Background information Fort King George

1 background information

1.1 contest empire in southeast
1.2 fort s construction , demise
1.3 fort king george s legacy georgia

background information

side of fort s blockhouse facing river



fort s blockhouse , sentry box (left)



sentry box

for 200 years before establishment of georgia in 1733, europeans of various nations had struggled claim footholds in vast territory. @ 1 time, 1 of coveted regions in of north america. bountiful river systems, altamaha, ogeechee, , savannah rivers, offered valuable conduits of transportation empire building during age of mercantilism. europeans believed conquer native american peoples. area s coastline had labyrinth of barrier islands, mud shoals, sandbars, , impassable rivers afforded great natural barrier system whoever controlled it.

over time, territory become debatable land europe s 3 mightiest countries of time: spain, france, , great britain, competed. international rivalry brought many outcomes. first, spanish founded st. augustine, florida in 1565 protect shipping lanes treasure-laden ships sailing south america. french sought newer fur trade markets in south, , southeast, french louisiana expanded in late 17th century down mississippi , gulf region. curb french encroachment west, , undermine spain s traditional claims areas north of florida, british colonists deemed vital expand , defend southern borders, @ savannah river. resultant clash of european forces affected of regional native american peoples, destroying traditional cultures , independence.

the imperial struggle contributed in 1720s establishment of fort king george british, built @ headwaters of altamaha river, 3 miles (5 km) inland sapelo island. trade key aspect of founding fort. in 2011, old map, dated 1721 , drawn john barnwell, found in fort s storeroom. shows 2 roads fort: 1 leading north , other along river muscogee (creek) path, tribe desired trading partners. spain sought protect rich harvest of precious metals in americas. france , england competed control on lucrative fur trade native americans. additional resources such timber, naval stores, , cash crops @ stake british.

the british built fort king george step toward settling altamaha river region. british needed control river systems in order control economic activities , commerce in southeast, pertaining fur trade. altamaha river 1 of largest , far-reaching rivers in region, , allowed passage throughout territory, powerful tribes of creek/muskogee found west of river system. fort king george part of plan british control altamaha , secure economic imperial superiority in southeast.

contest empire in southeast

moat , wall



wall on riverside



a view of fort northeastern sentry tower



a coehorn mortar



historical marker @ site



historical marker fort king george in darien @ intersection of 17 , fort king george road

the spanish first arrive in southeast, first explorers, settlement of st. augustine in present-day florida in 1565. started creating mission system, converting native american tribes , using them workers agricultural production. city became base spanish protect treasure ships carrying gold , silver south. used missions expand catholic faith numerous tribes found in southeast. converted native americans incorporated spanish system of repartimiento. used indigenous labor force capable of growing surplus grains needy colonists in spanish-american empire.

by mid-17th century, dozens of spanish missions controlled southeastern coastline thousands of native americans drawn , around them. system centered on missions accompanied troops occupying presidios. created 4 mission provinces: tumucua (interior northern florida), apalachee (northwestern florida), guale (georgia coast north of altamaha river), , mocama (from altamaha river south st. johns river). name guale possibly derived native american chief of name visited pedro menéndez on st. catherines island in 1566. in year, menéndez established troops on island. santa catalina de guale later become 1 of largest , productive missions mid-17th century.

another successful mission santo domingo de talaje. established sometime in 17th century, mission located on large bluff 3 miles (5 km) north branch of altamaha river. native americans had inhabited bluff thousands of years. english later used site location fort king george in 1720s.

guale threatened settlement of english carolina north, charlestown established in 1670. through late seventeenth century, carolinian forces , indian allies successful @ destroying spanish mission system. throughout 1670s , 1680s, attacked , destroyed missions on saint catherines island, st simons island, cumberland island, , several interior missions situated close coast. san joseph de sapala on sapelo island destroyed pirates in 1683, leading spanish abandonment of guale , mocama provinces. likewise, british , allied forces reduced apalachee mission province during first decade of 18th century. surviving mission indians retreated , aggregated farther south until remnants situated north of saint augustine base near st. johns river. during 1680s, carolina colonists had driven spanish entirely modern georgia coast. campaign intensified hostilities between spanish , english. catalyzed british interest in settling savannah-altamaha river region.

