Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island, one of Georgia's Golden Isles, offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and a storied past. This barrier island, measuring approximately 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide, is characterized by its expansive marshlands, maritime forests, and 8 miles of wide, flat beaches. Owned by the State of Georgia and managed by the Jekyll Island Authority, a significant portion of the island—65 percent—remains undeveloped, preserving its wild character.

Once an exclusive winter retreat for some of America's most prominent Gilded Age families, including the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Pulitzers, Jekyll Island now welcomes the public to explore its historic grounds and diverse ecosystems. The island's commitment to conservation is evident, with efforts focused on maintaining its natural state while providing a range of recreational and educational opportunities.

## From Indigenous Lands to Colonial Outpost Jekyll Island's history stretches back over 3,500 years, with Native Americans being its earliest inhabitants, utilizing the island for hunting, fishing, and gathering shellfish. French explorers arrived in the area in 1562, and later, in 1733, General James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia, naming the island in honor of his friend and financier, Sir Joseph Jekyll. Major William Horton, an aide to Oglethorpe, established a military outpost on Jekyll Island in the late 1730s to protect Fort Frederica on nearby St. Simons Island. Horton's plantation on the island supplied Fort Frederica with provisions and was also home to Georgia's first brewery.

## The Plantation Era and the Wanderer Following Horton's death, the island passed through several owners before being purchased by Christophe Poulain DuBignon in 1792, ushering in the Plantation Era. The DuBignon family cultivated Sea Island Cotton for nearly a century. A darker chapter in the island's history occurred in 1858 with the illegal landing of the Wanderer, one of America's last known slave ships, bringing over 400 enslaved Africans ashore. The Wanderer Memory Trail on Jekyll Island now tells the story of these individuals.

## The Exclusive Jekyll Island Club In 1886, John Eugene DuBignon, a descendant of Christophe, marketed Jekyll Island as a hunting club, leading to its purchase by a group of wealthy Northern industrialists. This marked the beginning of the "Club Era," transforming Jekyll Island into an exclusive winter retreat for families like the Rockefellers, Morgans, Vanderbilts, and Pulitzers. The Jekyll Island Club, which opened its clubhouse in 1888, was renowned for its exclusivity, with Munsey's Magazine in 1904 calling it "the richest, the most exclusive, the most inaccessible club in the world." It was during this period, in 1910, that a secret meeting of leading financiers on the island laid the groundwork for what would become the Federal Reserve Act.

## A Public Park and Modern Destination The Club Era ended with World War II, and in 1947, the state of Georgia purchased Jekyll Island for $675,000, opening it to the public as a State Park in 1948. The Jekyll Island Authority was established in 1950 to develop the island into a resort. In 1950, St. Andrews Beach was designated as the first public beach in Georgia accessible to African Americans during segregation, a significant historical point. Today, the Jekyll Island Historic District, a National Historic Landmark District since 1978, preserves many of the Gilded Age structures, offering a glimpse into this opulent past.

Jekyll Island offers a variety of attractions that blend its storied past with its natural coastal environment. A visit to the Jekyll Island Historic District, often referred to as "Millionaire's Village," is essential. Here, you can explore the grand Gilded Age "cottages" once owned by America's wealthiest families, as well as the Jekyll Island Club Resort. The Mosaic, Jekyll Island Museum, located within the historic district, provides insights into the island's diverse past, from its Native American inhabitants to the millionaire era.

For nature enthusiasts, Driftwood Beach is a unique and highly photographed location, characterized by its collection of sun-bleached, eroded trees along the shoreline. The Georgia Sea Turtle Center is a rehabilitation and education facility dedicated to sea turtle research and conservation, offering engaging exhibits for all ages. Jekyll Island also offers over 20 miles of paved bike paths, providing an excellent way to explore the island's diverse landscapes, from forests to beaches. Additionally, the Wanderer Memory Trail offers a poignant educational experience, recounting the story of one of America's last known slave ships.

Jekyll Island is a year-round destination, but many consider the winter months to be ideal. The milder temperatures offer a pleasant escape from colder climates, making it perfect for outdoor activities like biking and exploring the historic district without the intense summer heat. The island's natural beauty and sense of seclusion are particularly pronounced during this time.

A daily parking permit is required for vehicles entering Jekyll Island, with annual passes also available. Once on the island, biking is a popular and efficient way to get around, with over 20 miles of flat, paved bike paths. While cars are permitted, no motorized vehicles are allowed on beaches or bike paths. Golf carts are allowed on roads if they are street legal, but not on bike paths, and privately owned golf carts are not allowed on the golf courses.

When enjoying the island's natural environment, remember that feeding any wildlife, including alligators, deer, and birds, is prohibited. Maintain a safe distance of at least 20 feet from alligators, and avoid entering ponds, lakes, or ditches. On the beaches, do not disturb sea turtle nests or turtles, and only collect empty shells and dead sand dollars. Fireworks and overnight camping are not permitted on the beaches.