Category Archives: –CAMDEN COUNTY GA–

Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1847, St. Marys

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Though built as a bank circa 1840, this structure is associated almost exclusively with Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church and the purpose it took on after 1847. Carol Lang writes: Louis DuFour was born in Dunkirk, France and Marie Ponce was born in St. Augustine – her family originally from Menorca, Spain. They were married in St. Augustine circa 1807 and moved from there to St. Mary’s. Louis died in 1847, and in that same year Marie Ponce DuFour bought the bank building and donated it to the Catholic Church. They were my 4th great grandparents.

It served the diocese until 1957, when a new church was built, but is still used for special services. The steeple was added during the 1952-54 renovation or at some time thereafter.

St. Marys Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Spencer House, 1872, St. Marys

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Built in 1872, Spencer House was, in its time, distinguished as the finest hotel in St. Marys and southeast Georgia. Today it is an exquisitely preserved example of Victorian-era architecture. Spencer House is named for Captain William T. Spencer who, along with his wife Harriet Louise, built the hotel while he was serving as the collector of customs for the port of St. Marys from 1871 to 1873. Today, it serves its original purpose once again as a bed and breakfast.

St. Marys Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Collier-Casey House, 1874, St. Marys

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This beautiful home sits on the banks of the St. Marys River, with wonderful views of the tidal marshes. It’s available as a weekly rental.

St. Marys Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

St. Marys Presbyterian Church, 1808

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Founded as the non-denominational Union Church, St. Marys First Presbyterian is the oldest Presbyterian church in Georgia. Reverend Horace Pratt, who built Orange Hall, was the first minister.

St. Marys Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

General Archibald Clark House, 1802, St. Marys

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The General Archibald Clark House [also known as the Jackson-Clark-Bessent-MacDonell-Nesbitt House] has had many owners throughout its long history and as the oldest house in St. Marys has given rise to many stories over two centuries.

One long held belief was that General Clark, who lived in the house from 1804 until his death in 1848, provided a hideout for Aaron Burr in July 1804 as he fled authorities seeking to arrest him for the murder of Alexander Hamilton. Though there is no contemporary validation of this story, he is known to have been given shelter on St. Simons and Cumberland islands later in the summer of 1804. Clark was a classmate of Burr in law school and the men knew each other but there is no mention in either man’s written records that indicate Burr was in St. Marys.

During the War of 1812, British soldiers arrested Clark, who was the collector of customs for the port of St. Marys, and established temporary headquarters in the house. General Clark later hosted General Winfield Scott after the Mexican-American War.

The current owners, Ron Smith and Carlene Taylor, are restoring the house at this time.

St. Marys Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Vernacular Cottage, St. Marys

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St. Marys Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Oak Grove Cemetery, 1788, St. Marys

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Oak Grove is among the oldest public cemeteries in Georgia.

It’s not well-known outside the area, nor does it often appear on lists of Georgia’s historic burial grounds, but it’s an anchor of the St. Marys historic district and shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the area.

Infant Daughter of C. J. & J. H. Davis 10 June 1889

This cemetery is truly a hidden gem, even older than Bonaventure in Savannah and equally interesting.

Symon Littlefield Mott (1789? – 4 September 1811) Mott was a native of Block Island, Rhode Island

There are many early-19th century headstones in the cemetery.

Captain Lewis Mory, Midshipman in the Continental Navy during the American Revolution (November 1762 – 13 August 1818)

St. Marys Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Site of Washington Pump & Oak, St. Marys

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The Georgia Historical Commission marker here notes: There were originally six wells one in each square, the only source of pure water for St. Marys, (until the tidal wave of 1818). On the day that the Father of the Country was buried at Mt. Vernon local services were also held throughout the nation. St. Marys citizens marched to the dock to meet a boat bearing a flag draped casket; bore it up Osborn St. and with due ceremony and firing of guns, buried it where the Well known as the “Washington Pump” now is. To mark the spot, four oaks were planted and have since been known as the “Washington Oaks”. Only this one remains. This well was driven the year of Washington´s burial and has ever since been called the “Washington Pump”.

In 1987, the last remaining “Washington Oak” was removed.

St. Marys Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

Howard Gilman Memorial Park, St. Marys

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The riverfront park in St. Marys, named for the late timber and paper magnate and one of America’s greatest art patrons, Howard Gilman, is a wonderful public space, rivaling any in Coastal Georgia.

I could have spent hours just watching and photographing the birds in the ornamental fountain. Pictured below: Boat-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus major).

Camden Hotel, 1935, Kingsland

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The old Camden Hotel was renovated for use as the City Hall in 1993.

Kingsland Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places