History of The Amelia Island Williams House

From ornate wrought-iron gates topped with gilded fleur-de-lis to spacious verandas with comfortable wicker and old fashioned swings, this elegant bed and breakfast is a treasure in a sleepy, undiscovered spot off Florida's northeast coast. This National Award winning historic Bed and Breakfast with a heritage of elegance is a magnificent 150 year old stately Antebellum mansion, the only one of its kind in Fernandina Beach to be opened as a Bed and Breakfast.

The home's exquisite beauty and grandeur offers a warm and comfortable ambiance to all who enter. With the reputation as one of the most historic residences in Fernandina Beach, your hosts Deborah and Byron invite you to experience the History of the Eight Flags of Amelia Island and the awesome history of the home. Enjoy the authentic elegance of historic Florida. Come and relax in an era of times gone-by amidst crystal chandeliers, beautiful antiques and amazing workmanship.

A two course gourmet breakfast is served daily in our breathtaking red and gold damask dining room upon beautiful family heirloom china, sterling silver and crystal. Stroll through our English garden or relax in the peaceful rear courtyard amid fountains and Japanese Koi pond. Reflect underneath the 500 year old live oak tree whose canopy reaches across the grounds to the Hearthstone House Circa 1859. A video library is available that includes movies and sporting events. Bicycles invite you to cruise the streets and parks of this historic seaside city.

History of The Hearthstone Williams House

The Hearthstone Williams House was built in 1859, and contains 4 magnificent rooms, each with it's own decor. Select from Queen Catherine's Chambers, Confederate Memories, Isle of Santa Maria, or Macgregor-Aury Stateroom.

Due to fire regulations and the priceless antiques, smoking is only permitted on the verandas and in the rear courtyard. Children over the age of 12 are welcome. Pet boarding is available at an off site location upon request at the time of reservation.

When Jefferson Davis was president of the Confederacy, he stayed at the estate and stored some of his personal effects here during the Civil War. When the Union troops took over the Island, the homes were used as their headquarters and as an infirmary for injured troops. It was also part of the underground railway for runaway slaves and was recently featured on the front page of the Amelia Island News Leader. The secret room used as part of the underground railroad is still in existence.

Marcellus Williams and his wife, Ema, purchased the home in 1859 from a wealthy Boston banker who built it in 1856. Williams was a true Florida pioneer as he surveyed the State during the 1800's. He worked for the firm of Lawrence Washington, nephew of George Washington. He surveyed for the Federal Government and had famed New York architect, R.S. Schulyer design the most unique gingerbread in the area and install it on the front of the home. William's surveyed for the railroad from Amelia Island to Cedar Key, the Intracoastal waterway from Lake Worth to Fort Myers, south to Key Biscayne and into the Everglades. Marcellus was one of the first people to befriend the Seminole Indian Nation.

In 1880,at the time of his death, Williams owned almost 400,000 acres of Northern Florida. Williams grandson, Dr. Ash Williams, a noted Jacksonville oncologist, was President of the American Cancer Society and it was because of his untiring efforts that cigarette packages today bear health warnings. His initials can still be seen today carved into the kitchen window sill.