further west, french moving down mississippi , gulf region. in 1699 pierre le moyne d iberville founded biloxi, , mobile, first capital of french louisiana, settled in 1702. these bases, french fur traders planned move eastward incorporate regional tribes, creek, business enterprise. in 1718, built fort toulouse @ forks of coosa , tallapoosa rivers, in heart of creek country. settlement, designed take business carolina traders, close creek capital of coweta. british perceived threat plans control trade networks throughout southeast, among creek , cherokee. tribes geographical proximity carolina colony made stability vital. british intended expand trade westward other southeast tribes, such choctaw , chickasaw.

fort toulouse, in modern-day alabama, built french in 1718; threatened british trading among creek people.

in 1702, during war of spanish succession, spain , france allied against great britain. south carolinians bordered enemies south , west, intensified competition native american alliances. year, british colonists learned of enemies plan known projet sur la caroline . spanish florida , french louisiana allied forces intended encircle south carolina, native americans. officials in south carolina convinced large number of yamasee settle in beaufort, south carolina area north of savannah river basin. relations yamasee ensured protective buffer along southern borders of colony. british worked maintain relations creek , cherokee tribes west. projet sur la caroline, while never implemented, left south carolina colonists high anxiety many years, , convinced officials of necessity maintain indian alliances.

the yamasee war of 1715–1717 broke out. war started because of grave injustices carried out carolina traders against native american clients. many years traders had been systematically cheating indians in fur trade using bogus weights , measures, applying tough credit standards, severely indebting native american suppliers, , taking indian slaves unpaid debts. finally, yamasee turned on south carolina , destroyed colony. virginia s support , cherokee warriors helped deflect yamasee attacks.

the yamasee war, 1715–1717, left legacy of fear among south carolinians on colony s defense.

after surviving yamasee expelled, migrated st. augustine area , cultivated new alliance spanish. south carolina left weak , vulnerable no military buffer along southern fringes, , war alienated creek tribes west.

also, during same period, number of slaves in colony growing exponentially point blacks outnumbered whites. spanish attempted incite revolts offering runaway slaves freedom , land in st. augustine. enrolled escaped slaves spanish army.

in 1718, french colonists attacked pensacola, settlement controlled spanish florida. time, spain , france had started war of quadruple alliance. french success threatened charlestown officials, convinced french aimed conquer southeast. built fort toulouse had been built in heart of creek country earlier year. french more active among creek , appeared though had designs expand further east.

frightened , upset, colonists exercised own revolt. rebelled against ineffective rule of proprietors in england. south carolina, being colony governed 8 proprietors across ocean, had suffered under proprietary rule. economy of colony hampered runaway inflation caused reckless economic policies , unreasonable restrictions on land ownership , trade regulation. of graver concern issues related defense. colonists , officials wanted greater protection enemies on borders. proprietors not willing fund greater military development. in 1719, colonists had enough. year ousted governor robert johnson, proprietary governor, , chose james moore, outspoken opponent of proprietary rule, replacement. secondly, sent carolina planter john barnwell petition british parliament south carolina become royal colony. happened parliament had been taking greater interest in colony , prospects of bringing under royal dominion. though colony having internal economic problems, overall 1 of productive in producing cash crops such rice , indigo. furthermore, fur trade in colony, creating fifth of exports great britain, quite lucrative merchants in england. finally, yamasee war had made many english officials realize preservation of south carolina principal in defending british north american empire. without colony , economic activities, empire weakened. therefore, petition granted , in august 1720, south carolina became royal colony, though in name decade later until proprietors nullified , colony officially taken on crown in practice. many felt royal control improve defensive measures colony. however, things did not vastly improve, though parliament did seem receptive newer ideas , token measures taken aid colony s defense.

