Jekyll Island in Glynn County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Poulain du Bignon and du Bignon Burying Ground
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Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 1, 2009
1. Poulain du Bignon and du Bignon Burying Ground Marker
This burying ground contains the bodies of several members of the du Bignon family, descendants of Le Sieur Christophe Poulain de la Houssaye du Bignon, native of Saint-Malo in Brittany. One of four Frenchmen, former residents of Sapelo Island, who purchased Jekyll Island in 1791, Poulain du Bignon became the sole owner a few years later.
In his youth du Bignon was an officer in the French army in India and served for years fighting against the domination of Great Britain. Later he commanded a vessel of war sailing under the French flag. He died in 1814 and was buried here near du Bignon Creek with a live oak tree as his only monument.
Sea Island cotton was the principal crop planted on the du Bignon plantations on Jekyll Island and a large acreage was devoted to its cultivation.
The du Bignon family owned Jekyll Island until 1886, when they sold it to a group of millionaires who immediately formed the famous Jekyll Island Club.
Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 63-18.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1791.
Location.
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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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Tabby (within shouting distance of this marker); Major William Horton (within shouting distance of this marker); Horton House Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Horton House Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Horton House (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Horton House Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker); Le Sieur Christophe Anne Poulain du Bignon (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Horton House Historic Site (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jekyll Island.
Also see . . . Glynn County, Georgia Cemeteries - Du Bignon Family. (Submitted on April 1, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 18, 2009
2. Poulain du Bignon and du Bignon Burying Ground Marker, looking south along Riverview Drive
Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 18, 2009
3. Poulain du Bignon and du Bignon Burying Ground Marker, looking north
Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 18, 2009
4. Du Bignon Burying Ground seen from Riverview Drive
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 1, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,251 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 1, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
