Fort Frederica National Monument
6515 Frederica Rd, St Simons Island, GA
Fort Frederica National Monument is a landmark on Georgia’s St. Simon Island, preserving a fort and town built by James Oglethorpe. It was constructed between 1736 and 1748 to protect the British colony of Georgia from Spanish invasion. Troops from the fort defeated the Spanish in the Battle of Bloody Marsh in 1742, and the fort’s regiment disbanded seven years later.
Fort Frederica National Monument is a fantastic destination for those interested in the British colonial history of Georgia. The fort’s visitor center hosts indoor and outdoor experiences and is the best place to start. Watch the 20-minute movie and peruse the exhibits inside before heading outdoors for a slate of activities. Guided walking tours last 30 minutes, while Junior Ranger and African American history programs are shorter.
Win a prize by completing the scavenger hunt.
Free wheelchair rentals and golf cart tours are available.
Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash.
Two miles of trails are on-site, broken into three trails.
You’re welcome to fish from the dock at the southwestern end of the park.
Fort Frederica National Monument is located on St. Simon Island at 6515 Frederica Road. It’s accessible by taking the F J Torras Causeway from Highway 17 to Frederica Road. From the McKinnon S.t Simons Airport, take Demere Road to Frederica Road. You can also take a cab from the airport to the fort.
Fort Frederica National Monument is free to enter year-round, which opens up plenty of opportunities to return if you don't see everything. Hiking trails, guided walking tours, junior ranger programs, and scavenger hunts take one to two hours. Plan for around an hour exploring the indoor museum, especially if you watch the park film. A 2- to 3-hour visit is a good plan.
The most significant event at Fort Frederica was the Battle of Bloody Marsh. The victory preserved Georgia under British ownership, shaping US history. The battlefield is 6 miles (9 kilometers) south of the fort off of Old Demere Road. This wetland area’s difficult terrain puts the exhibits and stories from Fort Frederica National Monument into context regarding how important it was for British soldiers to hold this island from the Spanish.
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