History and Mystery of St. Simons

by R. Edwin Green, Mary A. Green

South of Savannah, along the picturesque and historic coastline of Georgia, lies a group of barrier islands known as the Golden Isles. This collection of coastal Sea Islands has attracted people—Native Americans, European settlers and vacationing sun-seekers—throughout history, for the islands' bountiful resources and appealing climate. Perhaps the brightest jewel of these islands is St. Simons Island. The History Press is proud to release St. Simons Island: A Summary of its History, by local resident and historian Reverend Edwin Green. Green has compiled an informative volume, which highlights the unique and developing history of one of Georgia's most popular Sea Islands.

With a keen eye for detail, Green has illuminated over 300 years of history on St. Simons Island. Beginning with an examination of the Native American inhabitants and their early interaction with European settlers, through to the early colonial period, Reverend Edwin Green presents a balanced interpretation of St. Simons Island's history. Continuing through the antebellum period and into the early twentieth century, Green introduces the reader to the people and events that have shaped this unique Georgia island. This straightforward and insightful volume will appeal to residents, visitors and day-trippers alike as a concise history of one of the most beautiful of the Sea Islands.

Paperback

First published November 1, 1982

Reviews

[Patty · Rating 2 out of 5]

”This writing is my effort, after reading the various histories, to ‘sort it out,’ so that the visitor, the new resident or the person with an awakened interest in our historic past can quickly read an outline story of St. Simons Island, Georgia.

I am sure that Green is well intentioned. He wants people to know about a place that he clearly loves. His wife is an amateur artist, so she shows her love for this island by drawing pictures for the book.

I have not been to St. Simons Island. I am going there this weekend and so a friend shared this book. One of the programs that I will be attending will be about St. Simons and I am interested in how that person deals with the history.

Green made me uncomfortable how he told the tale. He gave traits to people that he had no actual knowledge about. Indians (indigenous people) are said to be noble and wonderful. Colonialists, and Southern secessionists are all good people. I know that Green is not a professional historian and I also know his book was first published in 1982. The world has changed a bit.

As I said, Green is well-intentioned. I hope I will learn a more honest story when I get to Georgia.

[Val · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good overview of the history of St. Simons. It is repetitive in some places and there are some grammatical errors and misspellings. There is some depth, but not much. It rather seems to be pieced from other writings by other authors. However it is a quick and easy read with many of the general history facts that those not familiar with the area would enjoy knowing. (pre-read for teaching Georgia History, a few sections required reading for HH)

[Graceann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick, immensely readable study of the Golden Isles of Georgia, concentrating on my beloved St. Simons Island. A good overview of the Island.