Golden Isles Issue 1 | Page 29

Located near the village and pier, this is one of only five surviving light towers in Georgia. Experience St. Simons Island’s most iconic landmark as you climb the 129 steps to be rewarded by breathtaking views of the Golden Isles. The new Museum brings to life Coastal Georgia’s extraordinary contributions during World War II. Through immersive exhibits and interactive experiences, visitors will learn about blimps on anti-submarine patrol, radar training to direct fighter pilots, building Liberty ships to supply troops overseas, and much more. ST. SIMONS LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM WORLD WAR II HOME FRONT MUSEUM 610 Beachview Dr. 912.638.4666 4201 1 st Street 912.634.7098 GASCOIGNE BLUFF ➤ Historically, the oak-laden Gascoigne Bluff had been the location of a Sea Island cotton plantation, the site of a lumber mill, and a shipping point for timber. Today, Gascoigne Bluff is the location of two historic slave cabins and a public park. Arthur J. Moore Dr. HISTORICAL HARRINGTON SCHOOL CULTURAL CENTER ➤ The last African-American school on St. Simons Island, the Harrington School is the most valuable venue to interpret the island’s Gullah- Geechee heritage. The restoration of the school was completed in 2017. To schedule tours for a historic journey into the heart of the Gullah- Geechee communities on the island, contact the St. Simons African American Heritage Coalition. South Harrington Rd. 912.638.0341 1820 1810 The first ST. SIMONS LIGHTHOUSE was completed. Built by James Gould, the original lighthouse stood 85 feet tall and its base was made of tabby, part of which probably came from the ruins at Frederica. This lighthouse was later destroyed by Confederate troops during the Civil War to prevent Union forces from using it to navigate the coast. The current lighthouse was built in 1872 and still serves as an active aid to navigation. CHRIST CHURCH, chartered in 1808, was built near the site of Fort Frederica. The church was badly damaged during the Civil War. Anson Dodge Jr. rebuilt it in 1884 as a memorial to his first wife, who died in India on their honeymoon. 1790s – 1861 During the plantation period, St. Simons Island had 10 to 14 plantations. These properties, like HOFWYL-BROADFIELD PLANTATION, were also found in Brunswick and Jekyll Island, and produced rice, cotton, sugar, and other agricultural products. In 1913 Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation transitioned from rice to a dairy farm. Still standing today, it is open to the public for tours. Goldenisles.com 27