Although we had been to the island back in 2012 and had visited many of the attractions, we wanted an opportunity to enjoy a more immersive experience allowing us to learn more about the islands storied heritage, its people and its architecture. So with no particular agenda to explore the island again, when we learned about the Jekyll Island Landmark Tour, which promises to take visitors on a journey through time, we immediately made an online reservation for the 1:30 p.m. tour. The cost for this 60 minute tour, given hourly between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. is as follows: adults $16 +tax; ages 7-15 $7 +tax and children under 6 are free.

Returning back to the historic district following our visit to Driftwood Beach (discussed in previous post), we made our way to the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum which serves as the starting point for the Jekyll Island Landmark Tour.

Located in the heart of the historic district and housed completely within the existing footprint of a historic stables building, this newly renovated museum provides a comprehensive overview of the island’s history, from its early Native American inhabitants to its development as an exclusive retreat for America’s wealthiest families in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The interactive displays and multimedia presentations are structured to engage any age group and bring to life the island’s transformation over the centuries. Entering the museum, we were surprised by the huge Jekyll Island Monopoly Board (Jekyll-opoly) in the main lobby which highlights the inspiration for Mr. Monopoly. J.P. Morgan Jr., a frequent visitor on Jekyll during its Gilded Age was the basis in design for Uncle Pennibags, the “Monopoly Man” as most know him. Properties typically found on Hasbro’s board have been replaced with properties and attractions found on Jekyll Island.

In other parts of the Museum, visitors can explore artifacts from the Gilded Age, when Jekyll Island was a private club for the elite and learn about the influential families who vacationed here, such as the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Pulitzers. The museum also delves into the island’s natural history, highlighting its unique ecosystems and conservation efforts. Intimate glimpses into the lives of those who once strolled along the island’s pristine beaches and luxuriated in its grand cottages are offered through personal anecdotes, letters, and photographs. And for those who collect souvenirs, the Gift Shop offers an assortment of clothing, accessories, toys, jewelry and other items. The museum was a perfect introduction to what we would see and learn about during the upcoming tram tour.

All Aboard!

Once everyone had boarded the tram, Mike, our most excellent tour guide and driver, introduced himself and began telling us about the history of the island. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a haven for America’s elite.

From 1888 to 1942, the island was an exclusive and very private retreat frequented by some of the nation’s wealthiest families, including the Rockefellers, Morgans, Pulitzers and Vanderbilts. In fact, it is estimated that one sixth of the wealthiest people in the world enjoyed a membership on the island. These affluent individuals built luxurious cottages and indulged in leisure activities like hunting and yachting.

During World War II, the island was evacuated, and in 1947, the State of Georgia purchased Jekyll Island, transforming it into a state park open to the public, thus ending its era as an exclusive enclave for the rich and famous.

Crossing Stable Road, the tram entered Pier Road where we passed by several historic buildings that are now retail establishments. A shop called Cotton & Copper is housed in what once was the Bookkeeper’s Cottage. Built in 1900, this cottage served as housing for the person who assumed the position of Club bookkeeper, secretary, assistant treasurer and assistant superintendent with the goal to keep the island running smoothly year round.

The Commissary was built around 1915 and served as the general store for island residents. Anything from groceries to luxuries could be purchased there. It continues to sell gourmet food items in the present day.

A Tour of Indian Mound Cottage

One of the stops during the tour was a visit to the majestic Indian Mound Cottage, built in 1892. The name “Indian Mound Cottage” is derived from a prehistoric Native American burial mound located on the property, a reminder of the island’s ancient past, a time long before it became a playground for America’s elite. This cottage originally was the winter residence of William Rockefeller, brother of John D. Rockefeller and a co-founder of Standard Oil. As one of the largest and most impressive of the island’s historic homes, epitomizing the opulence of the Gilded Age, the cottage stands three stories high, has a total of 25 rooms with nine bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and seven servant rooms. Nice little shack!

The architecture of Indian Mound Cottage is a blend of Queen Anne and shingle styles, featuring expansive verandas, intricate woodwork, and spacious, elegantly appointed rooms.

As we toured through the cottage, it’s was easy to imagine the lavish social gatherings and leisurely days enjoyed by its former inhabitants. The interior is beautifully preserved, with period furnishings and decor that helped to transport us back to the late 19th century. The cottage underwent a two-year $300,000 renovation back in 2008.

Our tour guide, Mike, provided fascinating insights into the Rockefeller family’s lifestyle and the cottage’s historical significance. As the tour group approached the cottage, he explained that Mrs. Rockefeller was concerned about the possibility of a fire which was common in those days, so she insisted that the cottage have escape routes. These routes included a slide from the top-floor servants’ quarters and windows that swing open like doors from both her bedroom and what is presumed to be her children’s bedroom, allowing them to climb out onto the roof, shimmy around the building and climb down a metal cage like structure (as shown in the photo below) along the roof of the verandah to safety on the ground.

Inside as we moved from room to room, Mike pointed out that although the furniture in the house fits the period in which the Rockefellers lived there, the original furnishings are gone, some looted by people from the mainland after the club closed during World War II, some taken by millionaire neighbors and some taken by the residents took their belongings when they left. 

Inside it was surprising to learn that the cottage was equipped with state-of-the-art electrical and plumbing systems, a testament to the innovative spirit of its time. As early adopters of these modern conveniences, the Rockefellers ensured that Indian Mound Cottage featured indoor plumbing, complete with hot and cold running water, and a sophisticated electrical system, which was a rarity in residential homes of the period. Not only did it have running water, there were taps for hot and cold salt water on the bathtub in the master bedroom bath!

Once the cottage tour was completed, everyone boarded the tram to return back to the Museum. Fascinating tour, highly recommended!

Faith Chapel: A Testament to Timeless Beauty

At the suggestion of our tour guide, we headed to another gem in our historical journey, Faith Chapel, a charming, non-denominational chapel built in 1904 to serve the island’s elite club members. Admission to the chapel is included with the Landmark Tour. As soon as we walked in the door, another tour guide provided fascinating information about the architecture, the craftsmanship, the history of the chapel, the origins of the beautiful stained glass windows and the reason for the gargoyles.

Nestled amidst the historic district, Faith Chapel is renowned for its exquisite architectural details and serene ambiance. The chapel’s design features Gothic-inspired elements, including beautifully crafted woodwork and intricate stained glass windows. Behind the altar is the east window “The Adoration of the Christ Child” designed by Tiffany apprentices, father-daughter team Maitland and Helen Armstrong.

The west window is a magnificent Tiffany creation, “David Set Singers Before the Lord” created in memory of Frederick Bourne, who was the President of Singer Sewing Machine Company and a beloved member of the Jekyll Island Club.

Stained cypress shingles grace the interior and exterior, and unique architectural features, such as gargoyles, replicas of the ones at Notre Dame Cathedral, highlight its gothic-revival style.

But unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Since it was getting late in the afternoon, it was time to head back to our coach. If you are ever in the area, be sure to take the Landmark Tour, it was awesome! Click here for additional photos.