History

The island's rich and extensive history draws visitors year after year to explore its unique charm. From area folklore, stately plantations, monumental battle sites and historic churches, culture and history abounds on St. Simons Island.

• Fort Frederica – Frederica is a story of dreams, struggle, victory and defeat.  Established in 1736, the fort guarded Georgia’s southern frontier.  More than a fort, the town of Frederica was home to colonists seeking to start a new life.  Park Ranger-led tours and soldier/colonial life programs throughout the year recall life in Georgia's second town.  The park visitor center features exhibits and an orientation film, which is shown every 30 minutes.   Admission fee.  Visitor Center open daily (except Christmas Day)      9 am to 5 pm.

• Christ Church – This lovely, historic church was built in 1883 by Anson Phelps dodge Jr. as a memorial to his first wife.  In 1736, John and Charles Wesley, acknowledged as the fathers of the Methodist church, held services under the live oak trees near the location of Christ Church.  Open daily (except Christmas Day) 2 pm to 5 pm. Click to view the YouTube video here.

• St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum & A.W. Jones Heritage Center – Whether you climb the 129 circular steps to the top of the lighthouse, or explore the original keeper’s dwelling (now the Lighthouse Museum of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society) at its base, you’ll discover new and absorbing perspectives on St. Simons Island and its rich history.  Visitors enter the museum through the A.W. Jones Heritage Center, featuring "The Sea Island Summit: Coastal Georgia welcomes the World".  This exhibit tells the story of the 2004 Group of Eight Sea Island Summit.  The center also features a state-of-the-art research library and popular store that carries a variety of books, gifts and other items related to the lighthouse and St. Simons Island heritage. Admission fee for Lighthouse Museum; free admission for the Jones Heritage Center.  Open Monday-Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday 1:30 pm to 5 pm.  Summer hours (Easter to mid-August):  Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat. 10 am to 5 pm; Tues. and Thurs. 10 am to 9 pm; Sun. 1:30 pm to 5 pm.  Click to view the You Tube video here.

• The Coastal Maritime Center– Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Roosevelt-era Coast Guard Station now offers a very personal encounter with the coast’s nature and its fascinating history. Seven galleries feature a variety of hands-on exhibits and activities. May - August, the outdoor nature center offers hands-on nature tours, workshops and programs for visitors of all ages.  Admission fee. Open Monday - Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; closed Sunday. Summer hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Monday - Saturday 3 pm to 9 pm; closed Sunday.  Click to view the YouTube video here.

• Historic Trolley Tours – You will truly enjoy the entertaining and informative narrative of 400 years of island history and folklore as you ride along in the Original Vintage Green Trolley. The drive-by tour includes the Lighthouse, Battle of the Bloody Marsh site, Fort Frederica, and a walking tour of Christ Church.  We also point out the best places to eat, shop, and play. Public tour leaves daily at 11:00am from The Pier at 117 Mallery Street.  Tour length is 90 minutes.   Adults $22.00; children (4 - 12) $10.00; Under 4 free. Reservations are not required, but please arrive early.  Trolley also available for weddings, parties and private tours.   Click to view the YouTube video here.

• Lighthouse Trolley -This trolley has both hop-n-go shuttles around the island and historic tours. The guided tours tell about the rich history of the island and include hop-n-go privileges. Stops include the lighthouse, Fort Frederica, Christ Church, and the Bloody Marsh. Tours are Wednesday through Saturday at 10:00, 2:00, and 7:00. Reservations are required Sunday through Tuesday. The tour is 1 3/4 hours and prices are $20 for adults, $10 for teens, and ages 12 and under free.

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• Saint Simons Island Ghost Walk Join the Ghost Walk of Saint Simons for a fun-filled and informative glimpse into old Saint Simons Island.  Listen to strange tales of legends, lovers, and the lost- and quite a few who won’t stay lost.  Let yourself be guided by lamplight through the moonlit streets and moss-draped passageways of the Village, Neptune and St. Simons parks.

• Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation This beautiful plantation represents the history and culture of Georgia’s rice coast in the early 1900’s.  The museum features silver from the family collection and a model of the Hofwyl-Broadfield during its heyday.

• Three Oaks Carriage Service – Three Oaks Carriage Service offers a unique and novel experience to our guests as a full-service carriage company.  They offer Village Area Tours, Dinner Outings, Christmas Caroling, Weddings, Sunday Church Transport, Princess Birthday Parties, Special Events, and their famous Winter Sleigh Rides.  Tour tickets are sold at the St. Simons Island Bait Shop in the pier area:  121 Mallory Street.