Bennett Tavern

Imagine the lively discussions at this tavern during Frederica's prominence in the 1730s and 1740s.

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

In Savannah and Charleston, some assumed Oglethorpe was bluffing to get money for his Regiment. You can imagine the heated discussions in Frederica’s three taverns.

Each of the taverns served a particular clientele. If Davison’s, located further west on Broad Street, served gentle folk, Bennett’s was for working men.

Anne Bennett’s tavern stood behind a sign where a tree stands today. Tavern keeping was one of the few business occupations available to a single or widowed woman. Here common soldiers and farmers consoled themselves with drinks and games. Frederica’s third tavern, at the edge of town, was favored by bachelors in search of other comforts. Imagine the commotion here when the Spanish fleet was sighted as it sailed into Jekyll Sound.

Oglethorpe summonded his troops. His patchwork army united English and Scottish infantry, frontier rangers, Indian warriors, and colonial militia. Many of the soldiers had families at Frederica- most called Georgia home. Even so, Frederica’s muster totaled 750 against over 2000 Spanish. Oglethorpe leapt onto a horse to rally his troops.

Little did he know that victories at Gully Hole Creek and Bloody Marsh would soon follow, ending Spanish claims to Georgia.