Golden Isles Issue 1 | Page 27

St. Simons Island FORT FREDERICA Fort Frederica was built to help protect General James Oglethorpe’s new Georgia colony from the Spanish in Florida. Now a National Monument, visitors are welcome at the fort year-round. The park visitor center features exhibits and a short film. 6515 Frederica Rd. 912.638.3639 On July 7, 1742, an outnumbered force of British troops ambushed and defeated Spanish troops, halting a planned attack on Fort Frederica. Markers and information panels at this outdoor observation site explain the battle, which once and for all ended Spain’s claim to the Georgia territory. Old Demere Rd. H ISTORY TIMELI N E BLOODY MARSH BATTLE SITE CHRIST CHURCH, FREDERICA Built in 1884, Christ Church is nestled among huge oak trees on St. Simons Island’s north end. In a serene setting of native live oaks, holly, and cedar trees, this landmark is open for tours Tuesday through Sunday from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. It is closed Easter and Christmas. 6329 Frederica Rd. 912.638.8683 2500 B.C. 25,000 B.C. The Golden Isles formed following the PLEISTOCENE ICE AGE. Larger islands, such as St. Simons Island, are estimated to be 35,000 – 40,000 years old. Smaller islands, like Little St. Simons Island, were formed from the larger islands and are about 5,000 – 7,000 years old. GUALE and MOCAMA INDIANS made their way to the coast, fishing, hunting, and gathering oysters to survive in the area. Middens, large areas of oyster shells, and other refuse discarded by Native Americans still exist today and can be seen in undeveloped areas on St. Simons Island and Little St. Simons Island. 1566 – 1685 SPANISH MISSIONS were established along the coast. A prominent mission formed at Fort King George in present-day Darien, about 10 miles north of Brunswick. This mission, called Santo Domingo Talejo, later moved to the northern end of St. Simons Island and was renamed Asao. Goldenisles.com 25