Established in the 18th century and defended by a stockade garrisoned by U.S. troops, Trader's Hill, usually called Fort Alert, served as a refuge for settlers during the Indian Wars. Located at the head of navigation on the St. Marys River, it was also one of the most important trading centers in the Southeast. In 1854, it became the county site of Charlton County and served in this capacity until 1901. The Methodist Church on the site of the old town is one of the oldest in the county, and the adjacent cemetery contains many of the region's pioneers.