You can’t get there in a car or, for that matter, anything other than a boat or a plane. Sapelo Island is a little jewel of history and beauty, quietly sitting within marsh waterways on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The seven mile trip is easily made by catching the ferry in McIntosh County at the Sapelo Island Visitor’s Center.
The R.J. Reynolds Mansion, now a state owned park, offers a look back into a bygone era.
Originally built by Thomas Spalding in 1810 it served as his family’s residence until Union invaders wrecked havoc on Sapelo Island during the Civil War. The orginal home, built of “Tabby” the native construction material made of shells, lime and water did not stand the test of time and was bought by automobile magnet Howard Coffin in 1910.
He rebuilt the house, adding a lovely arbored area just off to the side of the main property that reminds me of the Giverny Gardens so artfully painted by Monet during the Impressionist Era in France.
One cannot wander through the property that was then bought by tobacco heir, R.J. Reynolds, in 1934, and not think of the slate of illustrious guests he entertained during the mansions’s heyday. Charles Lindbergh visited the island as a personal friend of Reynold’s as well as other famous personalities and a whole list of American Presidents who have walked through the halls of this beautiful structure. For more information on the Mansion: http://gastateparks.org/lodges/reynolds/about/
Nestled among all of the history that dates back to the days when pirates are said to have invaded the island, through the Civil War and days when industrial magnates sought privacy on Sapelo is a community name Hogs Hammock. The community is filled with descendants of slaves who served the Spalding family when they built the original mansion.
Rich in history, filled with natural beauty and remaining a haven for those who visit and return year after year to stay at the Mansion or see the annual Christmas Decorations and enjoy a delicious lunch. You can find out about reservations here: http://gastateparks.org/reynoldsmansion-holidaycelebration.
Sapelo Island remains an important piece of Georgia’s history that I hope you’ll visit. You might want to take your parasol for summer shade or wear your finest winter wrap when visiting in winter months…..you won’t feel out of place!
