Cumberland Island is one of the most magical places in Georgia. It’s about 36,000 acres in size, making it the largest of Georgia’s barrier islands. It’s got beautiful beaches, majestic forests, gorgeous marshland, and a herd of wild horses. It’s no wonder that it was designated as a National Seashore thanks to its unique landscape and unusual animals. The island can only be accessed by boat and traveling to it almost feels like you are entering another planet. There’s a lot that’s special about this place, and one of the most jaw-dropping things you’ll see on Cumberland Island is the Dungeness ruins.

The wild horses that live on the island are probably the best known aspect of Cumberland Island, but this place's oddities go far behind the feral horses.
majunznk/Flickr
The land here has a fascinating history. James Oglethorpe himself built here, and Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene also lived in the area. Robert E. Lee's father lived here, too.
Bert Cash/Flickr
The building that now lies in ruins was built in the late 1880s. The mansion was owned by Thomas Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie. At one time, the family owned more than 90% of Cumberland Island!
Karrie Banaghan/Flickr

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In its heyday, Dungeness was absolutely magnificent, with 59 rooms and gorgeous landscaping.
Philip E. Gardner, HABS photographer/Wikimedia Commons
In 1959, the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by a fire, most likely caused by arson.
charlene trapp/Flickr
The ruins are now part of the Carnegie Island National Seashore. The opulent facade may be gone, but there's still something eerily beautiful in the house, even in its present condition.
Karrie Banaghan/Flickr

For more information about Cumberland Island, visit the National Park Service website or the Cumberland Island National Seashore Facebook page.

Have you ever visited the Cumberland Island National Seashore? It’s such a fascinating place that belongs on every Georgian’s bucket list!

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Dungeness Ruins, St Marys, GA 31558, USA