St. Simons Island is the largest and most visited of Georgia's Golden Isles. Its rich history, comfortable climate and premium tourist resorts make it one of the most enticing vacation spots on the Eastern coast.
St. Simons Island is located approximately 12 miles from the city of Brunswick. The island experiences a mild, coastal climate and is often spared the wrath of hurricanes moving up the coast of the Atlantic seaboard.
The first known inhabitants on St. Simons Island were Creek Indians.The first permanent settlements were established by the French, which led to long-term conflict between the Spanish and French over the territory, paving the way for English takeover in the 18th century.
In 1732, King George III granted a colonial charter to James Oglethorpe, establishing the colony of Georgia. In 1736, the colonial town of Frederica and Fort St. Simons were founded on the island.
After the Revolutionary War, St. Simons Island began to attract coastal farmers from South Carolina. The most successful crop on the island was cotton, and the type of cotton grown on St. Simons and the other coastal islands became known as "Sea Island Cotton."
Many islands off of the coast of Georgia and the Carolinas became privately owned in the early 20th century. St. Simons Island remained a part of the state of Georgia, which made it a prime target for resort development, and today, the island hosts several premium resorts, golf courses, bed and breakfasts, and beaches.
