The Attractions And History Of Fernandina Marina On Amelia Island

By Nita McKinney


The Sea Islands are a chain of barrier islands off the southeastern coast of the United States. The islands run from South Carolina to Florida. Among these islands is Amelia Island, 13 miles long by 4 miles wide. The island gets its name from the daughter of King George II of England, Princess Amelia. There are two main communities on the island, Fernandina Beach and Amelia City. At the center of Amelia Island lies Fernandina Marina.

The nickname of Fernandina Beach is the "Isle of Eight Flags, " owing to the eight different nations whose flag has flown over the city at one time or another since the mid-16th century. These countries are Mexico, Great Britain, France, Spain (on two separate occasions), the Green Cross of Florida, the Navy Jack (flag of the Confederacy during the Civil War) and the flag of the United States.

The Port of Fernandina is a natural deep water harbor along a western inlet, about 45 minutes from dockside to open ocean. For a sleepy-looking little island, Fernandina provides terminal services to container lines servicing a number of South American countries, including Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and others. The port also services more than 15 paper and pulp mills dotted around Florida and the southeast.

Fort Clinch is located on a peninsula at the most northern point of Amelia Island. Although the current fortification had not been built until the 1800s, troops have been garrisoned there at various periods since 1736. This is due mostly because of its strategic location with respect to Cumberland Sound and St Marys River.

St Marys River (that's right; spelling it with an apostrophe is actually incorrect) is the southernmost point in the state of Georgia and forms part of its border with Florida. There is actually a real river called the Styx (not to be confused with the mythical boundary between Earth and Hell) from which St Marys River emerges as a tiny stream. Cumberland Sound is a strait between Georgia and Florida that flows into St Marys River (or out of, depending on your prospective).

Fort Clinch, one of the best preserved 19th century fortifications, became part of the Florida state park system in 1935. Visitors may enjoy beachcombing, sunbathing and swimming. There are self-guided nature trails, youth camping facilities and a family campground. Daily tours are conducted of the Fort as are reenactments of how the soldiers lived in the garrison.

The waters off Fort Clinch State Park tend to attract fishermen looking for trout, Sheephead and redfish. At mean tide, when the rocks offshore are awash, the typical catch includes the stripey Sheephead, sometimes as large as 8 pounds or more, and the Fernandina Speckled Sea Trout. The redfish join the party when the rocks are completely submerged at high tide.

For all its peaceful and quiet appearance, Amelia Island is a bustling little place. The houses around Fernandina Marina are expansive and beautiful. The area is also popular with tourists for the outdoor activities and historical interest. The marina itself is kept going by a manager who works full-time with a maintenance engineer, an accountant and four assistant dockmasters.




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