Facts About Sea Island, Georgia

Sea Island is an isolated resort island located in what are called the "barrier islands" just off the Atlantic coast of southern Georgia in the United States. The resort complex is located in an unincorporated part of Glynn County.

Sea Island is part of the group of islands known as the Golden Isles of Georgia. Visitors to the resort island travel across a long causeway which crosses marshland, immortalized by 19th century poet Sidney Lanier in 'The Marshes of Glynn" (1878).

This relatively secluded area has drawn developers and other investors since the first two decades of the 20th century:

    * 1911 -- Howard Coffin (owner of the Hudson Motor Company) purchased 20,000 acres of land on nearby Sapelo Island; and he began developing it as a private retreat.

    * 1926 -- Coffin purchased what was formerly called Long Island; and he renamed it Sea Island.

    * 1927 -- The Plantation golf course was built.

    * 1928 -- Coffin began an overnight inn and lodge with the most exclusive clients only. This resort was named "The Cloister."

At the present time, land on Sea Island is controlled privately and public access is limited. The island is owned by the Sea Island Company, operated by the Chairman and CEO, Bill Jones III. In addition, the Sea Island Company also owns property off the island limits, on St. Simons Island.

    * 2003 -- The Sea Island Company closed the original main building of The Cloister; and after 75 years of service, the building was replaced with a new one.

    * 2006 -- The new main building opened along the Black Banks River on the west side of Sea Island. In addition, the spa, tennis center, stables and docks were opened.

    * 2007 -- A new Beach Club was opened.

    * 2008 -- Sea Island Company announced layoffs affecting approximately 500 employees, or 25% of the workforce.

    * 2009 -- Sea Island Company made history by receiving four Five-Star awards from the Mobil Travel Guide, for service and facilities of The Cloister, The Lodge at Sea Island, the Georgian Room at The Cloister and The Cloister Spa.

The G8 Summit

In June 2004 (June 8–10), it hosted a summit of the Group of Eight leaders. As with previous sites of the G8 meeting, the venue is remote, easily secured, and has a history of luxurious accommodations. As part of the security measures, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated the summit a National Special Security Event (NSSE).

Article posted 04/05/09 by the Publisher.

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