Once called “the back door to America,” Amelia Island’s hidden history is rich with pirate gold, lost galleons, and the dreams of colorful characters.  Discover the true story that is as incredible and entertaining as anything Hollywood could dream up.

Working in association with the Amelia Island Museum Of History and the now closed Maritime Museum Of Amelia Island that once served as a spot where visitors could dive into the rich maritime history of the island, Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau produced a short film which spotlights experiences on this hidden gem of a barrier island. “This island has more history than anywhere else in the United States” says Travis Cloyd, a 6th generation Amelia Islander.

“Amelia Island’s natural deep-water harbor was very attractive to conquerors”, Thea Seagraves, Education Director of the Amelia Island Museum Of History explains. “The island itself was named for a British Princess, Amelia, daughter of King George II and it is the only place in America to have been under eight different flags – or you can even look at it as eight different sovereigns.”  

And those flags don’t even include the Jolly Roger. According to Billy Taylor, past Director of The Maritime Museum, “Amelia Island was just a hotspot for pirates including famous ones like Blackbeard … and pirates stayed close to their treasure.”

While pirates get most of the press, what many don’t know is that, in the 1930’s, Ernest Hemmingway and many of the world’s wealthiest people flocked to Amelia Island on their yachts in search of treasure drawn by the stories of the writer T. Howard Kelly – who happens to be Travis Cloyd’s great grandfather.  These travelers, who could go anywhere in the world, were thrilled to the explore this island by day and enjoy the charms of its Victorian-era town by night.

Ready for your own expedition?

Stay On Amelia Island
The Isle Of Eight Flags
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