History of Fort Frederica Chapter, NSDAR

Fort Frederica Chapter, NSDAR, was chartered by 35 women on Saint Simons Island, Georgia, on April 16, 1960. Six of these charter members served as regents in the early years. This chapter can boast having had the oldest living World War I veteran in the state of Georgia, a charter member who was a published author and won a national DAR award for her book Foliage of St. Simons Island in 1974, and another national award winner, for her program about her work on Ellis Island teaching immigrants to cook, sew, and speak English.

The chapter's name comes from Fort Frederica, a historic fort built in 1736 by General James Oglethorpe on the banks of the Frederica River. It was settled by 44 men with 72 women and children and grew to about 500 citizens. In 1742, it served as an English defense against the Spanish troops at the Battle of Bloody Marsh. By 1749, the declining military threat resulted in the fort regiment disbanding. The site is now a national park with a museum, diorama, film, tours, and demonstrations among the ruins of the fort, barracks, and homes.

This chapter’s members actively support the NSDAR missions of patriotism, historic preservation, and education. Members serve active duty military and their families with donations of supplies and books as well as support veterans through donations to veterans’ hospitals and shelters. The chapter honors American Revolutionary War Patriots by marking graves and American Revolutionary War sites. This chapter annually sponsors the NSDAR school essay contests and is honored that some of our students have been district, state, and national level winners. Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) and DAR Good Citizens Awards are presented annually.

Members are proud to maintain a working relationship with the Marshes of Glynn Chapter Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and assist them each year with Patriots’ Day and events at the Fort Frederica National Monument.

As the chapter’s charter members envisioned, Fort Frederica Chapter, NSDAR, continues to cherish both traditions and innovations while honoring God, Home, and Country.