Whitemarsh Island in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Coastal Georgia Barrier Islands
Georgia's coast stretches for approximately 100 miles from the Savannah River in the north to the St. Marys River in the south.
Separating the mainland from the Atlantic Ocean is a series of barrier islands. These islands are several miles offshore and connected to the mainland through a vast series of marshlands, tidal creeks, streams, and sounds. Thriving in the nutrient-rich waters of the estuaries between the mainland and the barrier islands, these marshlands have been identified as one of the most extensive and productive marshland systems in the United States.
Coastal Marshlands Protection Act
The Coastal Marshlands Protection Act of 1970 protects any marshland intertidal area, mud flat, tidal water bottom, or salt marsh within the estuarine area of the state. The estuarine areas are all tidally influenced waters, marshes and marshland lying within a specific tide-elevation range. Permits are required for any activity altering this area and are reviewed by the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee for approval or denial based on their environmental impacts.
The general boundaries of this protected area
this page online
Shore Protection Act
The Shore Protection Act of 1979 protects the submerged shoreline lands extending seaward for three miles and to the landward boundary of the dynamic dune fields. Permits are required for any activity altering this area and are reviewed by the Shore Protection Committee for approval or denial based on their environmental impacts.
The general boundaries of this area, known as the sand sharing system, are shown in dark brown for coastal sand bars and beach. The light brown area denotes sandbars and shoals.
Colonial Coast Birding Trail
Visitors have the opportunity to view birds in their natural habitat at the 18 sites along the birding trail. For a map or more information call (478) 994-1438.
Savannah River
This 300-mile river forms at the confluence of the Seneca and Tugaloo Rivers near Hartwell, Georgia. It possesses some wild sections while other areas are maintained for commercial use. Excellent canoeing, fishing, and boating.
Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
This 27,771 acre refuge
City of Savannah
Georgia's first city was founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe. His plan for the city remains unchanged and includes the largest National Historic District in the United States. The waterfront is renovated with shops, taverns, restaurants, hotels, and promenades.
Old Fort Jackson
Georgia's oldest standing fort. For information call (912) 232-3945.
Fort Pulaski National Monument
This fort offers a museum, picnic area, trail, and Civil War demonstrations. For information call (912) 786-5787.
Ogeechee River
This 245 mile long river begins in Greene County with rocky shoals and gives way to blackwater cypress swamps and coastal marshes before emptying into the Ossabaw Sound, 15 miles south of Savannah.
Canoochee River
This 85 mile long blackwater stream is the principal tributary of the Ogeechee River and originates in the Upper Coastal Plain southwest of the Ogeechee River. The Canoochee River joins the Ogeechee about 35 miles above its mouth.
Oatlands Island Education Center
One of the leading environmental education centers in south Georgia. For more information call (912) 898-3980.
Skidaway Institute of Oceanography & UGA Marine Extension Center
The facility offers maritime research and education programs with aquariums and exhibits. For more information call (912) 698-3474.
Skidaway Island State Park
This Park offers picnicking, camping, swimming pool, and nature trails. For more information call (912) 598-2300.
Tybee Island
A developed island with residential, commercial and publicly owned property. It offers public beaches, fishing piers, boating access, and historic sites suchas the Tybee Lighthouse and Museum. For information call (912) 786-6538.
Little Tybee Island Complex
State owned and managed as a Heritage Preserve. Accessible to public with some restrictions. No facilities available.
Richmond Hill State Fish Hatchery
The hatchery is part of a state fish-stocking program, which includes a warm water hatchery for private ponds and a striped bass hatchery for public waters. Call (912) 756-3691 for information.
Richmond Hill State Park & Fort McAllister Historic Site
This area offers picnicking, camping, fishing and boating access. For more information contact (912) 727-2339.
Midway Church and Cemetery
Established by Puritans in 1792, the cemetery contains characters from Robert Manson Myers' book "Children of Pride."
Wassaw Island National Wildlife Refuge
Designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1969, the 10,070 acres include beaches with rolling dunes, live oak and slash pine woodlands, and vast salt marshes. Access is by private or charter boat for day-use only. Call (912) 652-4415 for Refuge information.
Ossabaw Island State Heritage Preserve
Designated in 1978 as Georgia's first Heritage Preserve under the Heritage Trust Act of 1975. Extensive research, education, and scientific study take place on the island. Public educational opportunities available. Seasonal deer and feral hog hunts by permit only. Access is by private or charter boat. For more information call (912) 262-3173.
Midway Museum
A plantation house built as a living history museum depicts life in the 1800's. For information call (912) 884-5837.
Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge
First established as a migratory bird refuge, the 2,762 acre site became a National Wildlife Refuge in 1962. The refuge's freshwater impoundments provide an important wintering site for migratory birds as well as a rookery site for the endangered wood stork, and roosting and feeding areas for waterfowl and wading birds. Call (912) 652-4415 for information.
