Press Releases

Congressman Earl L. "Buddy" Carter's (GA-01) legislation to expand the Fort Frederica National Monument on St. Simons Island is now headed for consideration by the full United States House of Representatives. The House Committee on Natural Resources unanimously approved Carter's legislation to increase the maximum number of authorized acres that may be included in the monument from 250 to 305. Due to current statute, legislation is required to expand the authorized boundary and remove the current 250-acre ceiling established by Congress in 1958.

"The Fort Frederica National Monument is a treasure in the First District of Georgia," Carter said. "This legislation is critical to protect the existing portions of the original fort, excavated remains of the town's foundations, a museum, and extensive hiking trails as well as artifacts from prehistoric human settlements that are likely on the adjacent land. The expansion of the monument will preserve Fort Frederica's history and legacy for many generations to come and I am thrilled this bill was voted out of the Natural Resources Committee and is headed for consideration by the full House."

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.