Fort Frederica National Monument Georgia

Fort Frederica National Monument is known for its astonishing beauty. The area is full of Spanish moss, enormous oak trees, and large grape vines. The area was established in 1736, by James Oglethorpe, a British immigrant and general who used Frederica as a fort to protect the British colonies in Georgia and South Carolina from the Spanish settlers in Florida. He named the area after the Prince of Wales, Frederick Louis. Today what remains of Fort Frederica has become a national monument that bears archeological and geological data to the history of the area. The original fortress at Frederica was described by the Quakers as being beautiful and constructed mainly of brick. The monument includes a guardhouse, a stockade, three bastions, two storehouses and a projecting spur battery. Fort Frederica succeeded as a military bastion that was an excellent example of British power in the region.

Fort Frederica National Monument is a historic place in American history and all the archeological remnants of Fort Frederica are protected by the National Park Service. The park is mostly an archeological site and contains ruins of the fort, barracks, and exposed foundations of many of the early homes. Those who desire to take a walking tour of the Fort Frederica grounds are encouraged to stop by the Visitor Center first. Fort Frederica offers a variety of programs to visitors including films, talks, and explorations. Ranger tours are available during certain seasons, and schools can reserve educational programs prior to attending the monument. One such program is the Archeological Education Program that is geared towards students in the fourth grade. All reservations for programs must be made three weeks prior to the visit. Youth groups are welcome to attend the park but must have supervision. Visitors are advised to wear insect repellant, comfortable clothing, and walking shoes that can accommodate rough terrain. After a visit to Fort Frederica checking for ticks is advised for safety reasons. The two most bothersome insects in the monument are sand gnats and mosquitoes.

A museum shop is available at Fort Frederica that allows those who visit the grounds an opportunity to take a piece of the monument with them. The shop is operated by the Fort Frederica Association and contains a large selection of postcards, slides, books, magazines, and children's items.

The Fort Frederica National Monument is also host to many special events. Every first Saturday in March, the Fort Frederica Festival is held. The festival is family-oriented and has crafts, music, and colonial games. The highlight of the festival occurs at dusk when an authentic heart-pine lime kiln is lit. A yearly race also contributes to the parks special events. The Fort Frederica Easter 5K, draws runners who want to participate in a 5K road race. There is an entry fee and the race begins at the Visitor Center.

Fort Frederica is located only twelve miles from Brunswick, GA and easily accessible to tourists by major interstates and causeways. The park is open from 8AM-5PM on a daily basis and has large crowds of people that visit during the summer. In the summer season, park temperatures remain in the 80-90's, and winter temperatures are mild. Visitors are allowed to walk a self-guided trail that goes past many of the exhibits. There are educational signs that inform about what daily life was like back when Fort Frederica was still functioning as a military base.