History

The first Europeans likely were French and Spanish explorers. Spanish missionaries were active in the area, with three missions on St. Simons, but by 1687 the Spanish had withdrawn all of their missions north of St. Augustine. The first permanent English settlement on St. Simons came in 1736, shortly after the founding of Savannah. James Oglethorpe had begun a colony in Georgia "for the settling of the poor persons of London in Savannah" and as a buffer against the Spanish. Oglethorpe founded the fortified town of Frederica on the north end of St. Simons Island. A road was built southward and a battery that was built was named Fort St. Simons. In 1742 a Spanish fleet with 3,000 men from St. Augustine attacked St. Simons from the south. Oglethorpe withdrew his men from the battery back to Frederica. The Spanish were led into an ambush. So many Spaniards were slain that the battle became known as the Battle of Bloody Marsh. Through Oglethorpe's strategic maneuvers, some trickery and the fortuitous appearance of three English ships, the Spanish withdrew, thinking they had been surrounded by a superior force. It was the end of the Spanish presence north of Florida. It meant that the territory of Georgia and northward would be English; the language, the customs, the traditions English, not Spanish.

Why you should go

It's a beautiful beach and golf resort with history, oak-lined lanes dripping with Spanish moss, with excellent restaurants and a world-class resort at nearby Sea Island. There is plenty to see and do, all amid typical barrier island scenery.

Main attractions

* Fort Frederica: Built in 1736 by General Oglethorpe as an outpost and a defense of Savannah. Georgia's fate was decided in 1742 when Spanish and British forces clashed on St. Simons Island. Fort Frederica's troops defeated the Spanish, ensuring Georgia's future as a British colony. It is now a National Monument. http://www.nps.gov/fofr/

* Bloody Marsh Battle Site: The site of a decisive battle between British and Spanish forces. This battle proved to be the turning point in the Spanish influence in Georgia. http://www.nps.gov/fofr/planyourvisit/bloodymarshunit.htm

* The Lighthouse: The first lighthouse was built in 1810, but it was destroyed in 1862 by evacuating Confederate troops. A replacement was built in 1872, a 104-foot tower, which has a 129-step cast iron spiral staircase and an adjacent keeper's house. The lighthouse offers spectacular views of the island and surrounding area. http://www.saintsimonslighthouse.org/lighthouse.html

* Neptune Park Fun Zone: For the kid in all of us, the new recreational complex features a walk-in, multi-purpose pool; children's water park area; miniature golf course, and a brand new playground area as well as a bath house and concession stand. (Open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.) http:/www.glynncounty.org/index.aspx?nid=997

How to get there

It takes a little more than five hours for the 315-mile drive. Flights are available to Brunswick Golden Isles airport.

Links of interest

http://www.goldenislesinfo.com/attractions.html

www.explorestsimonsisland.com

www.stsimonsguide.com

http://www.facebook.com/ComeCoastAwhilePR

Brunswick-Golden Isles Convention and Visitors Bureau: http://www.comecoastawhile.com/static/index.cfm?action=group&contentID=16