On the way home from our Florida vacation, we decided to detour and visit some spots in coastal Georgia and South Carolina that we had never been to. One site was Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island. My youngest, Daniel (13) put on his new Indiana Jones hat to guide us around and explain what we were looking at. No, he's never been there, but he knows survivalin' and that's better from his point of view. Here's a look at this great gem called Fort Frederica was the strongest fort built in Georgia in 1736 by English Colonists to protect against the Spaniards of Florida.
One of the first things we came across was a palm hut. This was the style of shelter the soldiers lived in day-to-day. In the heat of the Georgia south, this hut provided a much-need respite from the sun while permitting ample airflow. Beds were lashed from logs and rope with palmetto thatching.
Bread ovens like this one were made from crushed shells. The shells were heaped up and burned into lime, then mixed with new shells and water to create a primitive concrete that lasts even today!
They used raised bed gardens here to keep a clean working space so they could see the numerous snakes, gators, and other wildlife common to the area. Again, crushed shells were used in creating walking paths, floors, and foundations with great effect. The lime does a great job at keeping everything weed-free. Notice the fencing which helped keep the numerous deer of the area away and allowed vine-growing plants to climb.
Dan was reminding us here that as soon as we get home, we needed to get our own garden going...
A discovery!
Some deer in the distance.
Here's how you sneak up to them...
Remains of the Barracks
Some of the 32-pound cannons used to defend the complex.
Dan explaining to use how they probably shot at people coming down the river. HAHA!
Dan points out the fort and his displeasure that they allow a British flag to fly- "This is Merica"
Crushed shell concrete was again used to create this amazing citadel. A tremendous amount of work.
By now, we were all pretty thirsty and Dan found a well sign.
But it was dry... Bummer.
If you ever get the opportunity, we do recommend checking this place out. It's beautiful, well cared for and there's a ton more to see I'm leaving out. Being a national monument, there is a Park Ranger on duty as well as a small museum and shop.