St. Simons Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Georgia in the southeastern United States.
It is part of the Golden Isles, a group of four islands that also includes Sea Island, Jekyll Island, and Little St. Simons Island. St. Simons Island is known for its historic sites, including Fort Frederica National Monument and the Christ Church Frederica, as well as its beaches, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities. The island is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its history, culture, and natural beauty.
St. Simons Island is a barrier island off the coast of Georgia that is rich in history and natural beauty. The island was first inhabited by the Timucua Indians and later by the Creek Indians. In the early 1700s, the British established a colony on the island, which they named Frederica. However, the colony was short-lived and abandoned just a few years later.
In 1742, a man named John Mackay bought the island from the British government and began to develop it into a successful plantation economy. During this time, St. Simons Island became one of the largest slave-holding areas in Georgia. In 1808, Mackay’s grandson, William McIntosh, built a tabby mansion on the island that still stands today and is open to visitors.
The Civil War brought great changes to St. Simons Island. The Union occupied the island in 1862 and used it as a base for blockade runners during the war. After the Union army captured Fort Pulaski in Savannah, they turned their attention to Fort Frederica on St. Simons Island. However, before they could take the fort, Confederate troops burned it to the ground to prevent it from falling into Union hands.
After the war, St. Simons Island slowly began to regain its former prosperity. In 1887, millionaire Cornelius Vanderbilt II purchased two plantations on the island and built a summer cottage there. His presence helped put St. Simons Island back on the map as a popular vacation destination for America’s wealthy elite.
If you are planning a trip to St. Simons Island, here are some of the best places to visit:
The St. Simons Lighthouse was built in 1872 and has been in operation ever since. The lighthouse is 65 feet tall and is made of iron and brick. The light from the lighthouse can be seen for up to 24 miles out to sea. The St. Simons Lighthouse is one of seven lighthouses that were built along the coast of Georgia.
It was originally built with a Fresnel lens, which was a type of lens that was used in lighthouses at that time. The Fresnel lens magnified the light from the lamp and made it easier for ships to see the light from far away. In 1933, the St. Simons Lighthouse was upgraded to use a more powerful lens called a first-order Fresnel lens. This type of lens is still used in lighthouses today.
The St. Simons Lighthouse is open to the public for tours year-round. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for a small fee and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding area. Tours of the lighthouse are conducted by trained docents who are familiar with its history and can answer any questions that visitors may have about the lighthouse or its operation.
St. Simons Island is a beautiful place to visit, and there are plenty of things to see and do. One of the must-see places on the island is the Christ Church. Christ Church is the oldest standing structure on the island and has a rich history. Here’s a look at why you should make sure to visit Christ Church when you’re on St. Simons Island.
Christ Church was built in 1820 and is the oldest standing structure on St. Simons Island. The church is named for its founder, John Bartow Couper, who was a planter and slaveholder on the island. Couper was a devout Episcopalian and donated land for the church to be built on.
The church has been through a lot over the years, including being used as a hospital during the Civil War and being hit by multiple hurricanes. Despite all of this, the church has remained standing and is now a National Historic Landmark.
When you visit Christ Church, you can take a tour of the inside of the church or explore the grounds. The inside of the church features original stained glass windows and hand-carved pews. The church grounds are also beautiful, and you can see live oak trees that are over 300 years old!
One of the best-kept secrets is Massengale Park. Located on the southern tip of the island, Massengale Park is a beautiful spot for a picnic, a walk, or just relaxing and enjoying the view.
The park has a long history dating back to the early 1800s when it was part of a plantation owned by John Couper. In the years since, the land has been used for farming, timber harvesting, and even as a golf course. Today, it’s a beautiful spot where you can enjoy nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
There are several walking trails through the park, which wind through forests of oak and palmettos. The trails offer views of the marshes and saltwater creek that flow into St. Simons Sound. You might even see some dolphins swimming by!
If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Massengale Park is the perfect spot. So next time you’re on St. Simons Island, be sure to check it out!
Located on the beautiful island of St. Simons, Georgia, Fort Frederica National Monument is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. The fort was built in the 1730s by James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia, and was used to protect the southern border of the colony from Spanish invasion.
Visitors can explore the ruins of the fort itself, stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, visit the on-site museum to learn about 18th-century life in Georgia, or watch one of the daily cannon firing demonstrations. The park also has a Junior Ranger program for kids.
If you’re looking for a nature retreat that offers stunning views, diverse wildlife, and miles of hiking and biking trails, look no further than Cannon’s Point Preserve on St. Simons Island, Georgia. This beautiful preserve is home to maritime forests, salt marshes, and sandy beaches – perfect for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous day trip.
The preserve spans nearly 600 acres and features maritime forests, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. Visitors can enjoy miles of hiking and biking trails, bird watching, fishing, picnicking, and more.
Cannon’s Point is also home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators, deer, ospreys, bald eagles, and numerous other bird species. The preserve is open from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. However, due to its remote location, it is recommended that visitors come prepared with plenty of food and water as there are no concessions on site.
St. Simons Island also has a long history of fishing. Let’s take a look at how this island became one of the best places to fish in the United States.
Fishing has been an important part of life on St. Simons Island for centuries. Some of the first European settlers to arrive on the island were fishermen, and they quickly realized that the waters around St. Simons were teeming with fish. The island quickly became known as a great place to fish, and it wasn’t long before people from all over the world were coming to St. Simons to try their luck at catching a big one.
Today, there are many different ways to fish on St. Simons Island. You can go offshore fishing for grouper, snapper, and other saltwater fish; you can go inshore fishing for redfish, trout, and flounder; or you can even go crabbing or shrimping in the many marshes and waterways that dot the island.
Here are a few of the best places to fish on the island:
This pier is a great place for those who are just getting started with fishing. It’s also a great spot for kids since it’s not too deep and there’s plenty of space to run around. Plus, the views from the pier are absolutely stunning.
Demere Park is located on the north end of the island and features a large lake that’s perfect for fishing. There’s also a playground and picnic area, making it a great spot for families.
Massengale Park is located on the south end of the island and features a smaller pond that’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowds. It’s also a great spot for bird watching since there are plenty of trees and shrubs around the perimeter of the pond.
For those who want to venture off the beaten path, the Frederica River is a great option. It’s located on the west side of the island and offers access to some of the best fishing spots on St. Simons.
This beautiful island has been a mecca for fishermen for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. With its plentiful waterways and abundant fish population, St. Simons Island is sure to provide you with a fishing experience that you’ll never forget.
St. Simons Island is a beautiful place with plenty of things to see and do – from fishing and swimming to golf and tennis. You’ll also find plenty of shops and restaurants on the island, making it the perfect place to find souvenirs or try local seafood dishes. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to St. Simons Island today!