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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Best St. Marys Beach Hotels

Riverview Hotel

St. Marys

Rose

includes taxes & fees

9 Dec - 10 Dec

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

St. Marys

Diemchi

includes taxes & fees

14 Dec - 15 Dec

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn

St. Marys

Susan

includes taxes & fees

7 Dec - 8 Dec

Cumberland Queen Cottage

St Marys

Tyra M.

Large custom home with pool centrally located to beaches, parks, and family fun.

St. Marys

Hollie H.

The Federal Quarters

St Marys

david m.

Coastal Retreat in St. Marys

St. Marys

Sophie Z.

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Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

10/10 Excellent

"Staff was great especially Mike the shuttle driver. Breakfast was yummy and i ate to much because of it."

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

10/10 Excellent

"This is a fabulous resort with outstanding service, gorgeous views and beautifully decorated for the holidays. The grounds are large and have everything right there from shops to a variety of restaurants to 18 hole putt putt golf all in walking distance. My family and I will be back. "

Frequently asked questions

What is St. Marys like for travellers who love the beach?

Known for its island views and restaurants, St. Marys offers a lot for the traveller planning a getaway.

When's the best time for a beach holiday in St. Marys?

Plan your trip to the beach with this snapshot of year-round temperatures in St. Marys: The hottest months are usually July and August, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 15°C. Average annual precipitation for St. Marys is 1224 mm.

What is there to see and do around St. Marys?

After getting settled at your accommodation of choice, you'll likely want to venture out and explore. Beach lovers can head straight to Fernandina Beach or American Beach for some quality time by the water. Discover the area's island views and restaurants, and make time for local attractions such as Cumberland Island Ferry and Crooked River State Park. For even more to see and do, pay a visit to Cumberland Island National Seashore or St. Marys Railroad Museum.

What's the best way to get to my beach hotel in St. Marys?

This travel information can help you get to and around your beach accommodation in St. Marys with ease. To get to St. Marys, book a flight to Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), the closest major airport, which is located 18.9 mi (30.5 km) from the city centre. You can catch a ferry to see more of the region.

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Beach Hotels & Resorts in St. Marys from AU$109

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Check availability on St. Marys Beach Hotels

Best St. Marys Beach Hotels

Riverview Hotel

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn

Cumberland Queen Cottage

Large custom home with pool centrally located to beaches, parks, and family fun.

The Federal Quarters

Coastal Retreat in St. Marys

Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Place Jacksonville Airport

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

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Jacksonville Airport by IHG

Best Western Plus Jekyll Island

The Villas of Amelia Island

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Omni Amelia Island Resort & Spa

The Inn by Sea Island

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