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The British are coming (again) to Jekyll Island
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There's no better way to spend a family vacation than a little history lesson mixed in with the recreation.
To that end, Living History Program on Jekyll Island is presenting a free day with Major William Horton, a British Colonial Officer, along with his company of soldiers and indentured servants. The event will be held on July 11, at 2:00 pm at the Horton House on Jekyll Island, Ga., one of the Southeast's more popular tourist destinations and a great place to learn about early American history at a time when the area was occupied by the British Military.
The Living History Program is the product of Fort Frederica National Monument and
Jekyll Island Museum. Horton, portrayed by Jon Burpee of Fort Frederica National Monument, will spend the day bellowing orders at the 18th century British soldiers and explaining his grievances against the Spanish. Horton’s struggle centers around holding onto the Jekyll Island estate and Fort Frederica for England.
“In 1742, Horton was placed in command of a new grenadier company of 30 men and Fort Frederica was raided by the Spanish,'' said John Hunter,director of the Jekyll Island Museum, a division of the Jekyll Island Authority that the Horton House Historic Site. "Finally, his house was burned down and his crops and livestock were destroyed. With the help of his indentured servants, Horton rebuilt his home by the
following year. The sturdy tabby house still stands today, one of the earliest standing tabby structures
in Georgia.”
Horton’s servants will demonstrate various chores such as carding and spinning wool, soap
making, and blacksmithing, which were all essential skills in the colonial era. In contrast to such labors, guests can try their skills in a variety of 18th century entertainments on the front lawn. Games might include such favorites as hoop rolling, graces, sack racing, and more.
Guests are also invited to participate in the colonial life of the island through an assortment of
activities. These activities, Hunter said, are designed to share information about Horton, his family, his servants, and his property on the island, as well as their significant role in producing goods to supply the needs of the struggling British colony.
“It is our hope that the guest’s interaction with historical games, musket demonstrations, and
food and drink will help experience first?hand the strategically important role of Jekyll Island in the
struggle for British survival in the New World,” Hunter said.
Horton was the first Englishman to obtain property on Jekyll Island, acquiring a 500?acre land
grant in 1735. Horton gained much stature as an officer in the Royal Colony of Georgia. He was placed
in charge of the fort on St. Simon’s Island during General Oglethorpe’s absence in England in 1736 and
later commanded troops in defense of the colony. During food shortages he supplied corn and beef to
Fort Frederica from his own personal supplies on Jekyll Island.
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