Amelia Island is one of the southernmost of the Sea Islands, a chain of barrier islands that stretches along the east coast of the United States from South Carolina to Florida. It is 13 miles (21 km) long and approximately 4 miles (6 km) wide at its widest point. Amelia Island is situated off the coast in Nassau County, Florida, south of Cumberland Island, Georgia. Fernandina Beach and Amelia City are both located on the island.
Named for Princess Amelia, daughter of George II of Great Britain, Amelia Island is rich in history and tradition. The island has frequently changed possession. During its long history it has been under eight different flags – French, Spanish, British, Patriot, Green Cross, Mexican, Confederate, and United States – the only location in the United States to have done so.
Famous quotes containing the word island:
“An island always pleases my imagination, even the smallest, as a small continent and integral portion of the globe. I have a fancy for building my hut on one. Even a bare, grassy isle, which I can see entirely over at a glance, has some undefined and mysterious charm for me.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)