One-half mile south of Clam Creek Road on the eastern side of North Riverview Drive are the remains of the Horton House. The two-story tabby structure, one of the oldest in the state, was built in 1742 after Horton’s original structure was destroyed by retreating Spanish, who had just been defeated by Oglethorpe in the Battle of Bloody Marsh. An exceptionally large red bay occupies the northwest corner of the house. Across the street in a peaceful setting of cedars, oaks and pines is the du Bignon family cemetery. The du Bignons owned the island for nearly a century before selling it to the Jekyll Island Club millionaires. Major Horton Road, on the north side of the property, connects with Beachview Drive on the eastern side of the island. This road becomes a trail that passes freshwater sloughs and a pond open to freshwater fishing.
Maj. William Horton served as forward lookout on Jekyll Island for Gen. James Oglethorpe during the British colonial period. Horton, who commanded English forces after Oglethorpe returned to England, is best known for having the first brewery in Georgia, the ruins of which are seen south of this site on the western side of Riverview Drive.
- Trail: 1-mile.
- Directions: From Brunswick, travel south on US 17, cross Sidney Lanier Bridge. At causeway, turn left toward Jekyll Island. Continue across Ben Fortson Parkway to dead end. Go left. Horton House Ruins and trailhead are on left past Clam Creek Picnic Area.
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October 10, 2009 at 11:45 am
Rick
There’s another trail behind the Horton House. The paved bike trail ends at the ruins, but keep following it into the woods.
Where the woods open up a bit there are several trails branching off. You can’t go straight ahead, as there’s a sign stating “Authorized Personel Only”. Turn left to walk or bike to Major Horton Road and the campground. A right will take you on an easy hike or bike ride through the woods for about 3/4 of a mile to Old Plantation Road.
Some parts of the trail or somewhat grown up with brush, but passable. This trail is not on the bike map, but there’s a bike trail sign where it comes out on Old Plantation Road (which, when we were there recently, was partially blocked by vegetation).
The Old Plantation Road neighborhood is a wonderful street of residential homes, some which can be leased. It’s maybe the most peaceful neighborhood on Jekyll Island, quiet and relaxing. We were there for a week and saw only two cars moving on the street.
And deer are everywhere. The neighborhood backs up to woods and the golf courses, perfect habitat for deer. You can see them most any time, alone or in groups.
Take a trip to Jekyll and enjoy the area for yourself!