Altahama River Scenic Buffer
A 300 foot wide section of non-contiguous property including both sides of the Altahama River for a 25 mile stretch were donated to the state. The swamps and upland hammocks offer good camping, fishing, and canoeing. Buffer lands are open for the statewide hunting seasons with a WMA stamp. Access is available from boating ramps in Wayne, McIntosh, Long, and Glynn counties.
Altahama River
From where the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers merge near Lumber City, the Altahama River flows 137 miles through hardwood forests, cypress, swamps, and tidal marshes, providing excellent fish and wildlife habitat. More fresh water flows into the Atlantic from the Altahama than from any other river in the Southeastern United States. A large portion of the Altahama is under the management of the Nature Conservancy.
Fort King George
Georgia's first fort - built in 1721. The site features a museum with slide shows and historical reenactments. Located south of the city of Darien on the Darien River, Fort King George served as a southeastern military fort for Britain's Colonial Empire in America. For more information call (912) 437-4770.
City of Darien
Founded by Scotsman in 1736, Fort Darien was established under the direction of General James Oglethrope. Despite being burned by Sherman's troops and devastated by the hurricane of 1898, Darien flourished as a world leader in lumber exports in the 1800's. The city then turned to the seafood industry and retains one of Georgia's largest commercial fishing fleets.
Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation
This plantation produced rice and then milk until 1942. In 1973, the plantation was willed to the State of Georgia. For information call (912) 264-7333.
City of Brunswick
Named in honor of George II, King of England, from the houses of Hanover and Brunswick, Brunswick's streets and squares were laid out on Oglethorpe's Savannah Plan in 1771. George Washington proclaimed Brunswick one of the five original ports of entry for the Colonies in 1789. Today, Brunswick is nurtured by an ongoing revitalization and restoration program for Georgia's second largest concentration of historic structures.
Altahama State Waterfowl Management Area
This 29,278 acre state-run area includes extensive stands of mature and relict virgin Bald Cypress. The area is a prime location for canoeing, boating, fishing, and camping. Seasonal hunting of waterfowl, birds, small game, feral hogs and deer by permit only. For more information call (912) 262-3173.
Paulk's Pasture Wildlife Management Area
This 16,839 acres offers excellent seasonal small game hunting with a permit. For more information call (912) 262-3173.
Department of Natural Resources Coastal Headquarters
This building houses:
Coastal Resources Division (912) 264-7218This location has information, research, literature, hunting and fishing licenses, hunting permit applications, and boat registration. There is also a nature trail that winds through marsh and woodland areas of the coast. The building is open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri. The trail is open seven days a week.
District Office, Wildlife Resources Division, Law Enforcement (912) 264-7237
Non-game Wildlife and Natural Heritage Section (912) 264-7355
Environmental Protection Division (912) 264-7284
Parks and Historic Sites (912) 262-3180
Game Management (912) 262-3173
Satilla River
The Satilla River rises in the middle of South Georgia in Ben Hill and Coffee Counties. It flows east-southeast for 260 miles of blackwater and white sandbars. The Satilla offers excellent canoeing, boating, fishing, and camping.
Crooked River State Park
This park offers picnicking, camping, swimming pool, boat access, and nature trails. For information call (912) 882-5256.
City of St. Marys
This city was settled in 1755 by Arcadians from Nova Scotia, Canada. James Finley laid out the plans for the city based on a grid pattern similar to Savannah and Brunswick. Today it includes the St. Marys Historical District listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
St. Mary's River
This South Georgia river rises in the southeast corner of the Okefenokee Swamp and flows eastward. Forming part of the boundary between Georgia and Florida, the St. Marys River is 125 miles of blackwater, white sandbars, and wild surroundings, which provide excellent opportunities for canoeing, fishing, boating, and camping.
St. Catherines Island Sandbar
State natural area. Closed to the public to protect nesting and migratory birds.
St. Catherines Island
Inhabited for at least 4000 years. St. Catherines was home to Button Gwinnett, Georgia's first governor and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house he lived in. The Button-Gwinnett House, remains intact on the island. Today, this privately owned island is administered by the St. Catherines Island Foundation, Inc. and is involved with rare and endangered wildlife breeding and zoological research. The American Museum of Natural History through the Edward John Nobel Foundation administers the research activities. This island is not open to the public.
Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary
Gray's Reef, designated a National Marine Sanctuary in 1981, contains one of the largest near-shore, live-bottom reefs off the Southeastern United States, encompassing approximately 17 square nautical miles. The sanctuary supports an abundant reef fish and invertebrate community. Loggerhead sea turtles, a threatened species, use Gray's Reef year-found for foraging and resting. the ref rests within the known winter calving ground for the highly endangered northern right whale and is located 17 nautical miles east of Sapelo Island. For more information call (912) 598-2345.
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge
This 5,618 acre federally owned island was designated a National Wildlife Refuge in 1941. In 1975, 3,000 acres of the Refuge were designated a National Wilderness. Wlidlife observation, especially birdwatching, is excellent throughout the year. Engangered & threatened species on the Refuge include: American alligator, Bald Eagle, Peregrine falcon, loggerhead sea turtle, wood stork, and piping plover. Access is by private or charter boat. Day use only. For more information call (912) 652-4415.
