East Beach Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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US Coast Guard Station--St. Simons Island
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The Coast Guard Station in 2015
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 Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
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| Location | 4201 First St., St. Simons Island, Georgia |
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| Area | 2.5 acres (1.0 ha) |
| Built | 1936 |
| Architect | U.S. Coast Guard Civil Engineer's Office |
| Architectural style | Colonial Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000297 |
| Added to NRHP | April 1, 1998 |
The East Beach Station is a special building on St. Simons Island, Georgia. It was once a busy station for the U.S. Coast Guard. Today, it helps us remember important parts of history.
This historic building is located at 4201 1st Street. It played a big role in protecting the coast. It also helped save lives during a major world event.
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The Historic Coast Guard Station
The East Beach Station is also known as the US Coast Guard Station-St. Simons Island. People sometimes call it the Historic Coast Guard Station. It was built a long time ago, in 1936.
Built for a Purpose
The station was part of a big project called the Works Progress Administration. This project was started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Its goal was to create jobs for many people during a tough economic time. The Coast Guard Station was one of 45 similar buildings constructed back then. It is one of the few that are still standing today.
A Heroic Role in World War II
The Coast Guard Station played a very important part in World War II. On April 8, 1942, two large ships were attacked. These ships were the SS Oklahoma and the Esso Baton Rouge. Both were tankers, carrying oil.
A German submarine, called a U-boat (specifically U-123), torpedoed them. The Coast Guard Station helped rescue the crews of these two ships. This showed how vital the station was for safety and protection during the war.
From Station to Museum
Today, the East Beach Station is no longer an active Coast Guard base. Instead, it is a museum! The Coastal Georgia Historical Society now runs it. It is called the World War II Home Front Museum: Coastal Georgia at War.
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum teaches visitors about Coastal Georgia's role in World War II. You can learn about how people lived during the war. It shows what life was like for families in small towns like Brunswick and St. Simons. These towns are in Glynn County. The museum helps us understand the sacrifices and efforts made by people at home.
The Coastal Georgia Historical Society also takes care of other historical sites. They operate the St. Simons Island Lighthouse. They also manage the A. W. Jones Heritage Center. Both are also on St. Simons Island.
A Place of History
Because of its important history, the station was added to a special list. It became part of the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This means it is recognized as a significant historical site.
