Nestled along the picturesque coast of Georgia, the Golden Isle of Jekyll Island is a treasure trove of history and natural beauty. While staying in Brunswick, a day trip to revisit (see our posts from 2012 and 2013) Jekyll was a must. Note there is a $10/day entry fee to access the island which is valid until midnight and covers the cost of parking.   

Spanning approximately 5,700 acres, this barrier island is characterized by its diverse geography that includes pristine beaches, dense maritime forests, tidal marshes, and a network of rivers and creeks. Its eastern shore features beautiful, sandy beaches while salt marshes teeming with birdlife and other coastal creatures line the western side and offers a multitude of recreational opportunities.

About Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island, located off the coast of Georgia, is renowned for its historic district, which once served as a winter retreat for some of America’s wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. In 1886, the island was purchased to become an exclusive winter retreat, known as the Jekyll Island Club which featured opulent homes owned by prominent figures of the time. Today, the former Club grounds comprise a 240-acre site with 34 historic structures.

To learn more about the history of the island and to learn about the cottages, we made a reservation on the Jekyll Island Landmark Tour and visited the Mosaic Jekyll Museum but more about that in our next post. But in the meantime, here’s a few historic and natural attractions we visited on our own.

Jekyll Island Clubhouse

We had walked around the grounds during our visits in previous years but had never stepped inside to take a peak at this historic property.

Established in 1886, it was once one of the most exclusive and prestigious social clubs in the United States, serving as a winter retreat for America’s wealthiest families, including but not limited to the Rockefellers, Morgans, Pulitzers, and Vanderbilts.

Included in the luxurious facilities is an elegant clubhouse, opulent cottages, and various recreational amenities such as tennis courts, golf courses, and a marina allowing members to gather to relax, socialize, while escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.

Sans Souci

Built in 1896, Sans Souci was a collaborative effort by J.P. Morgan and several of his friends, including James Stillman and William Rockefeller. This six-unit apartment building is considered to be one of the first condominiums in America.

So many cottages – too many to write about here. To see photos and read about the history of each one, check out this website!

Significant Events

Jekyll Island is not only known for its historic homes but also for its role in several significant events in American history.

• In 1910, a secret meeting attended by prominent financiers and government officials, including Senator Nelson Aldrich and Paul Warburg, was held. The outcome of this meeting was a plan that would eventually lead to the creation of the Federal Reserve System, laying the foundation for modern American banking.
• In 1915, the first transcontinental phone call was made from Jekyll Island. Presiding over the ceremonies by telephone were President Woodrow Wilson in Washington, DC, Alexander Graham Bell in New York, Thomas Watson in San Francisco, Henry Higginson in Boston, and AT&T President Theodore Newton Vail on Jekyll Island, GA.
• During the 1929 stock market crash, it served as a refuge for wealthy families highlighting its importance as a sanctuary for the elite.

 

Driftwood Beach

With time to kill before the start of the tram tour, a quick drive (approximately 10 minutes) to the northern end of the island was a must. Here lies a natural wonder famous for its striking, weathered trees and gnarled driftwood sculptures that have been shaped by wind and water over the years.

With its almost surreal, otherworldly landscape, Driftwood Beach is a stunning contrast to the manicured sites in the historic district and a perfect spot to reconnect with the timeless beauty of nature.

Very cool!! Leaving Driftwood Beach behind, we headed back to the historic district to the Mosaic Jekyll Island Museum to hop on a tram for the tour of the historic district.

More about the tour in our next post….

To see photos of Driftwood Beach, check out this album.