Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters.
In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866.
In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island.
The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.

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Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Fernandina Beach

Becky

$119 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

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Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island

Fernandina Beach

David

$96 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

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On the beach, sun loungers, beach umbrellas, fishing

Seaside Amelia Inn

Fernandina Beach

Danyell

$119 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

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Ocean Inn and Suites

St. Simons Island

Cathy

$118 nightly

Dec 16 - Dec 17

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Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse

St. Simons Island

Billy

$131 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

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Outdoor pool, open 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, sun loungers

Magnolia Inn Kingsland

Kingsland

Andrea

$36 nightly

Dec 14 - Dec 15

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Florida House Inn

Fernandina Beach Historic District

Sona

Queens Court

Downtown St. Simons Island

Helen

$89 nightly

Jan 4 - Jan 5, 2026

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Top Cumberland Island Hotel Reviews

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island

10/10 Excellent

"Staff very friendly, helpful. Room spacious"

Holiday Inn Express Saint Simons Island by IHG

10/10 Excellent

"Everything is fine. Nice staff, easy parking, easy access to food and highway. Stayed at Tru by Hilton last night. Hilton was smallish room (great for one, iffy for two) with a great oversized and modern bathroom. Holiday Inn had larger room but smaller bath. Holiday Inn had a microwave. Both were fine and about $110."

The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort

10/10 Excellent

"Initially we were put in a room with a terrible view. The hotel was not full so we asked to switch rooms. Michael at the front desk was quick to accommodate. He upgraded us to a stunning room overlooking the ocean with a balcony. The Westin saved their reputation for consistent quality and we will remain loyal customers. The hotel itself is lovely with easy access to the oceanfront and the village. We would definitely recommend it. "

Find all hotels by Independent in Cumberland Island, GA from $46

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Our top choices for Cumberland Island Independent

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Ocean Coast Hotel at the Beach Amelia Island

Seaside Amelia Inn

Ocean Inn and Suites

Saint Simons Inn by the Lighthouse

Magnolia Inn Kingsland

Florida House Inn

Queens Court

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Beachside Motel

Top Cumberland Island Hotel Reviews

Days Inn & Suites by Wyndham Jekyll Island

Tru By Hilton Brunswick

Holiday Inn Express Saint Simons Island by IHG

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kingsland Naval Base I-95

The Westin Jekyll Island Beach Resort

Extended Stay America Premier Suites - Jacksonville - Airport

Amelia Hotel at the Beach

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island

Home2 Suites by Hilton Jekyll Island

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