Jekyll Island
Introduksjon
Jekyll Island ligger utenfor kysten av Georgia, som en del av Golden Isles, noen få kilometer fra St. Simons Island, Sea Island og byen Brunswick i Glynn County. Fra 1880-årene til 1940-årene tilhørte øya Jekyll Island Club, et vinterrefugium for familier som Morgan, Rockefeller og Vanderbilt, som bygde hytter langs Jekyll Creek. Delstaten Georgia kjøpte øya i 1947. I dag er den en delstatspark, og det gamle klubbområdet er nå ett av de større restaureringsprosjektene i den sørøstlige delen av USA. Verdt å vite: i motsetning til andre delstatsparker i Georgia får ikke Jekyll driftsmidler fra delstaten, så parkeringsavgiften ved porten finansierer veiene, toalettene, beplantningen og bevaringsarbeidet.
De fleste kommer hit for strendene og roen. Driftwood Beach, på nordenden, trekker fotografer med sine forvitrede, veltede trær. Georgia Sea Turtle Center rehabiliterer skadde skilpadder og forteller de besøkende om arbeidet. Du finner også løvtak av levende eiker, en maritim skog, en oppdatert strandpromenade, Beach Village, det historiske landemerkeområdet, fiskebrygga ved Clam Creek og kilometervis med sykkelstier. Golf, fisking, krabbefangst og Summer Waves Water Park fyller dagene. Skilt om skilpaddekryssing møter deg når du ankommer, et lite hint om hvordan øya fungerer.
I bilder
History
Horton House Overview
Horton House is an important historical site on Jekyll Island, built by William Horton in 1743. Horton came to Georgia from England in 1736 and built this tabby house to replace his original wooden home, which was destroyed by Spanish troops. The tabby structure was roomy, with two rooms on the first floor and two bedrooms upstairs, plus a balcony that looked out over the land. This home was where Horton, his wife Rebecca, and their two kids lived until he passed away in 1748. The house was part of a larger plantation that included a kitchen garden and various outbuildings. In 1898, members of the Jekyll Island Club recognized the historical significance of Horton House and worked to preserve it, stabilizing the structure and restoring its north wall.
Understanding Tabby
Tabby is a special building material that was key in building coastal homes in Georgia during the 18th century. It’s made from a mix of oyster shells, sand, lime, and water, which was poured into molds to create walls and floors. The lime in tabby came from burning oyster shells, often taken from Indian Shell Mounds. This building method was brought to America by the Spanish and became common in areas where coquina, a similar stone, wasn’t available. While coquina quarries near St. Augustine eventually took over in some places, tabby was still used in coastal Georgia until the late 19th century. The word 'tabby' has African roots, influenced by Arabic, meaning a wall made of earth or masonry.
The Du Bignon Era
The Du Bignon family had a big impact on Jekyll Island's history after they arrived in 1791. Christophe Anne Poulain du Bignon, a French royalist, fled to Georgia from Saint-Domingue during a slave revolt. He bought Jekyll Island in 1798 from Mary Musgrove's estate. Under du Bignon's ownership, the island changed from Horton’s plantation to a larger estate. The family made various improvements and additions to the existing structures, including Horton House. The Du Bignon family stayed on the island for about a century, helping with its agricultural development and shaping its future. Their legacy includes starting the Sapelo Company, which played a key role in the island's early economic activities.
Nature
Exploring Driftwood Beach
Driftwood Beach is at the northern tip of Jekyll Island. This beach has a unique landscape filled with twisted tree trunks and branches, many of which have been bleached by the sun and wind. The area used to be a thriving maritime forest, but years of erosion have left these striking remnants. The beach is especially nice at low tide when you can walk among the fallen trees and admire their unusual shapes against the sky.
Visitors love to picnic under these weathered trees or set up a hammock for a relaxing afternoon. It’s also a popular spot for photography, especially at sunset when the light creates interesting shadows on the sand. If you have a dog, you can bring them along for a stroll since the beach is pet-friendly.
Driftwood Beach isn’t just a daytime spot. Many couples choose this scenic place for stargazing or even for exchanging wedding vows. The atmosphere here is peaceful, making it a great place to unwind. Just be ready for changing conditions; the landscape can shift with the tides, and the weather can vary. Bring sunscreen for sunny days and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Overall, Driftwood Beach offers a unique mix of natural beauty and a sense of history, making it a memorable stop on Jekyll Island.
Activities
The National Historic Landmark District
The National Historic Landmark District on Jekyll Island mixes history with modern attractions. This area was once the heart of the Jekyll Island Club, where wealthy members enjoyed leisure activities. Today, it features The District Shops at historic Pier Road, which opened in 2022. This revitalized area offers a variety of shopping and dining options, making it a nice spot to spend a day. You can find a fast-casual restaurant with a beer garden, a coffee shop, and an ice cream and candy store. The flagship store 31•81 and North Pole South, which sells Christmas collectibles year-round, are also popular stops. The first official Georgia Grown store and Pier Road Outfitters add to the local flavor. The paths are walkable, making it easy to explore on foot or by bike. Nearby, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center provides educational experiences about local wildlife. While the area is enjoyable, it can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, so visiting early in the day might enhance your experience.
Jekyll Island Attractions History
The history of attractions on Jekyll Island is rich and varied. The Great Dunes Golf Course opened in 1928, designed by Walter Travis, a well-known amateur golfer of the early 20th century. This 18-hole course served the Jekyll Island Club until it closed in 1942. After the club shut down, maintenance stopped, and nature took over the land. By 1955, erosion and development had taken their toll, leading to the loss of the original nine holes. The remaining nine holes still exist today, reminding us of the island's golfing heritage. In the late 1950s, Peppermint Land Amusement Park opened along the beach, providing entertainment until it closed nearly a decade later. The park was a significant attraction during its time, showcasing rides and games for families. In 1948, Jekyll Island became a state park, opening its doors to the public. Since then, developments like the new convention center in 2012 and Beach Village in 2015 have continued to shape the island's offerings. Each of these milestones reflects the evolving nature of Jekyll Island as a destination.
Verdt å vite
Godt å vite
Bilde: Source: www.jekyllisland.com