First, we drove the F.J. Torras Causeway to St. Simons Island. This stop was on the way to Jekyll Island. St. Simons is one of Georgia's barrier islands and is the largest (16.6 square miles) of Georgia's Golden Isles. We saw many mansions and a ritzy shopping area near the downtown docks. The sights were typical of a lifestyle of the well-to-do. We didn't stay long.
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| Approaching St. Simons Island (ship is in St. Simons Sound) |
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| Marina as we approach the island |
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| The island has many impressive mansions |
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| A salt marsh and five tidal rivers separate the island from the mainland |
Jekyll Island is just a few miles south of St. Simons Island. This stop was the focus of today's outing. Access is via Ocean Highway (US-17).
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| Ocean Highway approaching Sidney Lanier Bridge |
Background
Jekyll Island is one of only four Georgia barrier islands that feature a paved causeway to access the island by car. The island is about 7 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. It has 8 miles of wide, flat beaches on the eastern shore.
In 1886, a group of Society’s
elite – the Astors, Rockefellers, Goulds, and Morgans among them – incorporated
to form the Jekyll Island Club, a private hunting retreat. Architect
Charles A. Alexander was commissioned to design and build a 60-room clubhouse.
A six-unit apartment building, named San Souci, was erected in 1896, becoming
America’s first condominiums. The Club experienced financial difficulties
during the Great Depression and the properties fell into disrepair.
Georgia bought the island in 1947.
Jekyll Island Authority was
created in 1950 and is designed as a governing board charged with the operation
and care of the island. The Authority is a self-supporting body,
obtaining its operating revenues from leases, park fees and island amenities.
The island does not receive any tax revenues for its operation.
Jekyll Island Road took us to the
Information Center and the Toll Plaza The daily entrance fee to the
island was $6/car.
We took a wonderful, guided tour of the Jekyll Island Club Historic District. Our guide was one of the best we've ever had. This was certainly the land of the rich and famous from 1886 until 1942.
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| Views of the hotel |
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| Spanish moss decorates the trees |
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| This shop was once a servant's residence |
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| San Souci was the first condominium |
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| Moss Cottage |
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| Goodyear Cottage (Buffalo lumber & railroad magnate Frank Goodyear) |
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| Indian Mound (William Rockefeller's cottage) |
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| Richard Teller Crane, Jr. built Crane Cottage (It was the most expensive & elegant home ever built on Jekyll) |
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| Hollybourne Cottage (owner Charles Maurice was a bridge engineer) |
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| Villa Ospo |
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| Villa Marianna |
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| Cherokee Cottage |
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| Faith Chapei |
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| The Red Bug provided island transportation (it was available in gas and electric models) |
After the tour, we drove around the island.
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| Carol at the Horton House |
The island is beautifully maintained and offers many amenities. We were impressed by their campground and would try to stay there if we ever return.
Jekyll Island is managed by the State Park Authority and is supported by entrance fees and private donations. It presents a very different experience than St. Simons Island. We preferred Jekyll Island.
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