Sapelo Island Georgia

Sapelo Island, Georgia is located off the Central Georgia coast. Sapelo Island is Georgia's fourth largest barrier island and has been inhabited for at least 4,000 years. The State of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources administers the Sapelo Island National Estuarine Sanctuary, and the R. J. Reynolds State Wildlife Refuge own most of the island. The University of Georgia Marine Institute has been located on Sapelo Island since 1953 researching marine estuary and marsh habitats. The remainder of the island is privately owned by descendents of the original inhabitants. The site, known as Sapelo Island Reserve and Reynolds Mansion, includes the island and the 13 miles of marsh surrounding the island. There are two places to stay on the island. One is a primitive camping site on Carbetta Island, which is a small island connected to Sapelo. The camp site is very popular, and it is booked full for over 3 years at the time of writing this. Also is the Reynolds Mansion.

Visitors to Sapelo Island can see virtually every facet of a barrier island's natural community, from the forested uplands, to the vast salt marsh, and the complex beach and dunes systems. The mainland Visitor Center brings to life both the natural and cultural history of Sapelo, while guided island tours highlight the African-American community of Hog Hammock, University of Georgia Marine Institute, Reynolds Mansion and newly restored lighthouse. Built in 1820, the lighthouse was in service until 1905 when it was deactivated. Following its 1998 restoration, it once again became a working aid in navigation. The historic Reynolds Mansion may be used for group conferences and retreats, with all meals included. A campground is available for groups of 15-25.

Hog Hammock

Is the small village on the island. The village includes a general store, bar, and other small businesses. There are two active churches in the town. Most inhabitants of the town are African American, and have been living on the island for generations. The villagers must bring over all supplies from the mainland or purchase them in the small store on the island. The kids of Hog Hammock take the ferry to town and take a bus to school

Reynolds Mansion

In the early 1800's Thomas Spalding bought the island and developed it into a plantation. Spalding sold live oak for shipbuilding, introduced irrigation ditches, and cultivated sea island cotton, corn, and sugar cane.

By the early twentieth century the International Road Races were attracting notables from the motor world to Savannah. One attendee was Howard Coffin, founder of the Hudson Motor Company in Detroit. In 1911, he and his wife purchased Sapelo Island. Like Spalding, the Coffins embarked on numerous projects. Miles of shell-covered roads were laid, creeks were bridged, old fields were cultivated and large tracts were set aside for cattle grazing. The Coffins also renovated and enlarged the Spalding house, creating an island paradise unsurpassed on the coast. R. J. Reynolds, of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco, owned Sapelo from 1933 until 1965, and continued the tradition of agricultural experimentation of the previous owners.