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Amelia Island Chapter, NSDAR
Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, Florida
History of Amelia Island
Historic Lesesne House in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island flying all 8 flags!
Photo courtesy of a chapter member
Amelia Island is the only location in the United States to have flown eight different flags!
French 1562-1565
The Island's first recorded European visitor was the French Jean Ribault on May 3, 1562. He named the island "Isle De Mai."
Spanish 1566-1763
The Spanish, under Pedro Menendez, defeated the French in 1565 and renamed the island "Santa Maria," which was derived from a mission here. The mission and settlement were destroyed in 1702 by the English. James Oglethorpe, who founded the colony of Georgia, renamed the island "Amelia" after the daughter of George II.
English 1763-1783
The Island became known as "Egmont" from Earl of Egmont's large indigo plantation. Revolutionary forces invaded in 1777 and 1778.
Spanish 1783-1821
With 3 interruptions. After the Revolution, Britain ceded Florida back to Spain under the terms of the Second Treaty of Paris. The Embargo Act of 1807, which closed U.S. ports to foreign shipping, made the border town of Fernandina a center of smuggling and piracy.
Patriots 1812
With secret U.S. blessings, the so-called "Patriots of Amelia Island" overthrew the Spanish and hoisted their own flag on March 17, 1812. They replaced it with the U.S. flag the next day, but Spain demanded return of the island.
Green Cross of Florida 1817
To liberate Florida from Spanish control, Sir Gregor MacGregor seized Amelia Island in June 1817, and hoisted his Green Cross standard which flew only for a brief time.
Mexican Rebel Flag 1817
Pirate Louis Aury left Texas to assist MacGregor in attacking Spanish Florida. He raised the Mexican rebel flag on September 21, 1817, and remained here for two months.
Confederate 1861
Confederates took over Fort Clinch in April 1861, but federal troops regained it March 3, 1862, and occupied Fernandina for the duration of the War.
United States 1821-Present
With one interruption. Spain ceded Florida to the United States in 1821. Work began on Fort Clinch in 1847.