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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Top St. Marys Resorts & Hotels with Spas

Couples treatment rooms, body treatments, hydrotherapy

The Villas of Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach

Mary

AED 819 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Nov - 23 Nov

Couples treatment rooms, sauna, body treatments, hydrotherapy

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Amelia City

AED 3,111 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Fernandina Beach

Virginia

AED 819 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

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Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

10/10 Excellent

"The staff was helpful. Breakfast was always filling and hot. It was always quiet in the evening with a comfortable bed. Our room faced east with the ocean view. "

The Villas of Amelia Island

10/10 Excellent

"This place was fantastic. Customer service was amazing. We stayed at one of the villas through the hotel and absolutely loved it. There is a trolley that will pick you up and drop you off anywhere in the resort area promptly and free of charge. Everyone friendly. Clean. Food was amazing. 10/10"

The Inn by Sea Island

10/10 Excellent

"What a great place to stay! I was welcomed by Melissa who was so friendly and helpful. She had me in stitches the whole time. Just a super nice and helpful person! ❤️ Billy was the bartender who made the best drinks. He was also really helpywith his suggestions. I’ll definitely stay here again!!"

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Looking for a spa hotel in St. Marys?

Book one of our wonderful spa hotels and treat yourself from the moment you arrive. Be sure to enjoy the many popular restaurants during your stay. Hotels with spas are the perfect way to break out of your routine and add a layer of luxury to your holiday.

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

Enjoy all that St. Marys has to offer and visit Cumberland Island Ferry, Crooked River State Park, and Cumberland Island National Seashore. If you have extra time while you're in the area, you might want to stop by St. Marys Railroad Museum and St. Marys Submarine Museum.

What is a St. Marys spa hotel?

Spa hotels in St. Marys provide lodging and have a full on-site spa which offers services such as facials and beauty treatments. Some also offer in-room treatments. Spa hotels are great for rest, rejuvenation, and relaxation.

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Top St. Marys Resorts & Hotels with Spas

The Villas of Amelia Island

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Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

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