Plaque Text for Georgia Landmark #63-42:
During the late morning of July 7, 1742 Georgia Rangers guarding the military road approach to the town of Frederica sighted a force of over 100 Spanish soldiers and their Indian allies. James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia, quickly organized a force composed of the Highland Independent Company, Rangers and Indian friends and courageously led the assault on the Spanish at a place near this marker. The fighting was fierce and lasted almost an hour as Frederica’s defenders routed the invaders. Spanish losses numbered more than one-third of their force. One Spanish captain was killed and another was captured in the intense fighting. Oglethorpe’s losses were light. Although the battle was brief, it turned out to be the heaviest fighting on the St. Simons Island campaign. Oglethorpe`s victory settled the question over ownership of this disputed territory between Spain and Great Britain. It also signaled the end of Frederica`s existence since its regiment was disbanded in 1749.
More about Battle of Gully Hole Creek:
The Battle of Gully Hole Creek was a direct response to General Oglethorpe’s attack on St. Augustine in 1740! This was all part of the War of Jenkins’ Ear, in which the British fought for a bigger slice of the pie in Spanish American trade. It got its name from the actual ear of Robert Jenkins, cut off by a Spanish coast guard in 1731 then pickled and presented to Parliament seven years later to justify going to war with Spain!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Georgia Historical Society!
- Donate to the Georgia Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
Frederica Road, 0.1 miles east of Stevens Road
St. Simons Island, GA 31522
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!