FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Brandy Mai, Director of Communications
912.651.2125, or Email

New Marker Recognizes Often Forgotten Coastal Fortification

Download PDF

St. Marys, GA - May 2, 2008.  The Georgia Historical Society announces the dedication of a new historical marker on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 10:00 A.M.  The marker, entitled Point Peter Battery and the War of 1812 tells the story of Point Peter Battery and recognizes the surprising role of this often forgotten coastal fortification as a staging point for both defensive and offensive military action throughout the earliest years of our nation's history. 

Incorrectly identified for many years, it was only with more recent archeological research that a more accurate location of the Point Peter fortification was uncovered.  The Point Peter marker provides an opportunity to draw attention to an often-overlooked historic site involved in several important moments in Georgia's early history. "The marker committee felt that, especially with the explosive growth of the area, it was important to recognize the significance of this site, for the benefit of long-time residents and visitors to coastal Georgia, as well as the many new residents of the St. Marys area." said Christy Crisp, Program Manager for the Georgia Historical Society.  This historical marker, located near the Cumberland Harbour community entrance, will give everyone a better understanding of the significant role this remote cannon battery played during the uncertain days of America's infancy.  The marker text reads as follows:

In 1795 a cannon battery constructed on the Point Peter peninsula became the southernmost fortification in the First System of U.S. coastal defenses.  Vacated in 1802, it was reoccupied and strengthened in 1808 to provide support for the enforcement of the Embargo Act and the prohibition of the international slave trade.  In 1812, former Georgia governor George Matthews led the unsanctioned "Patriot" invasion of Spanish Florida from Point Peter.  On January 13, 1815, during the War of 1812, a British force overwhelmed 116 U.S. regulars here, destroying the fort and barracks.  After the U.S. acquired Florida in 1819, the post was abandoned.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and National Society U.S. Daughters of 1812, State of Georgia

The markers, which recognize people, places and events, tell the story of Georgia's past in a format that is accessible to residents and visitors alike and are an effective tool for economic development, encouraging local tourism and general state-wide interest.  GHS has administered Georgia's historical marker program since 1998, erecting nearly 150 markers statewide. 

For more information on the Georgia Historical Marker Program, please visit http://www.georgiahistory.com/ or call 912.651.2125, extension 16 and ask to speak with Sheila St Pierre.