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

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Top St. Marys Hotel Reviews

The Villas of Amelia Island

10/10 Excellent

"Clean room, beautiful view, responsive staff."

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

10/10 Excellent

"This place is truly lovely. The woman who checked us in was very friendly and accommodating. The grounds are beautiful and meticulously maintained. I wish it had been warmer during our visit so I could have enjoyed the lovely pool. They may want to have a gentle conversation with the cleaning staff as the bathroom sink was full of dirty water when we arrived. I don’t get the impression that this is a serious issue with this hotel though, given the overall very good condition of the grounds and facilities. We will definitely be back. "

Frequently asked questions

What is St. Marys like for travelers on a budget?

St. Marys offers a variety of cheap accommodations and places to visit, making it a budget-friendly vacation choice. You can find ways to save money while getting to know this destination, which is home to attractions like Cumberland Island Ferry, Crooked River State Park, and Cumberland Island National Seashore.

When is the best time for a budget trip to St. Marys?

Weather is probably a major factor when you plan your trip to St. Marys, and keep in mind that cheaper options are usually available when the weather isn't as good. 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 is there to see and do in St. Marys?

St. Marys is known for its dining options and offers things to see and do without spending a fortune. You can budget for the local attractions that interest you most, and then plan some activities that cost little or nothing at all. Explore and snap photos of landmarks like St. Marys Railroad Museum, or enjoy the outdoors at Crooked River State Park and Fernandina Beach Main Beach Park.

How can I get to St. Marys and get around on a budget?

Checking out these ways to get around St. Marys can help keep you on budget. The nearest airport is Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), situated 18.9 mi (30.5 km) away. If that doesn't suit your budget, you can arrange flights in and out of Jacksonville, FL (CRG-Jacksonville Executive at Craig), which is 28.6 mi (46.1 km) away. You can take a ferry across the water to see more of the region.

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