“This being Mr. Oglethorpe’s Birthday the Magistrates, military Officers, and principal Inhabitants, met at the Fort, where some Bottles of Wine and some Biscuit being prepared, about Noon his Majesty’s Health, and the Royal Family’s were drank, under a Discharge of thirteen guns; then the honourable Trustees; and next the Captain General of these Provinces."
-William Stephens
Dec. 21, 1737
Savannah
As the leading figure of the new colony of Georgia, General James Edward Oglethorpe was feted on his birthday in the young settlements of the colony. On Saturday, December 13th, the National Park Service at Fort Frederica National Monument will celebrate Oglethorpe’s birthday in true colonial style from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Join park staff and living history volunteers for cannon and musket firings, toasts and joviality. To start the celebration a lime burn will commence at 11 a.m. (weather and fire conditions permitting). A special tour of the town will be offered at 3 p.m. At noon, meet Mr. Oglethorpe on his special day and learn the importance of these celebrations in lifting the spirits of the settlers. A historic weapons program will be offered at 2:00 p.m. The Stewart-Law Baroque Ensemble Trio will provide colonial-era music from 1 - 3 p.m. The visitor center will be decorated in colonial style by the Neptune Garden Club.
Refreshments will be served. There will be no entry charged for this holiday open house.
For further information about this event and the expanding number of programs at Fort Frederica National Monument visitors may contact the park Visitor Center at 912-638-3639.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
