Fort Frederica, A Ghost Town
The Decline of Fort Frederica: When General Oglethorpe removed his regiments to England in 1742, the settlers began moving to other parts of Georgia, marking the beginning of the end for the once-thriving settlement. The lovely tabby homes made from oyster shells, sand, lime, and water and larger homes constructed from wood and imported brick with glass windows began to deteriorate, symbolizing the settlement’s decline.
By the 1750s, Fort Frederica had transformed into a ghost town, starkly contrasting its former bustling self. Travelers reported frequent fires in the deserted streets, a haunting reminder of the once-thriving community.
Ann Harris family, the widow who owned a store in the town (discussed earlier), married Daniel Demetre from Oglethorpe’s old regiment and removed to “Bethany,” a plantation located at Harris Neck, the head of the Southport River in McIntosh County.
The Harris family genealogy is available to members of georgiapioneers.com. Click on the link below:
https://georgiapioneers.com/restricted/colonial/colgeorgians.html
Genealogy Hint: Family research for the Frederica families should include Glynn, Liberty, and McIntosh Counties.