colonel john tuscarora jack barnwell had come south carolina in 1699 northern ireland. man of considerable talent , leadership skills. gained reputation during successful fight against tuscarora indians in north carolina in 1712. owned large , successful plantation in beaufort, south carolina. barnwell influential in colony , proposed defensive measures it. developed plan became inspiration georgia. involved building series of forts in strategic locations along south carolina s frontiers in order check french , spanish expansion. these forts serve launching points towns soldiers receive land allotments , other furnishings facilitate settlement. settlements used expand colony s territory , trade natives.

during visit parliament in 1720, barnwell petitioned british board of trade implement plan. emphasized french threat opposed spanish one, since @ time french seemed gaining considerable ground in southeast. before board, barnwell argued strong possibility of french attack on colony , possible takeover of southern borders, @ headwaters of altamaha river (called river may french). secure area french encroachment, first proposal fort built along altamaha river. british board of trade approved of plan in building fort.

a example of royal pensioner, or invalid , stationed @ royal hospital chelsea in london during 18th century.

due south sea bubble financial crisis, british economy in shambles. government had minimal funds spare , showed in how fort king george operated, resourced, , funded. barnwell requested young, robust soldiers man fort. realized environment along altamaha tough one. long seasoning process inevitable settlers , take time them adapt , outfit settlement. instead, british sent elderly invalids colonel felding s 41st regiment. independent company, thereafter known majesty s independent company of foot of south carolina, composed of 3 sergeants, 3 corporals, 2 drummers, , 1 hundred privates, older men past prime. governor francis nicholson of south carolina commissioned captain of independent company barnwell later being named colonel. initial officers included lt. joseph lambert, lt. john emmenes, ensigns thomas merryman , john bowdler, robert mason surgeon, thomas hesketh chaplain. of soldiers , officers, including barnwell, perished @ fort 1727.

with land allotments, tools, , farming implements, soldiers expected establish new settlement around fort. first british attempt populate altamaha river region. planned have other settlers follow fort. fort king george highly significant in represented culmination of 200-year european struggle control southeast. constructing fort, british dominated river , surrounding territory. started diplomatic feud spanish, leading war between 2 nations. feud ended british success @ battle of bloody marsh on st. simons island in 1742, several years after fort had been abandoned. though fort considered failure in near term, contributed georgia s establishment , success.

the fort s construction , demise

from time of construction in 1721 abandonment in 1727, fort king george beset 1 miserable experience after another. when independent company embarked london in november 1720, there may have been room optimism among soldiers. each receive many acres of land surrounding fort, unimaginable in class-driven societies of england. additionally, given cattle , seed growing crops develop farms. also, resources necessary developing new homes , farms available. however, such possible optimism faded beneath harsh reality. soldiers contracted scurvy on voyage on south carolina. upon landing following march, soldiers placed in hospital in port royal, south carolina, spend time recovering throughout remainder of year.

coastal scouts hardened seamen barnwell had enlist him build fort king george while troops recovered illness in port royal.



panorama of fort king geoge. showing barracks , other facilities reconstructed @ historical site.

left no troops, colonel barnwell s option enlist coastal scouts , civilians him construct fort. coastal scouts hardened seamen organization dated way 18th century in south carolina. formed establish semblance of navy colony. role akin marines, patrol waterways in scout boats , down coast between beaufort , st. augustine, , engage enemy boats if necessary. charged task of provisioning outlying forts on frontier. many scouts may have been former pirates south carolina den many in 1680s , 1690s when colony started cracking down on piracy, arresting pirates , offering them clemency in exchange oath king , services in colony.☃☃ though may have been seamen, hardly @ following directions on land. barnwell complained bitterly in journal troubles them. referred them continually (sic) sotting , described them wild idle (sic) people highly disobedient. in 1 incident, during bout of drunkenness, 1 prankster scout picked barnwell , heaved him on shoulder pretending carry barnwell boat. instead, dropped colonel in water, forcing barnwell lie night in wet clothes on boat, barnwell later attributed sickness contracted. barnwell, ill-tempered, no doubt got revenge somehow, incident goes show there little formal discipline in wild frontiers of south carolina. barnwell needed scouts fort underway, , noted being highly prone toward dissension , possible mutiny. given proximity st. augustine , likeliness of desertion barnwell, no doubt, had quite bit more tolerant colonels dealing troops on front lines of europe.

