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History of Amelia Island

Discover the rich history of Amelia Island
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Amelia Island Lighthouse - Beacon of Hope

Few structures can boast a heritage as long and intriguing as the Amelia Island Lighthouse where its light can still be seen 16 miles out at sea. Learn more about the oldest existing lighthouse in the state of Florida.
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Amelia Island Museum of History

Florida's first spoken history museum, offers tours, exhibits, an interactive children's area, and more, providing a fascinating glimpse into the storied past of this legendary island. The storytelling tradition continues with a variety of tours that cater to many interests and age levels.
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A.L. Lewis Museum and American Beach

American Beach is the first stop on Florida’s Black Heritage Trail and home to the continually expanding A.L. Lewis Museum, which features photographs and a filmed tour of the beach by the "The Beach Lady."
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Historic Train Depot - Welcome Center

History abounds when you step inside the old historic train depot at the foot of Centre Street in downtown Fernandina Beach. Now the Amelia Island Welcome Center, our friendly staff will provide you all the info you need on attractions, events, dining and everything "Amelia."
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History Lovers Getaway Itinerary

Escape to an island named for a princess - where Indians roamed, pirates plundered, gilded age millionaires visited and lived, and African-Americans came to play as a refuge from segregation. Welcome to your weekend history lesson.
DISCOVER AMELIA

African American Heritage Itinerary

Take a look back and experience the depth of African-American history and heritage on our storied coast. Let this itinerary inspire you to come and learn, celebrate and memorialize African American history on Amelia Island. 
MEET NANA DUNE

Historic Bed & Breakfasts

Amelia Island's charming bed & breakfast inns are picture perfect in every way with secret gardens, shady courtyards, porch swings and rockers, fountains, stately architecture, and distinctive decor. Each award-winning property offers daily breakfasts, afternoon happy hours, lodging packages, and loads of history.  All are just steps away from bustling downtown Fernandina Beach with restaurants, shops, sightseeing tours, activities and nightlife.
DISCOVER HISTORIC B&B'S

Fort Clinch State Park

This 1,500-acre historic park provides exceptional recreational activities and wildlife viewing. Sixty-nine campsites offer unparalleled overnight Real Florida experiences. Enjoy miles of bicycling on the historic oak-canopy drive, or hiking and biking on the 6-mile multi-use trail. Visit Fort Clinch and step back to 1864, as soldiers reenact life during the Civil War. Three miles of beautiful shoreline for fishing, swimming, wildlife viewing, and shelling.
DISCOVER FORT CLINCH

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Isle of Eight Flags

The Timucuan natives were the first to inhabit these shores, calling the island Napoyca. However, it is the eight official flags that have claimed dominion over this barrier island which has given Amelia Island the moniker “Isle of Eight Flags”.
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10 Facts About African American History in Nassau County

African Americans have played an important part in Amelia Island’s history and continue to shape the future of our community.
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A Right Royal Rebel - Princess Amelia

A formerly British island baptized in the hope of currying favor from a King, Amelia Island still carries the name of the Princess who never saw it. Discover the hidden history of a most original royal.
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Hauntingly Good Times On Amelia Island And Beyond

On an island that's history includes pirates, bootleggers and other ne'er-do-wells, you can bet that there's a spooky side to our storied coast. Get into the Halloween spirit with ghost tours, unique things to do, and creepy places to visit on and nearby Amelia Island. Read on ... if you dare.
IF YOU DARE

The Victorian Era and Merry Ole Amelia

With so many ties to Britain and the Victorian era, it seemed fitting that the Dickens on Centre festival was created and that each December our sleepy seaport village is transformed into a spectacular Victorian atmosphere that even ole Ebenezer would love!
JOLLY GOOD

Unique Amelia Island Museums

The only place in America that has belonged to eight different flags, Amelia Island has plenty of stories to tell. Take a break from outdoor fun and take in these unique museums, featuring everything from pinball to pirates.
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Island Spotlight: Meet Ron Miller of Coast One Tours

One of the most fascinating chapters in Amelia Island's history takes place in and around American Beach on the island's south end. In addition to the A.L. LEWIS MUSEUM, folks can also take a step back in time with Ron Miller, tour guide extraordinaire and owner of COAST ONE TOURS, whose mission is to "Educate and share the History of how and why American Beach was founded".
MEET RON

Along the way, Amelia Island has drawn lively characters including adventurers, pirates, princesses, robber barons and artists of all varieties.

Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach

50 blocks of charm await in Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach, an enchanting Victorian seaport village.

The Real Treasure Island

Amelia Island's geography set the stage for its' destiny as a maritime magnet for all kinds of adventurers.

Palace Saloon - Ghost of Charlie

The oldest bar in the state of Florida isn't still operating without a few good stories to tell.

Wild-Caught Amelia

Amelia Island history and the shrimping industry are connected as intertwined as the weave of a perfectly fashioned net.

Meet Me on American Beach

One of the most fascinating chapters in the story of Amelia Island, American Beach came to be through the efforts of Florida's first African American millionaire, Abraham Lincoln Lewis.

Spirits of Amelia Island

Home to Florida's oldest saloon and a modern-day distillery, Amelia Island's lively spirits are ready to welcome you for a fall getaway where you tour local haunts.

Photos From Our Visitors!

Located just off the coast of northeast Florida, Amelia Island is easy to reach, but hard to forget. With 13 miles of beautiful beaches, abundant native wildlife, and pristine waters, this barrier island has long been a beloved destination for visitors and residents alike.