At first, it was the farm and home of John Eugene duBignon. But, with the help of his brother-in-law Newton Finney, it became what Munsey’s Magazine called "the richest, most inaccessible club in the world" – the Jekyll Island Club.
Club members included men such as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, William K. Vanderbilt, and Marshall Field, to name only a few. Members prized the island for its "sense of splendid isolation," as well as its beautiful landscape and moderate climate. At a time when the idea of a modern seaside resort was still a novelty, members experienced levels of luxury and service that were remarkable, even by today’s standards.
Members and their guests enjoyed hunting, horseback riding, skeet shooting, golf, tennis, biking, croquet, lawn bowling, picnics, and carriage rides. Several members built "cottages" which were simple in comparison to structures in their urban areas or Newport Rhode Island. Though designed simply and somewhat eclectically, they certainly met the comfort levels that the members were accustomed to.
In 1972, the Jekyll Island Club was designated as historic by being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additional recognition was gained in 1979 when the National Park Service awarded Landmark status, creating the Jekyll Island Club National Historic Landmark District. By placing the 240-acre site and 33 historic structures into the National Historic Landmark program, the importance of Jekyll Island’s place in American History was recognized.
Today, the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District is a one of the largest, ongoing restoration projects in the southeastern United States. The work to preserve the site has resulted in numerous awards and recognitions, including Jekyll Island being named to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 12 Distinctive Destinations and receiving the 2008 Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Marguerite William Award for Preservation.
Resources
Download a printable PDF map of the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District.
Download a printable PDF list of buildings in the Jekyll Island National Historic Landmark District.
Driving Directions
Take I-95 to exit 29. Follow the signs east on U.S. 17 for approximately 10 miles. Turn right onto the Downing Musgrove Causeway (GA 520). Cross onto Jekyll Island and through the Greeting Station (a parking fee is required). Make the first left (U-turn) and merge to the far right lane. Make a right turn on Riverview Drive, and follow Riverview Drive to the National Historic Landmark District.
Historic Tours
The Jekyll Island Museum offers a variety of historic tours. Learn more...
Historic District Rentals
Using a historic building for your special occasion offers a unique backdrop that cannot be matched. The atmosphere of the Historic District ensures a memorable experience for guests whether it is for a simple meeting, an office retreat, a wedding reception, or a reunion. Rental space is available in the historic district for private events at Faith Chapel, the Jekyll Island Museum building, the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, and at many intimate outdoor settings.
For more information about rentals please call 912-635-4036.
Photo Gallery