colonel barnwell s 1721 drawing depicting fort s location on northern branch of altamaha river. in it, describes various geographical features of site.

though relationship rough, barnwell did manage gain progress during construction of fort summer in 1721. fort s blockhouse completed fall. men had go 3 miles (5 km) upriver find adequate cypress trees cut blockhouse s framework , siding. mutinied barnwell had offer pay, , rum rations, provide incentives men go out cut more trees. also, in addition these accomplishments, barnwell managed sound out of river , charted route down coast st. simons island. impressed obvious logistical advantage of island , decided propose moving fort there. repeatedly denied legislature due cost prohibitions.

john barnwell s 1722 drawing of route fort king george st. simons island. here barnwell wanted move fort king george in year. data on chart @ left navigational information

by 1722, independent company stationed @ fort king george. within year half of them had died, diseases such dysentery , malaria. fort s officers periodically intimated in letters men not motivated. had difficulty getting men tend lots, build fences in order entrap roaming cattle supplied troops , grow crops. lack of development made life more miserable. few soldiers deserted st. augustine. still, others stayed through death elements certainty. later year fort s guardhouse being called hospital treating sick .

some excitement did occur periodically. in 1722 indian agent theophilus hastings reported legislature 170 yamasee indians prepared attack fort king george. seems, indicated, spanish playing old game . apparently, presumed spanish inciting attack test fort s defensibility. unfortunately, records not indicate whether or not attack happened, however, if did fort must have survived unabated.

later on year, unexpected visitors arrived @ fort. company of switzers , swiss soldiers, had deserted settlement on mississippi river , had made way fort king george sought asylum. switzers under employ of french government in colony of louisiana. these men charged toilsome duty of digging canals , overworked , mistreated. reason desertion. indicates french quite aware of britain s occupation @ mouth of altamaha , apparently discussing openly among louisiana settlers. interestingly, though carolina officials having hard time getting much-needed recruits @ fort, replace dying soldiers, did not let switzers stay there. instead, allowed them disperse colony pleased . however, did request skilled switzers, 6 total, stay behind assist construction. 1 of them skilled artist , penned 1 of fort s descriptive drawings entitled, plan of fort king george @ allatamaha south carolina . drawing displays intentions fort triangular shaped structure 1 bastion jutting out on northwestern side, direction in fort attacked land. eastern , southern sides of fort protected natural wetlands making land assault directions impossible. also, fort designed include barracks, ninety feet long , fourteen feet wide, guardhouse, officers’ quarters, several indigenous huts, impressive parapet, house of office (privy), , dock scout boat, in addition blockhouse discussed previously.

in 1722, swiss soldier had deserted post in louisiana arrived @ fort king george. drew plan of fort south carolina. flag above switzer colors.

the spanish had been protesting british occupation of altamaha ever since fort king george first built. in 1724, spanish envoys came address grievances on construction of fort. however, not allowed enter fort king george because governor , commanders worried if enter , inspect, fort s security compromised. such, envoys diverted charlestown had express grievances. though governor francis nicholson welcomed them , treated them graciously, did not accept arguments , maintained right of british settle altamaha river region. spanish infuriated , on next several years intense game of diplomatic jousting ensued.

more drawings of fort indicate fort developing though hardships seemed abundant. 1726 drawing reveals fort fortified parapet that, in critical places, consisted of firing steps, firing wall held against breastwork made of earth, palisade fence, , moat. fronting river south, fort protected naval assault 9 cannon emplacements. each emplacement had six-pounder cannon mounted on it. also, several swivel guns positioned throughout fort, around gates. important, fort positioned on closed end of horseshoe-shaped bend in river. typical of time period, positioning prevented passing enemy ships convenient firing off broadsides on fort. instead, ships have approach fort bow (nose) first, making harder enemy sailors position boat sideways fire through cannon ports @ fort. fort appearances standard pallisado fort typical of type built on frontiers during time period. designed temporary until more substantial built. such forts, made earthen materials , indigenous wood, practical frontier defense materials relatively easy gather , transport site. also, these fortifications repaired if damaged, materials relatively available , indigenous area.

