skirmishes with the Spanish on July 7, 1742 took place elsewhere on St. Simons Island, at Gully Hole Creek and Bloody Marsh. It was this day's events, however, that largely solidified Georgia as a British colony. Visit the site of Bloody Marsh battle site, a
One of the finest homes in the town of Frederica, the Calwell House was home to a man of many trades: candle and soap maker, traveling merchant, shopkeeper, even military engineer for the British expedition to Spanish St. Augustine.
Daniel Cannon was a carpenter who built many of the houses at Frederica. The odd zigzagging shape of his house foundation may result from additions to the original structure. Like many Frederica settlers, Cannon left after a short time, seeking wider opportunities in Charleston.
Francis Moore played a pivotal role in Frederica's founding and throughout its brief existence. His published work "A Voyage to Georgia" gives an account of the Frederica experiment. Without it there may be a lot of unknowns surrounding the Georgia colony. Visit the Moore plot within the townsite to learn more about his life here.
Likely many Frederica residents knew of the Hawkins-Davison House. In one unit the Davison's operated a popular tavern. In the other lived the ill-tempered and controversial regimental surgeon and town doctor, Dr. Thomas Hawkins. Unfortunately, the feuding families' shared space was too close for comfort.
The Houstouns lived on the fashionable side of town. Originally in charge of shipping in Frederica, Patrick Houstoun soon gained favor with the British Crown, later holding titles such as English baronet and appointee to the Royal Council of Georgia.
The residents of this lot, John Humble and Dr. Frederick Holzendorf, had very different living arrangements, one with a hut thatched with palmetto fronds, the living in a two-story tabby house. However, both played important roles for the British troops at Frederica.
Plan on paddling to Fort Frederica? Come ashore using the park's kayak launch and explore the eighteenth century British townsite and fort. Be sure to check those tide charts and winds from your launch point for an easier paddle to and from the site.
John Levally Jr., a shoemaker, lived on this lot for four years before moving his family to Carolina. Lieutenant Primrose Maxwell, a later occupant of this house, played an active role in defending the British buffer colony of Georgia from the Spanish to the south
Wine cellars and elegant brick and wood detailing once accented this two-story duplex built by Frederica's commanding officer, Captain James McKay. A fire in 1758 likely destroyed the home.
Mary Musgrove was a skillful interpreter, negotiator and trader. She helped British General James Oglethorpe win the friendship and support of the Native American population.
Stop 15: ENGLISH AND SPANISH CONFLICT highlights the tensions between world superpowers England and Spain during the War of Jenkins' Ear. Here lies a tabby foundation belonging to the Perkins family who struggled economically and socially at Frederica.
One hundred British soldiers could be housed in the Barracks at Fort Frederica. At the time of the Spanish attack in 1742, imagine the activity as soldiers prepared to defend Frederica.
The Kings Magazine was only part of Frederica's extensive fortifications, but to many visitors today, it is "the fort." Take time to soak in the view of the tidal river and learn more about this 1740s British fort's military defenses.
Visitors today will only see an earthen mound, but Frederica's Town Wall was heavily fortified in its heyday with a series of moats, ramparts, and palisades to prevent enemies from intruding.
The fort at Frederica became the center of military operations along the Southern frontier of the British colonies. Discover the remains of the King's Magazine, storehouses, blacksmith shop, and parading grounds. Take in the scenery of the tidal-influenced Frederica River and expanse of salt marsh grasses as well.
