One of Georgia's and America's most historically rich regions, settled in the heart of St Simon's Islands, with serene surroundings and an extensive list of recreational and cultural events, Fort Frederica National Monument is a dream destination for history lovers. The Fort has a unique history; built in 1736 by James Oglethorpe to protect southern Georgia from Spain, the Spanish forces were successfully thwarted and the archaeological remains of the fort have become the park's main attraction, having been listed as a National Monument in 1966.
Today, people travelling to St Simon's are encouraged to visit the fort which has immortalized the efforts of the hundreds of soldiers that protected the region nearly 300 years ago. There are many ways for visitors to immerse themselves in the region's culture. Once you get to the park, your first stop will be the Visitor's Center where you can watch a 23-minute documentary about the fort's history and the impact the battle had on Georgia. You can pick up a park brochure on your way out and explore the rest of the park on foot. Visitors can choose to participate in ranger-guided tours where experts educate you on some of the region's highlights.
The ranger tours take visitors through the ruins while educating them on some of the military strategies used by Oglethorpe and his soldiers. You can also participate in a short 15 minute trip to Bloody Marsh Battleground Site and visit the memorial marker. Visitors can also download an audio guide of the park on the mobile device or visit the library at the Visitor's Center to read some material on the fort's history. The park remains open all year except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. There is no accommodation option at the park, but there are camping options nearby for visitors who want to visit the fort the next day.