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St. Marys River
On November 14, 1998 the Guale Historical Society went on a "ramble" to the original site of Coleraine in the far south west corner of Camden County, Georgia on the shores of the enchanting St. Marys River. These pictures are from my trip with them.
Known as "Blackwater," tannic acid stains the river tea-color. Originally called the "Seine" by the French explorer Jean Ribault, the peaceful surface of the St. Marys River hides its great depth. In fact, the St. Marys is one of the, if not the, deepest rivers for its width! The source of the St. Marys has been traced to deep within the Okefenokee Swamp of Charlton County - also birthplace of the famous Suwanee River. This river is the northeastern border of Florida and the southeastern border of Georgia.
Under ancient oaks, heavily laden with Spanish moss lies old Coleraine. Located deep in the southwestern corner of Camden County and nestled against a curve of the beautiful St. Marys River, Coleraine exudes peace.
The deep water of the St. Marys River seems to feel the scene is so beautiful it has to mimic it in its tannic stained waters. I felt truly honored that the people of Coleraine allowed our group to roam their breath-taking property.
Some time ago, I attended a Guale Historical Society meeting where Jack Mays (of Charlton County) spoke. I can recall him speaking of Coleraine as one of the, if not the, most beautiful spot in the area. He also mentioned that it was a shame that Charlton County did not get Coleraine when they split off from Camden!
So much of Camden and Charlton Counties have been logged that this view of a more "wild" land is a wonderful respite from the sameness of the more common pine-planted or clear-cut lands.
A bit of the St. Marys River has been encouraged to creep into the land via this "U" shaped canal. |