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve
This state owned island, accessible only by ferry, is part of a system of federal reserves established for estuarine research and education. Tours highlight the natural and cultural history of the island. Hog Hammock, a working historic community on the island, and University of Georgia Marine Institute are also part of the tour. For public tour details and reservations, call the Sapelo Island Visitor Center (912) 437-3224. For information on group tour programs, call the SINERR Education Office (912) 485-2300.
R.J. Reynolds State Wildlife Refuge - Seasonal deer hunts by permit only (912) 262-3173
University of Georgia's Marine Institute - Research and education housed in the R.J. Reynolds Estate.
R.J. Reynolds Mansion & Cabretta Campground - Call (912) 485-2299 for camping information.
Wolf Island National Wildlife Refuge & National Wilderness
Deisgnated a National Wilderness Area in 1975. The island is a haven for migratory birds. During spring migration, thousands of birds use the island, including terns, gulls, skimmers, sandpipers, and plovers. All beach, marsh, and upland areas are closed to the public. For more information call (912) 652-4415.
Egg Island Bar Natural Area
State natural area. No public access. Protected for nesting and migratory birds.
Little St. Simons Island
This privately owned island offers lodging, guided fly fishing trips, hunting, horseback riding and nature tours. Access is by reservation only. For information call (912) 638-7472.
Pelican Spit Natural Area
Limited public access. No dogs allowed. Protected for beach nesting and migratory birds.
Sea Island
Development of this resort and residential island was begun in 1928 by auto magnate Howard Coffin. The beach resort offers golf, tennis, swimming, horseback riding and other activities. Access is by the Sea Island Causeway. There is no public access to the beach.
St. Simons Island
A developed island with residential, commercial, and publicly owned property. It offers public parks, beaches and fishing piers, as well as golf, tennis, and boating. Access is by the F.J. Torras Causeway. Historic sites on the island include:
Fort Frederica National Monument - Founded in 1734, the Fort was established by General James Oglethorpe to guard against the Spanish militia. For more information call (912) 638-3639.
Battle of Bloody Marsh - British vicotry at the battle site in 1742 ended the threat of a Spanish invasion into the Georgia colony.
Christ Church - Stepped in history and made famous by Eugenia Price in her "Lighthouse" series, the church was originally built in 1820 and rebuilt in 1889. For more information call (912) 638-8683.
St. Simons Lighthouse & Museum - First built in 1810 and re-built in 1872, the St. Simons Lighthouse is one of the nation's oldest continuously lighthouses. For information call (912) 638-4666.
Jekyll Island
This state owned island is a unique blend of private homes, hotels, a campground, and restaurants. It offers golf, tennis, swimming, sailing, fishing, bicycling and historic Millionaires Village site. Access is by the Jekyll Island Causeway. For information call (912) 635-3636. Jekyll Island is also the site of nightly sea turtle educational tours, June - mid August. For tour reservations call (912) 635-2284.
Little Cumberland Island
This privately owned island is accessible by members of the homeowners association only. It is home to one of the oldest loggerhead sea turtle research projects in the world.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
This federally owned island is run by the National Park Service and has back country camping and developed sites for one day or extended trips. It also offers hiking, swimming, fishing, crabbing, nature walks and guided historical tours. For information call (912) 882-4336. Historic sites include:
Plum Orchard Built in 1898 for the Carnegie family. After hosing many extravagant parties in the early 1900's it was donated to the National Park Foundation in 1970 and transferred to the National Seashore in 1972.
Stafford The original plantation, owned by Robert Stafford, was destroyed by fire and replaced by the Carnegie family.
Greyfield Inn Original home of Margaret Carnegie. Today the Inn offers lodging and meals to guests by reservation only. For information call (904) 261-6408.
Dungeness Site includes ruins from the Carnegie mansion built by THomas and Lucy Carnegie.
Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway
Flowing 138 miles this maintained waterway of protected waters stretches from the Savanna River down to the Cumberland Sound.
Erected by Coastal Resources Division, Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.
Location. 32° 2.858′ N, 81° 1.222′ W. Marker is on Whitemarsh Island, Georgia, in Chatham County. It can be reached from Barley Drive west of Sandtown Road, on the left when traveling west. The marker stands on the grounds of Oatlands Island Wildlife Center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31410, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Coastal Plain, on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles, in Greater Savannah, and on the Sea Islands. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, and on the Eastern Seaboard. 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: Ossabaw Island Hog (approx. 0.2 miles away); Delk-Dawson Heritage Homestead (approx. Ό mile away); Cane Boiler (approx. Ό mile away); Cane Grinder (approx. Ό mile away); The Delk Cabin (approx. Ό mile away); American Bison (approx. Ό mile away); The Story of the American Bison (approx. Ό mile away); a different marker also named The American Bison (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Whitemarsh Island.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 16 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
