FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  September 16, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

Ft. George Island State Park Expands Boundaries

--More than 18 acres added to historical site through Florida Forever--

JACKSONVILLE — Protecting thousands of years of history, Northeast Florida’s award-winning Fort George Island Cultural State Park expanded its boundaries this week adding more than 18 acres through Florida Forever. A popular park for boating, biking, hiking and fishing, the historical 621-acre park attracted more than 113,000 visitors last year alone.

“Fort George is a shining example of how Florida Forever preserves the state’s natural, historical and cultural riches,” said Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Expanding this unique park furthers our commitment to preserving the past and The Real Florida™ for generations to come.”

Containing the longest record of civilization in Duval County, Fort George Island encompasses both ancient and modern history. Evidenced by huge shell mounds found on the island today, Native Americans inhabited the area more than 7,000 years ago, subsisting on a diet of mostly oysters and fish. Originally called Fort Saint Georges, the fort was built in 1736 by General James Olgethorpe, founder of the Georgia Colony. It no longer stands.

The island’s modern history is marked by the restored Ribault Club, which recently reopened seventy-five years after it operated as a “millionaire’s club.” The Ribault Club, renovated through a $4 million federal, state and local partnership, now serves as a visitor center and gateway to the recreational, natural and cultural treasures of the Timucuan Trail state and national parks.

Added to Florida’s award-winning state park system in 1989, Ribault Club was originally a playground for America’s affluent. Including an 18-hole golf course overlooking Fort George River, the club offered vacationing families a private, secluded getaway during Florida’s formative years as a tourism destination.

Designated a “National Register Site” and “Jacksonville Landmark,” the Ribault Club recently added awards from the Florida Trust for Historical Preservation and the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission to 1999 honors from the Florida Planning and Zoning Association.