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As the only piece of land in the U.S. to have been under
eight flags of
domination, Amelia
Island offered a
wide variety of
attractions to its
many visitors.
Victorian homes,
century-old brick
buildings, palmetto
trees and a recently
restored colonial
post office building
line Civil-War era
Centre Street in
Amelia Island's
historic district,
Fernandina Beach.
Stroll a bit further
and you'll encounter
restaurants, and a
collection of shops
selling antiques,
collectibles, books,
food, and clothing.
Centre Street ends
at an intracoastal
waterway marina,
adjacent to a
fishing pier
overlooking the
Atlantic.
The view helps put
the living colonial
history of the city
in the context of
its timeless natural
surroundings. The
construction of Fort
Clinch, Amelia
Island's most famous
historic site, began
in 1847 and
continued until
1861, when the Civil
War erupted.
Confederate forces
occupied the fort,
but within a year
Union troops had
forced them to
withdraw. The fort
also played a role
in the
Spanish-American War
when U.S. forces
utilized its
location for a few
months. Today, Fort
Clinch State Park is
a scenic and
educational
adventure, offering
a memorable
excursion for
history enthusiasts
and nature-lovers.
One weekend per
month, park rangers
dress in either
Confederate or Union
uniforms and
re-enact the daily
life of Civil
War-era soldiers.
Activities include
cooking, infantry
demonstrations,
marching and sentry
duty. Amelia Island
offers a wealth of
recreational
activities set in an
historic and scenic
landscape, perfect
for a brief visit or
a relaxing, extended
exploration.
The island's resort
of choice remains
the
Amelia Island Plantation. |
