Cumberland Island National Seashore

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Cumberland Island National Seashore
IUCN category II (national park)
Map showing the location of Cumberland Island National Seashore
Location Camden County, Georgia, USA
Nearest city St. Marys, Georgia
Coordinates 30°50′0″N 81°27′0″W / 30.83333°N 81.45000°W / 30.83333; -81.45000Coordinates: 30°50′0″N 81°27′0″W / 30.83333°N 81.45000°W / 30.83333; -81.45000
Area 36,415.39 acres (147.3679 km2)
18,700.34 acres (75.6776 km2) federal
Established October 23, 1972
Visitors 40,291 (in 2005)
Governing body National Park Service

Cumberland Island National Seashore preserves most of Cumberland Island in Camden County, Georgia, the largest of Georgia's Golden Isles. The seashore features beaches and dunes, marshes, and freshwater lakes. In addition to the natural features, the seashore includes some historic properties, such as the ruins of Dungeness and the Plum Orchard estate.

Marsh on Cumberland Island, nearby Plum Orchard

The island is only accessible by boat. The visitor center and boat access to the island are located in the town of St. Marys, Georgia. Public access via the ferry is limited, reservations are recommended. Camping is allowed in the seashore. The 9,886-acre (40.01 km2) Cumberland Island Wilderness is part of the seashore.

Contents

Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum

The Cumberland Island National Seashore Museum is located in St. Marys, Georgia on the mainland entrance to the seashore, across from the park's visitor center. Exhibits focus on the island's natural and cultural history, including the Timucua Indians, cotton plantations that were established by American Revolutionary hero General Nathaniel Greene and cotton-gin inventor Eli Whitney, the history of the ruined mansion Dungeness and the Plum Orchard estate, and area activities during the War of 1812. The museum is staffed by volunteers and is open on weekday afternoons.

Administrative history

The national seashore was authorized by Congress on October 23, 1972, and is administered by the National Park Service. The wilderness area was designated on September 8, 1982.

See also

References

External links