The Fort Frederick Heritage Preserve is a 3-acre property owned by the SC Department of Natural Resources and located in Port Royal, Beaufort County, SC. Situated along the Beaufort River, the preserve contains the remains of a tabby fort built by the British between 1730 and 1734 to defend against a possible attack from the Spanish at St. Augustine. The preserve acquisition was made possible by a donation of the site from the National Park Service's Federal-Lands-to-Parks Program and funds from the DNR's Heritage Land Trust Fund. The fort, also known as Fort Prince Frederick, is thought to be the oldest tabby structure in the state. Provincial scout boats were stationed here periodically. A relatively small fort, it measures 125 feet by 75 feet with an obvious bastion on the southwest side. The eastern wall was lined with a battery and cannon. The interior of the fort held a barracks and a magazine and was garrisoned by an independent Company of Foot British Regulars until their transfer to Georgia in 1736. Artifact collection, digging and metal detecting are not allowed on the preserve. Climbing or walking on the fort leads to deterioration of this fragile cultural resource, so please stay off the structure. Stewardship Committee A committee of interested parties has been formed to conduct Preserve maintenance, litter pick-up and other stewardship activities beneficial to the preserve. If you are interested in participating in the committee, please contact SCDNR's Heritage Trust Program at 803-734-3893.