Cumberland Island National Seashore Tours and Activities

Washed ashore sea star. #travel #seastar #beach #welovetoexplore https://www.facebook.com/welovetoexplore/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1422777599&hash=3585313150704558958&pagefilter=3
Washed ashore sea star. #travel #seastar #beach #welovetoexplore https://www.facebook.com/welovetoexplore/timeline/story?ut=43&wstart=0&wend=1422777599&hash=3585313150704558958&pagefilter=3
Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters. In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866. In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island. The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.
So many shore birds!
Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters. In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866. In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island. The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.

Popular places to visit

Plum Orchard Mansion

Plum Orchard Mansion

You can spend time exploring the galleries in Plum Orchard Mansion during your travels in Cumberland Island. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this relaxing area.

Plum Orchard Mansion
A walk on the beach for a beautiful sunrise

Americana Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Americana Beach during your trip to Jekyll Island? Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area or seek out the cycling trails.

Americana Beach
Driftwood

Jekyll Island State Park

Enjoy a trip to Jekyll Island State Park and popular activities such as cycling in Jekyll Island. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area.

Jekyll Island State Park

First African Baptist Church

Find out about the history of Cumberland Island when you spend time at First African Baptist Church. Discover the area's museums and shops.

First African Baptist Church

McIntosh Sugarmill Park

McIntosh Sugarmill Park is just one of the places to see in St. Marys, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? While in this family-friendly area, you can enjoy the restaurants.

McIntosh Sugarmill Park

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is just one of the places to see in Kings Bay, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay

Top Cumberland Island National Seashore Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Mermaid Cottage in Beautiful Downtown St Marys GA- Gateway to Cumberland Island

Mermaid Cottage in Beautiful Downtown St Marys GA- Gateway to Cumberland Island

St Marys GA
Mermaid Cottage in Beautiful Downtown St Marys GA- Gateway to Cumberland Island
Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast

3.5 out of 5
200 Osborne Street St. Marys GA
Spencer House Inn Bed & Breakfast
Riverview Hotel

Riverview Hotel

2.5 out of 5
105 Osborne Street St. Marys GA
Riverview Hotel
Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry

Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry

St Marys GA
Historic 5 Bedroom Home, Walk To Cumberland Island Ferry
Mariners Suites

Mariners Suites

2 out of 5
2343 Village Dr Kingsland GA
Mariners Suites
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

2.5 out of 5
1325 East King Ave. I-95 Exit 3 Kingsland GA
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95
See all 3,929 properties in Cumberland Island National Seashore
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