Perkins House

The threat of Spanish invasion from nearby Florida loomed over Frederica's residents.

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Like Georgia, Florida was a buffer colony protecting Spain’s trade routes to Cuba and the Gulf of Mexico. James Oglethorpe likewise had his counterpart in Florida, Manuel de Montiano, Governor of Florida and commander of the Castillo de San Marcos at St. Augustine. Oglethorpe and Montiano fought a war of wits while they prepared for battle. Florida offered English slaves their freedom if they would fight for Spain. In turn, Oglethorpe captured slaves who tried to escape through Georgia. Both sides fought to secure the alliance of the Indians. Tomochichi warned that the Lower Creek tribes near Florida might side with Spain. Though sick with fever, Oglethorpe rode ten days to a tribal summit at Coweta. Impressed by his determination, the Lower Creeks promised to defend him. Creek warriors began regular raids on Florida. Oglethorpe denied any part in this, but suggested that the raids would cease if Spain retreated from the Georgia territories.

At the start of the war, the town’s first settlers had lived at Frederica for three years. Many now longed for the wealth and comfort available in plantation colonies and resented Oglethorpe’s restrictions on their lives and livelihoods. On the foundations to the left stood the home of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Perkins, original settlers who would leave in frustration after five years in Frederica.

MRS. PERKINS: “I and my husband here are uses as beggars. In England, he was a coach maker, and prospered. But when he offered to improve our fortunes here by returning to that trade, Mr. Oglethorpe said he’s burn Sam’s first coach if he tried! And we work only as he permits—keeping store for the regiment while he plays at soldiers. Where’s the profit in this fools’ war? And now he commands us to provision him to take St. Augustine!”

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