St. Simons Island in Glynn County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Old Spanish Garden

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 20, 2008

1. Old Spanish Garden Marker

Inscription.
Spain maintained missions along this coast for more than a century. Beginning in 1568 Jesuit and, later, Franciscan missionaries labored to Christianize the Indians and cultivated in the mission gardens figs, peaches, oranges and other plants introduced from Europe. Due to Indian uprisings, pirate raids and British depredations these missions were removed further south in 1686.

A map of St, Simons Island made in 1739 by Capt. John Thomas, engineer in Oglethorpe`s Regiment, locates an "Old Spanish Garden" near this site. In this area materials from the Spanish mission period have been found.

Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 063-6.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Horticulture & Forestry • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1568.

Location. 31° 8.118′ N, 81° 23.416′ W. Marker is on St. Simons Island, Georgia, in Glynn County. It is at the intersection of Demere Road and Ocean Boulevard, on the right when traveling north on Demere Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Saint Simons Island GA 31522, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Coastal Plain, on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles,

and on the Sea Islands.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Delegal's Fort (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fort Saint Simons (about 700 feet away); Couper's Point (approx. 0.2 miles away); Welcome to St. Simons Light! (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort St. Simons (approx. 0.2 miles away); Keepers of the Light (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fort St. Simons (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic St. Simons Lighthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Simons Island.

Old Spanish Garden Marker with Ocean Boulevard in the background image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008

2. Old Spanish Garden Marker with Ocean Boulevard in the background

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,723 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 13, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.