St. Marys is a charming city located in southeastern part of Georgia, bordering the Florida line. St. Marys is located on the St. Marys River which is the natural body of water that separates Florida and Georgia . The city is situated the confluence of the St. Marys River and the Cumberland Island Sound. St. Marys is the gateway to the Cumberland Island National Seashore, one of the nation’s most beautiful barrier islands. Visitors to St. Marys will find a variety of things to do, from exploring the island to enjoying the city’s historic downtown district.
This charming coastal town has a rich history dating back to the early days of European colonization. Founded in 1787, St. Marys was the site of the first Catholic Mass celebrated in what is now the state of Georgia. Today, St. Marys is known for its quaint atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and friendly residents with southern charm.
The Early Years St. Marys was founded in 1787 by James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia. Oglethorpe had originally intended for the colony to be a place where debtors and other criminals could start fresh with a clean slate. However, he quickly realized that the colony would need Catholic settlers in order to maintain good relations with Spain, which controlled Florida at the time. Accordingly, he recruited a group of Catholic families from England and Ireland to come to Georgia and help establish the town of St. Marys.
These early settlers faced many challenges, including attacks from hostile Native Americans and a lack of supplies from England. Nevertheless, they persevered and established a thriving community. In 1790, construction began on an imposing brick church that would come to be known as the “Oldest Church in Georgia.” The church was completed in 1792 and remains an active parish to this day.
One of the best places to explore this history is the St. Marys Submarine Museum. This museum is dedicated to preserving the rich submarine history of St. Marys and educating visitors about the role submarines have played in our country’s past.
The museum is located in a beautiful old brick building that was once a hotel. Inside, there are exhibits on the history of submarines, as well as interactive exhibits that allow visitors to experience what it was like to live and work on a submarine. The museum also has a gift shop, where visitors can purchase souvenirs and submarine-related items.
One of the most popular attractions at the museum is the USS Triton (SSRN-586), which is docked outside. The Triton was one of the first nuclear-powered submarines, and it played an important role in the Cold War. Visitors can go aboard the submarine and see what life was like for the sailors who served on it.
Another popular exhibit is the USS Clamagore (SS 343), which is a World War II-era submarine that has been restored to its original condition. Visitors can tour this submarine and learn about what life was like for sailors during World War II.
The St. Marys Submarine Museum is a great place to learn about American history and see some unique artifacts up close. If you’re ever in St. Marys, Georgia, be sure to add this museum to your list of places to visit!
For centuries, the waterways around St. Marys have been teeming with fish, making it a popular destination for both commercial and recreational fishermen.
Commercial fishing has long been an important part of the economy in St. Marys. In the early days, fishers would sell their catch to local markets and restaurants. These days, most of the fish caught in St. Marys is shipped out of state. The commercial fishing industry in St. Marys employs hundreds of people and brings in millions of dollars each year.
In addition to being a commercial hub, St. Marys is also a popular destination for recreational fishermen. The mild climate and abundance of fish make it a perfect place to enjoy a day on the water. There are many charter companies that offer guided fishing trips for both beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Like all industries, the fishing industry in St. Marys has undergone some changes over the years. One of the biggest changes has been the introduction of new technology, which has made it possible to catch more fish with less effort. This has led to an increase in the number of fish being caught each year, which has put some strain on local fisheries. In response to this, the state of Georgia has instituted some regulations on commercial fishing in order to protect the local ecosystem.
The town has been home to many different industries over the years, but one of the most prevalent has always been the shrimp trade. In fact, the shrimp trade has played a significant role in the development of the town and its economy.
There’s no shortage of things to do in St. Marys, Georgia! Whether you love spending time outdoors, enjoying fishing activities, or exploring history and culture, you’re sure to find something that interests you in this charming southeastern city. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
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