Biking around Amelia Island

The Fernandina Harbor Marina is located at mile 716 on the ICW in the center of Amelia Island in the town of Fernandina Beach.  Amelia Island about 13 miles long and 4 miles wide.  The two mile bike ride to the beach was pretty easy so after that we set out to find historic Old Town Fernandina which is on the National Registry of Historic Places.  (This bike ride was a little more challenging but not really dangerous as there were very few cars heading to Old Town Fernandina) 

This lovely Victorian home can be seen from the Amelia River (ICW).  It overlooks the site of Fort San Carlos.  Fernandina has been called the Isle of 8 Flags because it has been under possession of 8 different countries throughout its history.  It is the only place in the United States to claim this distinction.  

What were the 8 flags flown over Amelia Island?  The French in 1562, Spanish in 1573, English in 1710 were the first three flags flown over Amelia.   In 1783 the Spanish returned until 1812 when the Patriot flag flew over Amelia.  The Green Cross Flag of Florida flew from 1816 until 1861 when the Confederate flag flew for a year.  In 1862 Union forces took Federal control of the island and raised the American Flag.




Joy