Wassaw Island, Barrier island wildlife refuge in Chatham County, Georgia, United States.
Wassaw Island is a barrier island with a wilderness character along Georgia's Atlantic coast. It combines sandy beaches with dunes, oak woodlands, pine forests, and salt marshes within a large protected area.
The island carries a name with roots in the Creek language and shows archaeological evidence of human settlement since early centuries. Military structures from the late 1800s mark an important moment in its history.
The island shows traces of its military past that visitors can still see today. Remnants of fortifications and old burial sites tell the story of people who lived and fought here.
The island is only reachable by boat from Savannah's harbor, so visitors should book a tour or arrange private boat access. Daytime landings are available, which gives enough time for hiking and wildlife observation.
A private landowner protected the island from development, which eventually led to its recognition as a national refuge. This unusual path through private initiative shaped the island's future significantly.
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