this 1726 drawing shows forts outerworks , armaments associated it.

in 1724, colonel barnwell died @ plantation in beaufort due failing health, brought on hardships during tenure @ fort. earlier, had been declared governor of territory in addition being fort s commander. though dreams of seeing south carolina bounded barrier of defensive settlements had been initiated, time of death reality of successful fruition seemed bleak. though dead, legacy lived on later through general james oglethorpe borrowed heavily colonel barnwell s ideas.

in late 1725 or 1726, fort burned under mysterious circumstances. suggested fort s reporting officer, capt. edward massey, men stationed there may have been responsible it, or @ least, did not rush put fires out in hopes destruction of fort (sic) should delivered miseries (sic) had long suffered. soldiers desperately wanted go home or anywhere fort king george, 3 days away beaufort. if case, wishes did not come true. fort ordered rebuilt, time inferior cypress deal planking. life did not improve.

finally, in 1727, british parliament ordered fort king george abandoned , independent company moved port royal, south carolina. in all, 1 hundred , forty soldiers , officers lost lives @ fort, diseases. fort s officer, lt. emmenes, writing justification of fort s evacuation, set unwholesome climate , ineffectiveness of fort s location. stated fort no more useful safety of colony if had been placed in japan. writing clear hint of indignation, massey complained poor provisions , indicated grave concern men may mutiny if have no hopes of being relieved. also, fort prone periodic flooding worsened conditions. yamasee indian raids still occurring along southern borders illustrating failure of fort king george s intent secure southern border.

six years after establishment fort abandoned 2 lookouts left behind. south carolina colonists , officials gravely disappointed , more alarmed diplomatic sensitivities had flared. until georgia settled, expansionists determined re-establish settlement on altamaha. 1730, issue of southern border defense had become more vexing , contentious one. around time, governor robert johnson ordered several towns settled along altamaha in order maintain britain s claim area. also, south carolina legislature relayed desires have fort or settlement built along altamaha. however, these measures never came fruition. demise of fort king george once again brought increase in anxieties on south carolina s security.

though outlook may have seemed disappointing, there few silver linings. fort king george did serve colony well, not effectiveness, because largely ineffective, taught british imperialists. first, hardships suffered company of invalids @ fort king george taught imperialists necessity of peopling altamaha young, tough, , hardy people. harsh, dangerous environment not tamed weak-of-heart or faint-in-design. settlers there have able withstand harsh seasoning period. also, being far removed civilization, altamaha settlers have thrifty, self-reliant, , industrious. furthermore, these people need incentives develop strong settlement , establish industry. secondly, diplomatic entanglements spanish on fort king george shifted focus away french , problems of western defense, , more toward defenses on southern frontier. such, there greater focus on protecting colony fortresses , settlements along coastal area, barrier islands , surrounding inlets. why general oglethorpe later borrowed barnwell s idea fort built on st. simons island, fort frederica, oglethorpe s military base, constructed in 1736.

the layout of frederica , town s fort, built in 1736. fort frederica served oglethorpe s military headquarters during stay in georgia.

additionally, added forts , settlements near skidaway island, near mouth of ogeechee river, near headwaters of altamaha, on cumberland island, , on amelia island. coastal defense system instrumental in eventual successful defense of georgia under spanish attack in 1740s. such, struggles , failures of fort king george showed future empire builders better way of defense, lending credit them heeding old adage, not learn history destined repeat it. oglethorpe , fellow georgians did not repeat mistakes made in handling of fort king george, though did largely stick similar plan of defense. however, plan implemented more effective, well-planned, , well-supported strategy.

fort king george s legacy georgia

during fort king george s existence , demise, south carolina legislature, governor, , other imperialists started developing other alternatives defending colony s vulnerable southern border. during 1720s, swiss gentleman, entrepreneur, , colonial adventurer jean-pierre de pury started planning settlement of swiss colonists in area between savannah , altamaha rivers. proclaiming location in earth s ideal climate region, near 33 degrees latitude, proposed name of colony georgia. though settlement looked quite promising @ first, fell apart @ last moment due lack of adequate funding , support proprietors. eventually, however, purry settle purrysburg, after georgia s founding, , positioned north of savannah river rather south of it. however, though project did fail, successful in drawing greater attention throughout england area , proved enticing english philanthropists looking provide sort of refuge poor debtors.

