Fort Frederick
National Register Listing
Street Address:
Address Restricted (Beaufort County)
Alternate Name:
Spanish Fort; Old Fort; Old Fort Plantation
NRHP Nomination
Record Number:
S10817707021
Description and Narrative:
(Spanish Fort; Old Fort) The Journal of the Common House of Assembly of South Carolina for January 21, 1726 stated that “in case of war the enemy might be attracted by the excellent Port Royal Harbor.” Beaufort was very near Spanish territory; attention was being given to defense against the Spaniards and Indians who had attacked on numerous occasions. Fort Frederick came into being in 1734. The tabby fortification was maintained “to the mental, if not to the physical, sense of security” for the Beaufort inhabitants. By 1756, it had fallen into disrepair and was ultimately abandoned in 1758. A stronger defense, Fort Lyttleton, was constructed a little further up the river and Fort Frederick was deserted. In 1862 the property was used as headquarters of Col. Thomas Wentworth Higginson and a regiment of black soldiers. The camp was given the name “Camp Saxton” in honor of General Rufus Saxton, who commanded the Beaufort District. Part of the original fort was destroyed by and is under the waters of the Beaufort River. The walls are the only visible remains of the fort and are in a sturdy but deteriorated condition. They are approximately 5’8” thick and 3-4’ high. Listed in the National Register December 31, 1974.
Period of Significance:
1862;18th century;1732 – 1734
Level of Significance:
National
Area of Significance:
Architecture;Archeology: Historic - Aboriginal;Education;Military;Politics/Government
National Register Determination:
listed
Date of Certification:
December 31 1974
