History of Omni Amelia Island Resort
A Rich History....Beautifully Preserved
Amelia Island, also known as the “Isle of Eight Flags”, has a storied history with ties to treasure-seeking pirates, Timucuan Indians, shrimping pioneers and Confederate soldiers. In 1970, eco-friendly developers, Charles Fraser and Ian McHarg, chose the south end of Amelia Island as the perfect destination to build a coastal resort to live in harmony with nature. Originally named Amelia Island Plantation, this well-known community transitioned into Omni Amelia Island Resort in 2010.
HISTORIC ICONS
Learn what makes Amelia Island a unique destination from its storied history.
1970
In 1970, Sea Pines Company purchased more than 3,000 acres of uplands and tidal marshes on the south end of Amelia Island. Lead Developers of Amelia Island Plantation, Charles Fraser and Ian McHarg envisioned a resort community that not only paid tribute to its environment, but worked hard to maintain a natural balance with it as well. What they ended up with was a coastal paradise existing in complete harmony with its surroundings.
LANDMARK OAK
The Landmark Oak stands as a symbol of Amelia Island Plantation’s commitment to preserving our environment. It is one of four massive, old growth oak trees singled out by the original developers to be preserved. Two others are located in Drummond Point Park. The fourth has died but has been replaced with another live oak under the community's ongoing Legacy Tree Program.
WILLOW CONSERVANCY
Located on the marsh side of Amelia Island Plantation, the Willow Conservancy is a wildlife sanctuary with a bike and walking path that weaves through the natural wooded area. It is home to an assortment of warblers, woodpeckers, and other birds, grey foxes, bobcats and nocturnal creatures such as raccoons, armadillo and opossum. The path is shaded by live oaks, magnolias, hickory, sabal palm and willow trees.
AURY ISLAND PLAYGROUND
In 1817, Pirate Luis Aury sailed with his armada of three ships to declare himself ruler of Amelia Island. During his reign, it is said that Amelia Island became a pirate haven and a notorious location for buried treasure. Now, you can find a playground complete with a pirate ship as an ode to Pirate Aury at our Aury Island Playground.
