Rotary District 6920 Conference Main

American Revolution
In Coastal Georgia

 


Annual Frederica Patriots Day Celebration

Saturday nearest April 19th – St. Simons Casino at Pier Village

St. Simons Island, Georgia
 

April 19th marks a significant date in the founding of our nation. On April 19, 1775, British soldiers fired on American Patriots at Lexington and Concord – “the shot heard ‘round the world” - the event acknowledged to be the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Three years later on April 19, 1778, the Georgia Continental Navy captured three British ships in the Frederica River near St. Simons Island - a tremendous boost to the morale of Georgians. The Frederica Patriots Day Celebration on St. Simons Island, GA commemorates these two Revolutionary War battles.

The Frederica Naval Action put out of action two ships that had been interrupting trade by capturing American merchant vessels off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. The victory helped delay for over eight months a major move by the British to capture Fort Morris and Sunbury. It was also an excellent demonstration of just how effective heavily armed galleys could be in confined waters when pitted against blue-water vessels. The tidal currents, lack of wind and underwater shoals certainly affected the outcome, but credit must be given to Colonel Samuel Elbert for his courage, tactics, determination, and quality of his leadership as well as each of the officers and men who served under his command.

Saturday- Parade of Patriots & Colonial Festival- St. Simons Island Village

Parade includes Colonial personalities and children from St. Simons Schools
,
Wax Museum of Revolutionary personalities, and Colonial games for children

and demonstrations/exhibits for all ages.

Photos of Parade and Colonial Festival

Saturday - Patriotic Memorial Ceremony - St. Simons Island Casino

GA Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard; 
High School JROTC Unit; Patriotic Music featuring Student Chorus;
Musket Salutes and Wreath Presentations to honor Patriots of the American Revolution.

Photos of Patriotic Memorial Ceremony

Sunday - Colonial Worship Service – St. Ignatius

This Chapel of Christ Church Frederica is a small wooden church built in 1886
 Worshippers dressed in Colonial and Revolutionary War attire will gather with 
 the public for a unique service on Sunday morning.  

Photos of Colonial Worship Service

Memorial Ceremony Programs & Newspaper Articles