Sea Islands Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Sea Islands
Geography
Map of the Sea islands
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Location	Atlantic Ocean
Total islands	Over 100
Administration
United States

The Sea Islands are a group of more than one hundred islands. They are found along the Atlantic Ocean coast in the Southeastern United States. These islands stretch between the Santee River in South Carolina and the St. Johns River in Florida. They also include parts of Georgia.

Many of these islands are tidal islands or barrier islands. This means they are affected by the ocean's tides and help protect the mainland. Johns Island, South Carolina is the largest among them. Sapelo Island is home to the Gullah people, who have a unique culture. Sadly, all the Sea Islands are at risk from rising sea levels due to climate change.

History of the Sea Islands
Islands by State
See also

History of the Sea Islands

People have lived on the Sea Islands for thousands of years. Early native cultures settled here. Later, Spanish colonists chose these islands to build their missions. These missions were Christian settlements. They were set up in major villages of the Guale and Mocama chiefdoms. These areas stretched from St. Catherine's Island down to Fort George Island in present-day Jacksonville, Florida.

The islands were also home to many large farms called plantations. In 1863, a writer named Fanny Kemble wrote a book. It was about her time on her husband's plantations. These were on St. Simon's Island and Butler Island.

Historically, the Sea Islands were famous for growing a special type of cotton. It was called Sea Island cotton.

During the American Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. This order became active on January 1, 1863. It meant that over 5,000 people who were forced to work on Union-controlled islands became free.

In 1893, a very strong and deadly hurricane hit the Sea Islands.

Islands by State

The Sea Islands are spread across three states: South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Here are some of the well-known islands in each state.

Sea Islands facts for kids

Contents

History of the Sea Islands

Islands by State

South Carolina Islands

Charleston County

Beaufort County

Georgia Islands

Chatham County

McIntosh County

Glynn County

Camden County

Florida Islands

Nassau County

Duval County

See also