St. Simons Island in Glynn County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Frederica — Destroyed by Fire
Fort Frederica National Monument
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, March 10, 2016
1. Frederica — Destroyed by Fire Marker
”Frederica was once a pretty little town, as appears by the ruins, having been burned down some years since.”
Colonel S. Elbert
May 1777
The house that stood on these ruins was a two-story duplex with tabby walls, and elegant brick and wood detailing. Evidence of two wine cellars was discovered.
Archeologists feel certain that the house was destroyed by fire, perhaps in the Great Town Fire of 1758. On the ground floor they found a layer of ashes that contained charred lumber, blobs of melted window glass, and fragments of many bottles, jugs, and crocks.
The house may have been built by Captain James MacKay, who acted as Frederica's commanding officer during Oglethorpe's attack on St. Augustine in 1743. Earlier residents on this lot included Will Allen, a baker; and Thomas Sumner, a carpenter.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1758.
Location. 31° 13.416′ N, 81° 23.474′ W. Marker is on St. Simons Island, Georgia, in Glynn County. Marker can be reached
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Frederica - Indian Interpreter (a few steps from this marker); Frederica — Carpenter and Oarmaker (a few steps from this marker); Frederica - Candlemaker (within shouting distance of this marker); A New House? (within shouting distance of this marker); Patrick and Priscilla Houstoun (within shouting distance of this marker); Frederica - Huts and Houses (within shouting distance of this marker); Tavernkeepers (within shouting distance of this marker); Shoemaker and Soldier (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Simons Island.
Also see . . . Frederica. For Frederica, the peace treaty that Great Britain and Spain signed in 1748 sounded its death knell. No longer needed to guard against Spanish attack, the garrison was withdrawn and disbanded. Those that remained continued to call Frederica home until 1758. In that year, a fire started and before the last flame died out what remained of the town was a blackened, charred ruin. (Submitted on March 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Marker illustration: Fire destroyed this house during Frederica’s waning years.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, March 10, 2016
3. Destroyed by Fire Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, March 10, 2016
4. Foundation Ruins (view from near marker)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 14, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
