From Native Americans to intrepid explorers to princes, debtors & robber barons, the Golden Isles welcomes all to find solace and respite in its warm relaxing islands and waterways. The area has seen its share of industry. The earliest settlers set up missionaries to the native Guale, Mocama & Timucua tribes naming main waterways, such as St. Illa (now the Satilla & Little Satilla Rivers) for navigation.
By the late 17th century, the missions withdrew and English settlers (London's debtors/poor) arrived on St. Simons Island & Jekyll. Over the next twenty years, the settlements were decimated by war and disease leaving few behind. Those courageous pioneers launched a new era for the Golden Isles - timbering and plantation. The rich soils created by the maritime forests created an ideal combination. Soon, small - but profitable - plantations dotted the island.
After 1865, economic conditions again changed and the Golden Isles returned to its original profit source - timber. By 1886, America's princes and robber barons discovered the Golden Isles and created their own retreat - Jekyll Island. Created as a private club, its cottage homes and luxurious club house were a well-kept secret until Georgia acquired Jekyll Island in 1947 and declared the island "a playground for the public."
These jewels of the Georgia coastline now boast several luxury resorts - The Cloisters, King & Prince, etc. In 2004, Sea Island hosted the prestigious G-8 summit to great success. The Golden Isles continue to see growth and new industry as another generation of "explorers" discover the hidden gems of the east coast.
The Golden Isles, a Georgia barrier islands community offering homes and real estate on the Georgia coast.