Nat’l Park Service’s Timucuan Preserve on the Fort George River

Through the many waterway guides and other boatsmen we had been hearing of a rare anchoring experience close to the mouth of a river just off the ICW’s Sister’s Creek. Referred to as the Kingsley Plantation, it was touted to be a destination spot for both edification and recreation. Due to strong currents, 6 ft.tidal changes and resulting exposed sand bars, this area presented challenges for a 36 ft. trawler to find enough space and depth to swing on anchor. We had been assured that if we followed the prescribed guidelines recorded by those who had successfully maneuvered into place before us, we, too, could enjoy the rare experience. We not only did it, but by nightfall 5 other trawlers and sailboats were lined up along the banks of the plantation! The vast sandbars across the river from the plantation were a major swimming, sun-bathing and picnicking attraction for the local fast boat crowd out of Jacksonville, so until the incoming tidal flow covered the sandbars at 5pm, the wake action from the passing boaters was considerable. We chose the low tide time to tour this Sea Island plantation grounds, directed by the stories being told on a hand-held device we procured from a Park Ranger in the Visitors Center. We were quite surprised to learn that despite the harsh conditions of bondage, the slave families were encouraged to continue to practice many of the daily routines of their West African village culture. In fact, the slave owner’s wife was a former slave who, upon her husband’s death, became the director of the indigo and cotton plantation.