Press Releases

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.