Although all the boats shown in this photo can be classified as leisure/recreation water craft, there was a time in the history of Amelia Island that its Fernandina Harbor was considered North America's busiest seaport, with more than 500 ships sailing in and out daily! During the earliest part of USA history, Amelia Island was one of America's most sought after, and fought over, pieces of real estate. It was crucial as a shipping stronghold---and thus, for global power plays, because it had the South's deepest natural harbor. Amelia Island is a part of the Sea Islands chain, that stretches along the East Coast of the United States, from South Carolina to Florida. It is the southernmost of the Sea Islands, and the northernmost of the barrier islands of Florida's Atlantic Coast. It is 13 miles long and 4 miles wide.
Back when the harbor was at its shipping zenith, a molded kayak like the one in this photo, made of synthetic materials, had not even been invented! This boat was on display in the harbor, because it was one of the prizes for the fishing tournament that was taking place when I visited.
The annual Amelia Island Redfish Spot Tournament is open to all anglers fishing from powered boat,, kayak, canoe, shore, bridge, pier, etc. (This is the first time I have read about a tournament with such liberal entry requirements!)
As I observed the fish being weighed and measured at the end of the tournament, I was reminded of the bass fishing tournament weigh-outs I have seen in the Ozarks. Sometimes the weigh outs are even televised!
Even though the fishing tournament entry requirements are liberal, they have left out one category that probably has a higher percentage of fish catches that humans---waterfowl---like the ones shown in the photo!
Seeing the assortment of flags flying on the front of the popular Florida House Inn lodging establishment, is a reminder to say that Amelia Island has had several flags flown over it, since 1562: France, Great Britain, Republic of Florida, Green Cross of Florida, Mexico, Confederate States of America, and the USA It is the only municipality in USA to have flown eight different national flags.
It is nice to know that Amelia Island has numerous dining establishments, many with outdoor eating areas, so one can enjoy the fresh air, and pleasant surroundings.
In the South, houses were usually built with porches, so that, at a time before air conditioning, residents could sit on the outside of their residences, to visit and enjoy cool beverages in the hot and humid climate.
Early seacoast settlers used the plentiful shells in a myriad of ways, including making a type of mortar to build their houses and streets. In the photo shown, a craftsman made a colorful "curtain" of seashells!
Fernandina Beach's historic downtown main street is full of eclectic and independent shops, that stretch from the harbor, through downtown, and around Centre Street.
The Palace Saloon on Centre Street was originally constructed as a haberdashery in 1878. Then, Louis Hirth bought was called the Prescott Building in 1903, and replaced the shoes with booze. It claims to be Florida's oldest bar. Hirth's friend, Adolphus Bush, founder of Anheuser-Bush, came from St. Louis, to help design the forty-foot-long bar for the saloon.
I was mesmerized by the bright yellow color of this blooming plant seen on Amelia Island. Perhaps the invitation by Privateer Louis-Michel Aury around 1817, for residents to "unite in throwing off the Spanish yoke", was his attempt to create a "bright spot" in the island's history. However, his reign over the island only lasted a few months. Considering Wikipedia referenced Aury's quote of the phrase about a "yoke", I am using this blog as a visual aid to help me learn one of my First Place 4 Health ( www.FirstPlace4Health.com ) memory verses that also has the word "yoke" in it:
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1
This photo of St. Michael Catholic Church on Amelia Island, is a reminder to say that Jesus' parable about "The Good Samaritan" was illustrated here during the Civil War. Enslaved Africans were attracted to the Union lines here, because during the Civil War, Union Forces restored federal control in 1862. By 1863, there were 1200 freedmen and their children, and 200 whites, living on the island. In 1862, the Secretary of War, Edward M. Stanton appealed to northern abolitionists for aid in caring for the thousands of freedmen, who camped near Union areas. The Freemans' Relief Association raised funds to pay the salaries for two teachers, hired to provide assistance and education to the newly freed slaves.
This photo shows just a tiny stretch of Amelia Island's 13 miles of beaches. It is a beachcomber's paradise! Fernandina Beach is the northernmost city on Florida's Atlantic coast, and is considered part of Greater Jacksonville.
Considering Amelia Island's history of subjugation and occupation by various rulers, this small child's exuberance is one that can be shared by all of us that enjoy the freedom we are given in the USA! You can start planning your own trip to this enchanting island by visiting their tourism website at www.AmeliaIsland.com . This visit gave me "MILES OF FREEDOM SMILES"!! Tricia
Although all the boats shown in this photo can be classified as leisure/recreation water craft, there was a time in the history of Amelia Island that its Fernandina Harbor was considered North America's busiest seaport, with more than 500 ships sailing in and out daily! During the earliest part of USA history, Amelia Island was one of America's most sought after, and fought over, pieces of real estate. It was crucial as a shipping stronghold---and thus, for global power plays, because it had the South's deepest natural harbor. Amelia Island is a part of the Sea Islands chain, that stretches along the East Coast of the United States, from South Carolina to Florida. It is the southernmost of the Sea Islands, and the northernmost of the barrier islands of Florida's Atlantic Coast. It is 13 miles long and 4 miles wide. 
