Jekyll Island's Role in Federal Reserve History
Jekyll Island is famous for being the site of a clandestine meeting in 1910 that laid the groundwork for the creation of the Federal Reserve System.
In November 1910, a group of six men gathered on Jekyll Island to discuss the problems with the banking system in the United States. The group included Senator Nelson Aldrich, who was the chairman of the National Monetary Commission, and representatives from some of the country’s most powerful banking institutions, including J.P. Morgan, Paul Warburg, and Frank Vanderlip.
The group met in secret for nine days, and during that time, they developed a plan to address the banking crisis. The plan involved the creation of a central banking system that would be responsible for regulating the money supply and providing emergency loans to banks in times of financial distress.
The group’s plan was eventually adopted by Congress, and in 1913, the Federal Reserve Act was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson. The Federal Reserve System was established as a decentralized central banking system, with twelve regional banks and a Board of Governors in Washington, D.C.
Jekyll Island continued to be a popular destination for the wealthy and influential throughout the 20th century. Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, with a variety of recreational activities available, including golf, hiking, camping, bird watching and beachcombing.
How to Get to Jekyll Island
By Land
From I-95: Take exit 29 to highway 17 and follow the signs to the Jekyll Island causeway (approximately 5.5 miles).
After turning onto the causeway, travel approximately 4 miles to the visitors center and admission gate. The island is 2 miles beyond the entrance gate.
From Brunswick: Take 17 south and cross the Sidney Lanier Bridge.The Jekyll Island causeway is a very short distance from the base of the bridge.
By Air
There are two large airports that service the Golden Isles and the surrounding area.
Locally, there is the Brunswick Golden Isles Airport which is 21 miles from Jekyll Island.
The nearest major airport is JAX, located in Jacksonville Florida. It is approximately 75 miles from Jekyll Island.
Additionally, there is an airport on Saint Simons Island. This airport services private and corporate planes and jets. By land, it is located 19 miles from Jekyll.
Jekyll Island also has a small airport. You can find more information here:
https://www.airnav.com/airport/09J
By Sea
Jekyll Island has a public boat ramp, a marina and wharf.
The public boat ramp and dock is on the intracoastal waterway, just south of the marina.
The Jekyll Harbor Marina is located at: N 31° 02.750′ / W 081° 25.367′
The marina address is: 1 Harbor Road, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
The Jekyll Island Wharf is located in the Historic District, 3/4 of a mile north of the marina. The wharf has an on the water restaurant, a dock, and is home to the Jekyll Island Dolphin sightseeing tours.
Get to know Jekyll Island Georgia
Food, family and fun
Attractions for Everyone
Many attractions, including more than 7 miles of hard and soft sand beaches.
FRESH, LOCAL AND DELICIOUS CUISINE
Enjoy the harvest of the Georgia shores
Shell collecting, Gentle climate and weather, The seasons of Jekyll Island, Dolphin watching, Weddings, Festivals, Beach front hotels, Nine miles of sand beaches, Georgia Sea Turtle Center.