general james oglethorpe, founder of colony of georgia, borrowed heavily on lessons learned fort king george , creators.

this issue of defense coincided period of intense philanthropy in england. members of parliament , society aimed improve conditions of prisons in country. 1 such gentleman, sir james edward oglethorpe, while in parliament, served on committee investigate conditions @ prisons in country. , committee uncovered horrific conditions. many prisoners released result left no employment , bereft of livelihood. oglethorpe interested in colonization , in defending great britain s vast holdings in north america.

from these 2 interests, idea georgia spawned. once group of trustees formed, decided use debtor-prisoners people colony of georgia, nestled in savannah-altamaha river region, formerly known margravate of azilla, based upon failed settlement scheme in 1717. allow them escape misfortune of britain s harsh penal code , poverty, , start on in new land while simultaneously serving valuable function british crown. however, time recruitment efforts complete, , ships loaded voyage georgia, not single colonists in debt. in fact, middle-class artisans , craftsmen interests in starting life new abroad great, earlier plan debtors’ colony ended being quite changed. nevertheless, colony established haven citizen-soldiers primary purpose in defending empire, while simultaneously contributing mercantilist economy production of cash crops, timber, furs, , naval stores. lawyers forbidden, obvious reasons, [slavery|slaves], security reasons.

the colony had many growing pains included harsh seasoning period when many settlers died, struggles on whether admit slaves, conflicts south carolina on fur trading rights, , disputes on legalization of rum consumption land rights. still, oglethorpe quite adept @ using native american neighbors facilitate colony s initial success. quite savvy @ using previous history guide. oglethorpe knew had establish successful settlement on altamaha , surrounding areas. in 1735 had captain george dunbar visit ruins of fort king george. though report on site vague (it talks surveyor lines being laid out, done soldiers earlier @ fort king george), oglethorpe s later actions demonstrate unhappiness site. oglethorpe ordered highlanders land @ barnwell s bluff , later moved settlement 1 mile (2 km) farther up-river, due periodic flooding of bluff , proximity marsh, attributable malaria outbreaks in time period also, though not stated in records, stands reason oglethorpe familiar earlier hardships endured @ fort king george. may have read barnwell s journal , other records indicating difficulties of settling site on altamaha. intense climate , harsh natural surroundings along altamaha, coupled history, compelled oglethorpe seek resilient group of people settle area. also, knew had use logistics in how established fortification system along vast stretch of coast, , altamaha settlement crucial cornerstone of system.

the georgia coast geologically unique in 18th century day. approximately one-third of marshlands found on east coast lie in coastal georgia, dips away continental shelf considerably farther other section of eastern north america. produces funnel effect causes georgia s coastline ensure greater concentration of tidal waters. results excessive fluctuations in tides, high 10 12 feet. on years, dramatic tidal shift has produced dynamic currents have created labyrinth of rivers, inlets, shoals, sounds, , sandbars contained behind ever-changing barrier islands. military perspective, due geographical complexity, georgia coast ideal place build defensive system.

historical marker delegal s fort

in part due this, oglethorpe chose use barrier islands advantage defenses south of altamaha. fort frederica placed on inside [intercoastal waterway|intercoastal] side of st. simons island. on south end of island, placed fort st. simons , delegal s fort. these forts , others positioned among barrier islands, main focus keep enemies out of altamaha river system. in era long before highways, interstates, planes, or adequate trails, controlling river system tantamount controlling lands adjacent it, , region surrounding it. altamaha river bordered vast swamps full of valuable resources such timber , precious pine sap naval stores. furthermore, fine artery of travel far colony facilitating trade distant native american tribes.

