Guadalquini Mission

Exhibit on site

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

30.444710, -81.463130

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Guadalquini was originally located on St. Simons Island, however, they had to relocate due to English and French pirates. This location offered a great refuge with enough local resources, land, waterways, and proximity to other missions, to support the growing mission. Nearly 300 people, all from the Native American tribes of Mocama, Colones, and Yamasee, lived here on this point under Spanish rule. Nothing stands today, as in 1696 Guadalquini moved to San Juan del Puerto, on Fort George Island, home to Kingsley Plantation, and in 1702 both mission sites were burned by Carolinian James Moore.  

As such, archeologists have only found a few buildings, one of which once stood before you. Imagine a structure built with wooden walls and thatched roofing, which is just vegetation, with 2 rooms, each around 15x25 feet. The room on the right has an open side, and the left room is closed. On the right hand room Native Americans would be cooking meals, largely seafood dishes, and the occasional pig. When needing supplies, they’d enter the left room, where a Spaniard likely guarded, given a brass ring and a pipe archeologists found in there.