We stopped at St. Marys on a whim. We had planned to anchor off Cumberland Island but the night and following day promised rain. A snug marina with a nearby historic village to explore sounded like a better bet. It was a great stop!
The St. Marys Intracoastal Gateway Marina in which we were the only boat provided great service--easy, helpful docking, stable electricity, good water, a powerful pump out system (if you have to ask, don't), a discounted rate, and a free loan of a golf cart for 24 hours. It also offered gorgeous views in three directions. Wow!
The almost adjacent historic village intrigued us. Live oaks rich with Spanish moss lined the streets. Though it was cool and breezy for our visit, they must provide welcome shade in the heat of summer.
And there were buildings that captured the pre-Civil War history of the town. The Federal house below, built in 1801, saw Major Archibald Clark entertaining Aaron Burr as he fled following his duel with Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton, by the way, fascinates the Admiral and she is something of a student of his life and peers.
Clark, Bessent, MacDonald, Nesbitt Federal House Built in 1801
The First Presbyterian Church, built in 1808, not only offers clean sharp architectural lines but still has weekly services. It seems likely that the church was elevated more recently to protect against hurricane flooding.
And Orange Hall, so called for the sour orange trees which used to encircle the property, was built for the Rev. Horace Southworth Pratt. It is a showcase of antebellum life in the Greek Revival style.
St Marys also hosts the Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center and Museum which was sadly closed during our visit as was the Submarine Museum. Hmm, why a sub museum? Turns out Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is located just off the ICW near St. Marys. According to Wikipedia, the base ". . . is the U.S. Atlantic Fleet's home port for U.S. Navy Fleet ballistic missile nuclear submarines capable of being armed with Trident missile nuclear weapons. Who knew?
Related Posts
Great photos. A very good friend commanded the U.S. Submarine fleet. He retired recently with 4 stars.