House Approves Ft Frederica Legislation
From Representative Buddy Carter, via press release:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States House of Representatives unanimously passed Congressman Earl L. “Buddy” Carter’s (GA-01) legislation today to expand and protect Fort Frederica National Monument located on St. Simons Island, Ga.
“Fort Frederica is a historic treasure and my legislation passed in the House today is critical to ensure the fort’s rich history is preserved,” Carter said. “I am pleased the legislation was approved by the House and I hope the Senate will act swiftly to preserve and protect Fort Frederica’s legacy.”
H.R. 494, the Fort Frederica National Monument Boundary Expansion Act, would increase the maximum number of acres that may be included in the monument, located on St. Simons Island, Ga., from 250 acres to 305 acres.
Due to current statutory limits, legislation is required to expand the authorized boundary and remove the 250-acre ceiling established by Congress in 1958. H.R. 494 would also allow the National Park Service to acquire, by donation or purchase, the land and interests within the monument only from those willing to sell additional land for inclusion.
The areas being assessed by the National Park Service for inclusion in the Fort Frederica National Monument are within the direct viewshed of the park, including the fort, King’s magazine, tabby ruins of soldiers’ barracks and other trails. The areas were once used by the British Town of Frederica founded in 1736 by General James Edward Oglethorpe. Based on archival data and a reconnaissance study, there is a high potential that the remains of a colonial cannon battery, Point Battery, exists within the southern area. The northern area is believed to have been used as a campground for troops in 1743.
About Author
Charlie
Founder of GeorgiaPol.com; Now weekly columnist Very interested in Georgia and Georginas. Interest in politics is waning daily.
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Oglethorpe had rules, no slaves, no Catholics and Ft Frederica was key in repulsing the Catholics twice. ⚔️
Seriously, Georgia has a rich and interesting history and this is a very good sign we choose to preserve the lessons.
And in the midst of these doings in Ga in 1736 we have the first free black settlement, Ft Mose established in 1738 near St Augustine, Fl
Now a state park not to be bypassed for its lessons in history.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=zawzQKaTLSA
And this weekend is a great time to visit.
Flight to Freedom
February 11
Here’s a florida state link with some details https://www.floridastateparks.org/content/fort-mose-celebrates-black-history-month
And here is a really interesting 7 minutes to enjoy on Ft Mose
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=16f3wC6kLTc
Not sure why you guys took Charlie’s post off to Florida (fyi, not part of Georgia), but I for one appreciate his giving us this great news. Ft. Frederica is one of the most beautiful places in the state in springtime, with flowers blooming, moss hanging from ancient live oak trees blowing in the breezes, quiet reverie wandering through those village remains (how DID they live in those tiny houses??), loving the feeling of being a native Georgian. And thinking how difficult the coastal summers must have been for those original settlers!
Preserving all that for those who come after us is a really big deal. Thanks, Congressman Carter!