Plum Orchard in Cumberland Island Georgia it is A National Historic Landmark

Plum Orchard is a historic Georgian Revival mansion located on Cumberland Island, Georgia. Surrounded by moss-draped oak trees, gardens, 

marshes, and maritime forests, the estate offers visitors a look into the Carnegie family’s life on the island during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

History of Plum Orchard

Plum Orchard was built as a winter retreat for George Lauder Carnegie and his wife, Margaret Thaw Carnegie. George was the 

    nephew of industrialist Thomas Carnegie, whose family began purchasing property on Cumberland Island during the 1880s.         

Construction of Plum Orchard began in 1898, and the original residence was completed around 1900.                                           

The mansion was later expanded, creating the impressive Georgian Revival home seen today.                                                        

For several decades, Plum Orchard served as a private seasonal residence for members of the Carnegie family.                         

The estate included elegant living rooms, family bedrooms, guest accommodations, formal gardens,                                             

recreational spaces, service areas, and several supporting structures.Today, Plum Orchard is preserved as                                   

part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. The mansion provides an important look at the architecture,                                 

furnishings, family traditions, and social history of Cumberland Island’s Carnegie era.                                                                    

Georgian Revival Mansion

                  Plum Orchard is a beautiful example of Georgian Revival architecture. The large white mansion features classical 

symmetrical windows, spacious porches, decorative interior details, and elegant rooms                         

designed for family gatherings and entertaining guests.                                                                               

Historic Grounds

The grounds surrounding Plum Orchard feature ancient live oak trees, sweeping lawns, native plants, 

marshland scenery, and peaceful island landscapes.                                                                                 

 Spanish moss hanging from the trees adds to the property’s distinctive Southern appearance.              

Original Furnishings

Many historic furnishings and decorative objects remain inside the mansion. These pieces help visitors understand

 how the Carnegie family lived, entertained guests, and spent their winters on Cumberland Island.                                

Breathtaking Island Views

Plum Orchard overlooks scenic marshes and waterways near the estate. The surrounding views 

reflect the natural beauty that attracted the Carnegie family to Cumberland Island.                        

Historic Outbuildings

The Plum Orchard estate includes historic service buildings and other supporting structures. These buildings help tell the broader story

 of the workers who maintained the mansion, grounds, household, and daily operations of the estate.                                                        

Cumberland Island

Cumberland Island is known for its undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, salt marshes, historic ruins, wildlife, and peaceful natural surroundings.

 Visitors may encounter wild horses, shorebirds, armadillos, deer, and other wildlife while exploring the island.                                                               

Visitor Information
Location:
Plum Orchard Mansion
Cumberland Island National Seashore
Georgia 31501

National Park Service Phone: (912) 882-4336

Website: www.nps.gov/cuis

Management:
Plum Orchard is managed and preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore.

Visiting Plum Orchard

Access to Plum Orchard generally requires transportation by boat to Cumberland Island, followed by travel to the northern portion of the island. Tour availability, ferry schedules, transportation options, operating hours, and seasonal conditions may change.

Visitors should check directly with the National Park Service before traveling to confirm current tour schedules, accessibility information, ferry reservations, and any temporary closures.

Preserving Southern Heritage and Natural Beauty

Plum Orchard represents an important chapter in Cumberland Island’s history. Its architecture, furnishings, cultural stories, and surrounding natural environment are preserved so future generations can learn about the people who lived and worked on the island.