Georgia’s largest barrier island has a long and complicated history. The island traded hands many times across centuries, from Indigenous settlers to Spanish explorers, from raiding pirates to British colonialists. By the 19th century, the United States had taken ownership of the island and brought hundreds of slaves across it to private estates.

Things began to change in 1972, when Congress, urged by a coalition of local and state conservation organizations, created the Cumberland Island National Seashore. Trust For Public Land worked with the National Park Service to acquire and protect 2,200 acres of land on the island—kicking off decades of work that led to what Cumberland Island is today. The seashore includes over 9,000 acres of protected land, filled with pristine maritime forests, undeveloped beaches, and wide-open marshes. Wildlife flourishes here as well, including white-tailed deer, nine-banded armadillos, wild boars, feral hogs, American alligators, and more.

Meanwhile, Georgians and other visitors finally get to enjoy this island for what is is: a gorgeous, public site for outdoor recreation. Boating, birding, camping, and biking are primary attractions. but simply being on Cumberland Island is an experience on its own. It’s one of Georgia’s most precious natural places, and TPL intends to keep it that way for years to come.