St. Simons Island in Glynn County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
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[The Tabby House]
Photographed by Tracy Andersen Roberts, April 11, 2025
1. The Tabby House Marker
The Tabby House, built in 1805, was one of eight slave cabins belonging to Retreat Plantation. This is its original location.
A major renovation some years ago followed original construction methods. Tabby, then, was a type of concrete made by burning oyster shells to create lime; mixing the lime with water, sand, ash, and broken shells; pouring or tamping this mix into wooden forms, and as needed, built upwards in layers as walls. The exterior was normally protected with a coating of stucco, while plaster was applied to the interior walls. And, finally, the exterior was scored to resemble stone.
For over 65 years Tabby House has been home to several privately owned retail shops.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1805.
Location. 31° 9.539′ N, 81° 23.325′ W. Marker is on St. Simons Island, Georgia, in Glynn County. It is at the intersection of Frederica Road and Demere Road, on the right when traveling north on Frederica Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1550 Frederica Road, 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. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Slave Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Bloody Marsh
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is located on the south side of the building to the left of the entry door.
Also see . . .
1. Retreat Plantation.
The plantation was adjoined by another aptly named New Field, line with a street of tabby cabins for the field hands. One cabin is still standing at the intersection of Frederica and Demere Roads, converted into a gift shop, and named, "The Tabby House."(Submitted on April 15, 2025, by Tracy Andersen Roberts of Atlanta, Georgia.)
2. Retreat Plantation Tabby.
One remaining tabby slave cabin, located on Frederica Rd., has been restored and turned into a gift shop.(Submitted on April 15, 2025, by Tracy Andersen Roberts of Atlanta, Georgia.)
Photographed by Tracy Andersen Roberts, November 4, 2025
2. The Tabby House Marker
3. Tabby.
In 1736 Oglethorpe began advocating its use on St. Simons Island, which contained acres of Indian middens, or piles of oyster shells. He even built himself a tabby house near Fort Frederica.(Submitted on April 15, 2025, by Tracy Andersen Roberts of Atlanta, Georgia.)
Photographed by Tracy Andersen Roberts, November 4, 2025
3. The Tabby House Marker
Photographed by Tracy Andersen Roberts, November 4, 2025
4. The Tabby House and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 15, 2025, by Tracy Andersen Roberts of Atlanta, Georgia. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 56 times this year. Last updated on April 18, 2025, by Tracy Andersen Roberts of Atlanta, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 15, 2025, by Tracy Andersen Roberts of Atlanta, Georgia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
