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:
“I ... would rather be in dependance on Great Britain, properly limited, than on any nation upon earth, or than on no nation. But I am one of those too who rather than submit to the right of legislating for us assumed by the British parliament, and which late experience has shewn they will so cruelly exercise, would lend my hand to sink the whole island in the ocean.”
—Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)