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 Cumberland Island is the largest and southernmost barrier island in Georgia, offering guests over 17 miles of secluded white, sandy beaches. Wild horses and other island wildlife roam freely throughout the ruins and along the beach.
The island is a complex ecological system of interdependent animal and plant communities. A system of foredunes protects the interdune meadow and shrub thickets. A canopy of live oak trees stretches out beyond the back dunes that provide protection from salt spray.
In the island's central and northern sections, pine trees tower over mixed hardwood forests. On the western side of the island, saltwater marshes pulse with the tidal flow. The saltwater marshes support large populations of fish, shellfish, plants, and bird life. They also act as nurseries for the variety of vegetation found on the island.
Cradled in the branches of the maritime forest, resurrection ferns spring up above the draped Spanish moss to comfort the lives of such birds as painted buntings, summer tanagers, cardinals, woodpeckers, yellow-throated warblers, and Carolina wrens. Deeper in the forests you may catch a glimpse of the island's numerous whitetail deer, raccoons, bull alligators, and armadillos. |
| Historic Sites & Museums |
| 1 |
St. Marys Submarine Museum surfacing in a converted historic movie theater on the St. Marys waterfront, the Museum is one attraction not to be missed! Get ready to see firsthand a working periscope, models of torpedoes, and many displays made from actual submarines. See a deep-sea diving suit and submarine uniforms, command plaques, photographs and models of submarines, an area for watching movies on submarines, working sonar panels, a history of submarines, a reading area, a reference area, gift shop and a display dedicated to the eight submariners who received the Medals of Honor. Walls and walls of memorabilia track the history of the submarine. |
| 2 |
Howard Gilman Memorial Park - The newest addition in St. Marys, the park officially opened on June 30, 2001 but it wasn't until 4 days later the park would see its first real guests. On July 4th it was standing room only as thousands of area residents packed the newly opened waterfront park to catch a glimpse at the 33rd annual fireworks display. What better way to celebrate the Nations Birth and the opening of a waterfront park than a spectacular display of color and beauty. |
| 3 |
Orange Hall Welcome Center and House Museum - With its Doric columns on the front veranda and the wide steps leading from the ground up to the second floor main entrance, it is a wonderful example of Greek revival architecture. In 1973, Orange Hall was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was refurbished to its original grandeur by caring citizens of St. Marys. Open Monday - Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm and Sunday, 1 pm - 5 pm. |
| 4 |
First Presbyterian Church was built in 1808 and is the second oldest church in Georgia. Other 19th century churches in historic St. Marys include Our Lady Star of the Sea Chapel (1847), Christ Episcopal (1880), and St. Marys Methodist Chapel (1858). Oak Grove Cemetery, here you will find much of the history of Camden County recorded under the huge oak trees sheltering this historic cemetery. The earliest marked grave is from 1801. Graves of veterans representing every war, except the Persian Gulf, are found in Oak Grove Cemetery. |
| 5 |
Toonerville Trolley - "See You In The Funny Papers!" This saying originated by Roy Crane in his 1935 "Wash Tubbs & Easy" comic strip. The strip featured the many local personalities who used this railcar to commute from St. Marys to Kingsland in the late 1920s. |
| 6 |
Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum - The new facility is located on Osborne Street, two blocks from the waterfront. The museum houses a collection of artifacts from Cumberland Island and includes an exhibit area open to the public. The exhibition uses pieces from the collection to highlight the people of the island. The lives of Native Americans, African Americans, the Carnegie family as well as others who lived on the island in the 19th and 20th centuries are seen in the island environment.
