Amelia Island Florida Visitor Guide 2009 - (Page 10) Historical Attractions Indians, pirates, and soldiers are among the colorful cast of characters that have formed a rich history on Amelia Island. Photo by Emilie Pennington A melia Island offers visitors 4,000 years of history in a setting as charming as the day it was founded. From ancient maritime forests to a Victorian Seaside village – Amelia Island’s deep southern roots and storied past have been well preserved. The Amelia Island Museum of History, the first spoken history museum in Florida, has an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from every era in the history of the famous “Isle of Eight Flags”. (No other place in America has served under as many national flags.) Located in the historic jailhouse, the museum offers a wide range of exhibits, activities, and special events. Museum docents also offer guided tours. The Downtown Fernandina Beach Historic District has been the island’s hub of shopping, dining, and nightlife for almost 200 years. The neighborhood still reflects Amelia Island’s “golden era” with well-preserved Victorian architecture. Stop by the Chamber of Commerce Visitors’ Center, located in the historic Train Depot at 102 Centre Street, to pick up a self- guided walking tour or find trolley tours, horse-drawn carriage rides, historic boat tours, and more. Fort Clinch State Park is home to a historical military fort that was built in 1847 on a site that had been continuously occupied by military troops since 1736. It provided a safe haven for soldiers during the Civil War and was occupied by confederate troops. Costumed reenactors give visitors a first-hand look at life there during the Civil War. American Beach, located on the southern end of the island, was a popular vacation spot during segregation as one of the few beaches on the East Coast that African Americans were free to enjoy. During its heyday it was a vacation hot spot. Ray Charles, Zora Neale Hurston, and Hank Aaron are among the icons that frequented the beach. Fort George Cultural State Park & Timucuan Preserve lies just a few miles south of Amelia Island. The nature preserve and educational center explores many eras of history – starting with the first inhabitants – the Timucuan Indians. The Ribault Club, located on this site, acts as a welcome center and displays artifacts from this ancient civilization. The club is a historical attraction in itself – built in 1928 as an elite resort. Also on the preserve is The Kingsley Plantation, a restored 1814 plantation that is open for tours. 10 Photo by Sandra Baker-Hinton
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