Fort Frederica National Monument

Imagine if one of the original 13 colonies came under Spanish control back in the 1700s. This easily could have happened if it weren't for Fort Frederica in southern Georgia. Discover the ruins of the fort among the marshes and tall grass on St. Simons Island, in between Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida.

The small masonry fort served as a base for British troops protecting Georgia's southern border. Florida still belonged the Spaniards at the time. Georgia's governor, James Oglethorpe, built to the fort to protect his colony's interests.

Peeking out from behind the tall grass are some cannon placements and the remnants of the grey stone walls of the fort. The surrounding countryside is basically flat. This made it easy to spot any invading forces. Anyone who attacked the fort didn't have a chance.

Imagine hearing the boom of the cannons as they fired at any incoming rowboats. Rangers, some dressed in period costume, help interpret the site for visitors throughout the year. Fall and winter are good times to visit because it isn't so hot.

British troops stationed at the fort were called into action in 1742 when the Spanish tried to take St. Simons Island. British forces held them back. After the battle, the Spanish never bothered Georgia again, and the 500 people living in the town left and never came back. Why should they? The Spanish chickened out and didn't care. Savannah was a much nicer place to live, anyway.

The Redcoats kept Georgia for England, and it helped preserve the original 13 colonies. Too bad England lost all of them, including Georgia, during the American Revolution.