St. Augustine, Florida is the oldest city in the United States, but St. Marys, Georgia is the second oldest city. Its waterfront is active as boats leave for Cumberland Island, largest barrier reef in this area of the Atlantic Ocean. This all natural ocean beach, resembles a beautiful highway of white sand and dunes protecting all wild life, what it was like when Aaron Burr landed their around 1804.
At that time he had his pick from a herd of wild horses. These magnificent creatures stem back to the time when Spaniards reintroduced them to America. Tom and Lucy Carnegie raised thoroughbreds on the island. Their will stated to let them go to roam with the wild horses. Eventually they all became feral, with foils born free with their manes flying in the wind as they stampede the beach or walk along with tourists and guides, a very emotional sensation of what life was like years ago in then 1700s.
The federal government through Donation Lands awarded General Nathaniel Greene, a hero of the Revolutionary War, with Cumberland Island. Tom and Lucy Carnegie built a house here on the same foundation, now in ruins from war-torn activity and several fires. Dungeness is still a famous site with the moon shining on it at night, shadows of the past looming over this historic land. Tom's brother, Andrew the Pittsburgh steel magnate and author, was a frequent visitor to this exquisite National Coastal seashore.
It was John F. Kennedy, Jr. who married a local woman here at the little Baptist Church. At the other end of the island are original homes of the Carnegie family, open for guests staying over night.
The town itself has unforgettable memories from ghosts of former days in Oak Park waterfront cemetery that still has its bricked in border segregating American African people in bondage. Fortunately this is now just a black mark on its past, typical of the times. The town has its quaint old mansions, some now serving as bed & breakfasts. In the old historic center leading to the wharf, there's the French Quarter and adjacent art galleries and boutiques.
But the most historic structure of all is Colonel Archibald Clark's home. He was a classmate of Aaron Burr, Vice President with President Thomas Jefferson. Alexander Hamilton participated in a number of duels. But when Burr challenged him to one in 1804 when Hamilton played dirty politics, he forgot Burr was a professional sharp shooter. Although the vice-president was victorious Burr had to flee for his life since he had shot the Secretary of State.
Burr retreated to the home of his friend, Clarke, and later visited Col. Butler who owned all of St. Simmonds Island. I wrote the illustrated Return of Aaron Burr about this home now on the National Register. Certain times of the year tours and wine tasting parties are given by the gracious host and hostess if this remarkably restored house.
For history buffs interested in historic re-enactments this community was bombed in the War of 1812 and during the Civil War. Some of the old houses still have cannon balls filled with shrapnel lodged in their structures.
For years St. Marys operated a huge paper mill on prime property
bordering the river and sea. Plans are now being made for a huge resort
hotel overlooking the wharf on the St. Marys River. I don't know if an
innkeeper/restauranteur has bought the land or not. (check St. Marys Downtown Development Authority (912 882 8111). But whoever does
purchase it, they will enjoy a peaceful life like they never had before–at beautiful St. Marys by the Sea.
had before–at beautiful St. Marys by the Sea.
Today one of the old lumber mill buildings is a landmark site for plays and musicals. Its producers excellent professional expertise as fine as some of the theaters in New York City. Barbara Ryan, who produces the fantastic St. Marys Magazine, is also quite actively involved in the playhouse next to a tour railroad car on its original tracks.
St. Marys is the best kept secret in historic United States of America.
Helene Smith (Mame).
World Enlightened News (W. E. N.)
