Amelia Island is the only U.S. location to have flown eight different national flags — earning it the nickname "Isle of Eight Flags." From ancient Timucuan settlements to Civil War battles, from pirate havens to Victorian resort towns, the history of Fernandina Beach is as rich and layered as any place in America.
🏴 The Eight Flags
🇫🇷 France
Jean Ribault claimed the island for France, naming the river May River (now St. Johns) after the month of his arrival.
🇪🇸 Spain
Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established Spanish control, naming the island after the Spanish princess María Amelia.
🇬🇧 Great Britain
Britain gained Florida through the Treaty of Paris. They established the town of Fernandina as a port city.
🇪🇸 Spain (again)
Spain regained control after the American Revolution, but their hold was weak and the island became a haven for smugglers.
🏴 Patriots
Scottish mercenary Gregor MacGregor briefly captured the island under the "Green Cross of Florida" flag.
☠️ Mexican Rebels
Luis Aury, a privateer fighting for Mexican independence, took control and flew the Mexican rebel flag.
🇺🇸 United States
The U.S. acquired Florida from Spain. Fernandina became a major port and railroad terminus.
🏳️ Confederate States
Florida seceded; Confederate forces briefly held Fort Clinch before Union troops took control in 1862.
📜 Historical Periods
🏺 Ancient History (2000 BC - 1562)
The Timucuan people inhabited Amelia Island for thousands of years before European contact. They lived in harmony with the land, fishing the abundant waters, hunting deer, and cultivating crops. Their shell middens can still be found on the island today, silent witnesses to their long presence here.
⚓ Colonial Era (1562 - 1821)
Amelia Island's strategic location at the mouth of the St. Marys River made it a prize for European powers. The island changed hands repeatedly between France, Spain, and Britain. During Spanish rule, it became notorious as a haven for pirates, smugglers, and slave traders operating just outside U.S. jurisdiction.
🚂 Golden Age (1821 - 1900)
After becoming part of the United States, Fernandina thrived as Florida's primary port. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s transformed it into a bustling Victorian resort town. Wealthy Northerners built grand hotels and mansions. The 50-block historic downtown we see today largely dates from this prosperous era.
🏰 Civil War (1861 - 1865)
Fort Clinch, begun in 1847, was still under construction when Florida seceded. Confederate forces initially held the fort but abandoned it in 1862. Union troops occupied Fernandina for the remainder of the war, using it as a base for coastal operations and a haven for escaped slaves.
🦐 Modern Era (1900 - Present)
The 20th century brought new industries: the modern shrimping industry was born here in the early 1900s, and paper mills provided employment for decades. Today, Fernandina Beach balances its historic character with modern tourism, earning recognition as one of America's best small towns.
🏛️ Historic Sites to Visit
Fort Clinch State Park
Explore one of America's best-preserved 19th-century forts with living history programs on the first weekend of each month.
Learn More →Amelia Island Museum of History
Housed in the old county jail, this museum offers guided tours covering 4,000 years of island history.
Learn More →Historic Downtown
Walk 50 blocks of Victorian-era buildings, including Florida's oldest bar (Palace Saloon) and oldest tourist hotel (Florida House Inn).
Learn More →American Beach
Founded in 1935 as a beach resort for African Americans during segregation, a living monument to resilience.
Learn More →✨ Fun Facts
Palace Saloon is Florida's oldest bar, operating continuously since 1903 (except during Prohibition).
The modern shrimping industry was born in Fernandina Beach in the early 1900s.
Florida House Inn (1857) is Florida's oldest surviving tourist hotel, hosting guests like Ulysses S. Grant.
Amelia Island is named after Princess Amelia, daughter of King George II of England.