Ossabaw Island, Barrier island in Chatham County, Georgia, US.
Ossabaw Island is a barrier island in Chatham County spanning about 26,000 acres, with wooded uplands dotted by freshwater ponds alongside expansive marshlands. Tidal creeks weave through both landscape types, creating distinct ecological zones across the island.
The Guale people inhabited the island until around 1730, when European colonization brought disease and settlement pressure that forced them to relocate inland. This period marked the beginning of fundamental change in how the island was inhabited.
The Ossabaw Foundation, established in 1961, draws artists, writers, and composers who come to create and develop their work in this remote setting. The island remains a gathering place for creative individuals seeking inspiration and time away from everyday distractions.
Visiting requires advance permission from the Department of Natural Resources, and you can only reach the island by boat since no bridges connect to the mainland. Plan your visit carefully given the remote location and limited access options.
In 1975, the island became the first state-owned heritage preserve under the Georgia Heritage Trust Act, setting it apart for research and educational use only. This legal designation has shaped how the place is managed and experienced.
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