Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE ON AMERICAN BEACH
Insurance magnate AL Lewis, Florida's first black millionaire, founded American Beach in
1935, creating the first black beach community on Florida's segregated shores. In its hey-
day American Beach catered to throngs of African Americans who arrived by busload to
enjoy the beaches and African American-owned motels, restaurants and nightclubs,
where shows with Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong and others made for some of the biggest
bills in Florida. In 1964, however, Hurricane Dora destroyed many homes and businesses;
shortly thereafter desegregation allowed African Americans to stroll the beaches closer
to their homes. Recently, golf courses and gated communities have encroached upon
what's left of American Beach, though beach access is possible via Lewis St, off Hwy A1A.
Sights & Activities
Strolling Fernandina Beach's bistro- and boutique-laden historical downtown is one of the
island's main attractions.
Fort Clinch State Park
PARK
estrian/car $2/6; park 8am-sunset, fort 9am-5pm)
Although construction commenced in 1847, rapid technological advancements rendered
Fort Clinch's masonry walls obsolete by as early as 1861, when the fort was taken easily
by Confederate militia in the Civil War and later evacuated. Federal troops again occupied
the fort during WWII. Today, the park offers a variety of activities, a half-mile-long fish-
ing pier, serene beaches for shelling (of the non-military kind) and 6 miles of peaceful, un-
paved trails for hiking and cycling.
On the first weekend of the month, authentically outfitted troops perform a reenactment
of the Confederate evacuation that extends to cooking in the old kitchen's massive iron
cauldron and sleeping on straw mats in the soldiers' barracks. Candlelight tours ($3) are a
treat if you're here May to September.
Amelia Island Museum of History
MUSEUM
