Amelia Island is one of the last or southernmost parts of the island chain in the southeast of the United States.
It is also known as the Isle Of Eight Flags because the island at one time or another was ruled by eight different flags.
The history goes back in time to who controlled the island when the king of England claimed ownership and it was named after his daughter.
King George II named the island after Princess Amelia.
The island changed the hands of many in colonial times.
The flags that flew over the island at one time or another were the French, Spanish, British, Floridian/Patriot, Green Cross, Mexican, Confederate, and the United States.
The American Indian bands associated with the Timucua people settled on the island around 1000.
They remained there until the early 18th century.
In 1562 the French Huguenot explorer Jean Ribualt was the first recorded visitor on the island named Napoyca.
In 1565 the Spanish attacked and killed the French troops along with Jean Ribault and took control of the island.
Georgia’s founder and colonial governor renamed this island “Amelia Island” in honor of Princess Amelia Daughter of King George II of Britain.
Although it was still a Spanish possession the Governor successfully negotiated with Spanish colonial officials for the island to be transferred to British sovereignty.
The island has become a place for people to come and relax on vacations which helps the local economy thrive.
It is known for its local seafood which has many varieties of seafood.
Shrimp is one of the well-known species that are plentiful.
Every year the Shrimp Festival goes on in early spring.
Which came about with captains racing shrimp boats and turned into an arts and crafts festival with lots of local seafood to be attained.
It is also known for the charitable event Concours D’ Elegance which is an automotive history of restored Cars of all types from old cars to elegant sports cars.
The island is growing fast and the feeling of the old hometown is slipping into the past from all the growth.
There are plenty of golf courses to play on and you don’t have to travel far.
Downtown has been kept to historical buildings with a Mayberry type of effect.
There are lots of places to eat delicious food and enjoy the atmosphere of small-town friendliness.
Fort Clinch is a state park well worth visiting for nature lovers plus it has an awesome view of the ocean.
When you get to the island life seems to calm down which I think is therapeutic relaxation. Which we all need in life these days!