this why oglethorpe careful in people chose settle , defend altamaha. oglethorpe s military experience , training had taught him scottish highlanders among toughest people in world. generations, had forged livelihood out of mountainous ranges of highlands rocky, stubborn soils, , cruel weather patterns. scots had been united english united kingdom since act of union in 1707 hardly relationship of equals. scottish people on many centuries had endured many cases of abuse english. when weren t being exploited @ home, scottish troops hired mercenaries used fight british wars abroad. broadswords, targes (pronounced targe, , used hand shield), , dirks, finest hand-to-hand combatants in world. though clannish, insular, , politically unstable @ home, scots force reckoned on battlefield, perfect ingredient frontier defense in wildernesses along georgia coast conventional warfare not going norm.

thus, in late 1735 oglethorpe sent captain dunbar , lt. hugh mackay highlands of scotland recruit potential settlers georgia s altamaha frontier settlement. many scots eager come. home life rough due english oppression , feudal system tied many scottish families small unproductive lands limited opportunities, north america offered plenty of hope. lure them, trustees offered each family 50 acres (200,000 m) allotments, scotsmen never dreamed of owning in homeland. also, recruiters told scots each man armed firelock, broadsword, , axe. recently, english had passed laws disarming scots , making unlawful them bear traditional weapons. given cattle, farming implements, , seed crops. 177 scots boarded prince of wales in november 1735, en route new home in georgia. of these, came inverness area , part of chattan confederation. consisted of mcintoshes, mcdonalds, macbeans, mackays, frasers, forbes, clarks, baillies, cameron, , host of other traditional highland clan names. disembarked @ savannah in january 1736, , short time later made way new settlement on altamaha. settlement began @ barnwell s bluff , near old ruins of fort king george. oglethorpe visited site following february , informed scots had chosen name town darien. honor previous scottish settlement of darien had occurred earlier on isthmus of panama in 1695, subsequently destroyed spanish. on visit, oglethorpe dressed in traditional highland kilt show respect scots. additional show of respect, refused comfortable sleeping quarters , preferred sleep highlander men out under large oak tree. 1 other issue addressed oglethorpe @ time related place of settlement. must not have liked lower bluff old fort king george once , @ point, ordered scots move town further bluff (the modern-day site of darien bridge).

drawing of oglethorpe s historic visit among highlanders of darien in february 1736. oglethorpe sought make impression wearing kilt.

by end of 1736, scots had moved town , began thrive. though there hardships along way, scots of darien went on georgia s useful settlers. in ensuing years, integral in establishing timber industry in georgia thousands of feet of lumber shipped down altamaha river , processed @ sawmills in darien. also, key scottish figures in georgia instrumental in establishing better trade relations creek native americans. there numerous other commercial , social contributions given scots @ darien. however, crucial role of military nature. when spanish invaded georgia out of florida in july 1742, scots of darien instrumental in defeating spanish @ battle of bloody marsh on st. simons island, july 7, 1742. successful battle helped bring end struggle empire in southeast , worked cement great britain s hold on area, spanish never again posed serious threat georgia.

over next many generations, scots of darien branched out other frontiers of north america. today, many families of scottish ancestry owe existence in united states scots came darien, georgia, major gateway of scottish settlement in colonial era.

all these developments made possible through idea , existence of fort king george. served in way blueprint toward successful defense of georgia, , consequently, inspired economy , commerce lent tremendously toward colony s success. of colony s structures built out of cypress , yellow pine cut swamps along altamaha river. industry in timber became staple element of georgia s economy throughout colonial period , on 20th century. rather ironic though fort king george had fail in order georgia succeed. lessons wrought experiences @ frontier fort helped guide oglethorpe in defensive efforts of colony. also, had fort king george succeeded, colony of south carolina have been expanded altamaha river , south carolina have progressed there, leaving little reason or justification colony of georgia. of greater import lessons fort king george taught type of settlers necessary on georgia frontier. when oglethorpe , trustees developed plans colony, envisaged colony of citizen-soldiers dual roles of defense , development achieve success. though did serve soldiers, colonists’ role citizens counted toward growth of colony s commerce , economy. families, opposed soldiers alone, proved more develop devout personal interest in defending new home, economy developed , homesteads established. finally, town of darien owes origins fort king george. site town , sawmilling tradition began. without fort king george in 1720s, history of darien may have been altogether different, or perhaps non-existent.