Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters.
In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866.
In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island.
The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.

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SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

St. Marys

Diemchi

AED 265 total

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14 Dec - 15 Dec

Cheerful 2-bedroom 2 bath

Saint Mary's

Anthony C.

AED 1,198 total

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12 Dec - 13 Dec

Stylish, Spacious 3 Bedroom Home - FREE BIKES-

St. Marys

Brandon L.

AED 1,318 total

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15 Dec - 16 Dec

Spark by Hilton Kingsland

Kingsland

Rosemary

AED 317 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

Ocean Cay

Cory

AED 436 total

includes taxes & fees

11 Dec - 12 Dec

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport by IHG

Northside

Janet

AED 367 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Dec - 23 Dec

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island

Ocean Cay

Amy

AED 494 total

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11 Dec - 12 Dec

Best Western Plus Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island

Kenneth j

AED 371 total

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11 Dec - 12 Dec

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Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

10/10 Excellent

"Very clean and quiet so close to the beach!"

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Frequently asked questions

What's St. Marys like for family-friendly vacations?

If you've been thinking about a trip with your kids, the welcoming destination of St. Marys is a good choice. The excursions, island setting, and ferry rides are just some of the things that make this an attractive family vacation spot. Arrange a flight into Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), which is located 18.9 mi (30.5 km) from the city center.

When's the best time to book a family-friendly vacation in St. Marys?

The hottest months are usually July and August with an average temp of 81°F, while the coldest months are January and February with an average of 59°F. Average annual precipitation for St. Marys is 48 inches.

What's there to see and do with your family in St. Marys?

Cumberland Island Ferry, St. Marys Submarine Museum, and Plum Orchard Mansion are interesting attractions you and your family will enjoy exploring while you are staying in St. Marys. Make sure you have lots of time for activities like Camden County Public Library and Chris Gilman Stadium.

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SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

Cheerful 2-bedroom 2 bath

Stylish, Spacious 3 Bedroom Home - FREE BIKES-

Spark by Hilton Kingsland

Courtyard by Marriott Amelia Island

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport by IHG

SpringHill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island

Best Western Plus Jekyll Island

Hampton Inn and Suites Amelia Island Historic Harbor Front

Best Western Plus First Coast Inn & Suites

Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport by IHG

Best Western Plus Jekyll Island

Crowne Plaza Hotel Jacksonville Airport/I-95N by IHG

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Airport

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

Hampton Inn Suites Jacksonville Airport

Riverview Hotel

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