Battle of Gully Hole Creek State Historical Marker

Located on Fort Frederica Rd., St. Simons Island

(Text)

BATTLE OF GULLY HOLE CREEK

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.

063-42 ERECTED BY GOVERNOR ZELL MILLER 1992

Photo: Ed Jackson

Go to Georgia Historical Markers website