St. Simons Georgia History

St. Simons captivates visitors with remarkable beauty and fascinating history. lovely beaches, golf, tennis, and countless shops and restaurants. Historic remnants of bygone eras, including Ft. Frederica and the sites of antebellum plantations, dot the Island. Treasures are found around every bend on this island, the largest of The Golden Isles.

Following the Spanish discovery of the Georgia Coast in 1540, efforts over the next century were focused on missionary conversions of the Native American tribes. Over time, differences between the cultures led to disagreements between the two groups. During the late 1500's, because of local events and conditions, there was a great decline in the missions. Eventually they vanished, until recent archeological research revealed their origins on St. Catherines.

During 1739, the British declared war on Spain. Three years later, the Spanish inhabited St. Simons Island with over 3,000 men. Britain, with its mere 630 men, fought off the Spanish. "The Battle of Bloody Marsh" determined Georgia and the colonies would become of British heritage.

During the plantation era, Saint Simons became a center of cotton production known for its long fiber Sea Island Cotton. Nearly the entire island was cleared of trees to make way for several cotton plantations. One of the last slave ships to bring slaves from Africa docked at St. Simons Island, but the slaves marched off the boat into the water, dragged down by their chains, and drowned themselves rather than become slaves. An original slave cabin still stands in one location.

Geography and climate of Coastal Georgia, made St. Simons and the Sea Islands especially suited for the growing of cotton. Hence, the rise of the plantation system and the reputation Coastal Georgia maintained for fine, Sea Island Cotton. Tourism, industry, maritime fisheries, agricultural pursuits, all have contributed to the areas' development. For many years, the barrier islands of Georgia have been vacation spots. The resort aspects of island living flourish and are enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

While visiting St. Simons, be sure to take a morning stroll, or an evening walk to the St. Simons Pier, in the Village. Young children and adults alike adore Neptune Park, overlooking the ocean. Visit the St. Simons Lighthouse and LightKeepers' cottage, the Casino complex and numerous local shops. Excellent restaurants abound in the area. The Village has become the St. Simons Destination for residents and visitors savoring local island living. See ya in the Village!

During the plantation era, Saint Simons became a center of cotton production known for its long fiber Sea Island Cotton. Nearly the entire island was cleared of trees to make way for several cotton plantations. One of the last slave ships to bring slaves from Africa docked at St. Simons Island, but the slaves marched off the boat into the water, dragged down by their chains, and drowned themselves rather than become slaves. An original slave cabin still stands in one location.