Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge, Protected barrier island wildlife refuge in McIntosh County, Georgia, US.
Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area with tidal forest, salt marsh, freshwater wetlands, and sandy beaches along the Georgia coast. The refuge spans thousands of acres and features diverse habitats that shift based on water and vegetation patterns.
The U.S. Navy purchased the island at public auction in 1800 to harvest oak timber for shipbuilding purposes. This military interest eventually led to the creation of the refuge we see today.
The island takes its name from Edward Teach, the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard, and local stories speak of buried treasure along the northern shore. This connection to pirate history shapes how people in the region understand the place.
To reach the island, visitors need a private boat or must arrange a charter service from nearby coastal towns. Day timing and tide conditions affect when crossing to the island is practical.
The island serves as a nesting ground for over 200 bird species and sea turtles that arrive during breeding season. The refuge also contains designated wilderness that remains off-limits to most visitors, preserving the natural character of the place.
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