This is the first major effort to bring the island story to mainland facilities. A small portion of the total collection will be on display, primarily pieces that illustrate life on the barrier island. "These are objects that have never before been on public display," said curator John Mitchell. "We can learn from these items about how people lived in the past." Operation Hours - 1:00 pm till 4:00 pm |
| More Fun Places to Visit in St. Marys and Cumberland Island |
| 1 |
Crooked River State Park - St. Marys - 912-882-5256 or 800-864-7275 |
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Cumberland Island Ferry - St. Marys - 912-882-4335 or 888-817-3421 |
| 3 |
Dungeness Ruins - Cumberland Island - 912-882-4335 or 888-817-3421 |
| 4 |
First African Baptist Church - Cumberland Island - 912-882-4335 or 888-817-3421 |
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Historic District Braille Trail - St. Marys - 912-882-4000 or 800-868-8687 |
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McIntosh Sugar Mill Ruins - St. Marys - 912-882-4000 or 800-868-8687 |
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Oak Grove Cemetery - St. Marys - 912-882-4000 or 800-868-8687 |
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Orange Hall House Museum - St. Marys - 912-882-4000 or 800-868-8687 |
| 9 |
George Bancroft SSBN-643 Sail Exhibit - St. Marys - 912-882-2782 |
| 2008 Festivals & Events |
| 1 |
4th of July Celebration 2008 - 7/4/2008 at 9 am - 10 pm
A day of family fun! 5k & 10k run, dog show, arts & crafts vendors, parade, kiddy rides, entertainment throughout the day, street dance and one of the largest fireworks displays in Southeast Georgia. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. Free admission and parking
Phone: 800-868-8687 - Location: Historic District of St. Marys, 406 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA - Directions: I95 to exit 3, east 8 miles to downtown historic district |
| 2 |
Rock Shrimp Festival 2008 - 10/4/2008 at 9 am - 5 pm
Enjoy a day of food and family fun at this annual festival. A day full of events including 5k & 10k run, arts, crafts & food vendors, parade, Rock Shrimp Dinners, and entertainment. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club. Free admission and parking
Phone: 800-868-8687 - Location: Historic District of St. Marys, 406 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA - Directions: I95 to exit 3, east 8 miles to downtown historic district |
| 3 |
Hay Days 2008 - 10/11 - 11/1/2008 - Call for times
Family Fun! Osborne Street and businesses in the Historic District are decorated with Scarecrows. Stroll thru the Historic District and view the Scarecrows who are all dressed up to celebrate the Fall Season. Free admission and parking
Phone: 800-868-8687 - Location: Historic District of St. Marys, 406 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA - Directions: I95 to exit 3, east 8 miles to downtown historic district |
| 4 |
National Memorial Service, WWII Submarine Vets - 11/6 - 11/9/2008 at 10 am - 5 pm
Annual memorial service for the subvets who are on eternal patrol. Held on the Sub Base. Special pass or military ID required to enter the Kings Bay Sub Base. Free admission - parking
Phone: 800-868-8687 - Location: Historic District of St. Marys, 406 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA - Directions: I95 to exit 3, east 8 miles to downtown historic district |
| 5 |
White Lighting Ceremony 2008 - 12/2/2008 at 6-9 pm
Starting at Dusk at the old paper mill site, the walking parade proceeds down Osborne Street with Santa & Mrs. Santa leading the way. Picture it all: Dance performances are a part of the parade. Christmas music is sung. The parade ends at the Waterfront and the City Christmas Tree is lit. Children line up to give their Wish List to Santa. Free admission and parking
Phone: 800-868-8687 - Location: Historic District of St. Marys, 406 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA - Directions: I95 to exit 3, east 8 miles to downtown historic district |
| 6 |
Historic Candlelight Tour of Homes 2008 - 12/13/2008 at 6-9 pm
All decorated in Christmas Splendor, many Historic Homes are put of tour for all to come and enjoy. A great way to share the beauty of the Christmas Holiday Season. Admission: $12
Phone: 800-868-8687 - Location: Historic District of St. Marys, 406 Osborne St., St. Marys, GA - Directions: I95 to exit 3, east 8 miles to downtown historic district |
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Check out other GA
Coast & Islands Below:
Darien - McIntosh Co.
The Golden Isles
Barrier Islands
Savannah
Tybee Island
Check out
Local Festivals & Events
Georgia Lakes
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