Amelia Island Museum of History

Housed in the old Nassau County Jail — a two-story brick lockup used from 1878 until 1975 — the museum tells the "Eight Flags" story of Amelia Island, the only U.S. soil to fly eight different national banners: French (1562), Spanish (1565), British (1763), Patriots of Amelia Island (1812), Green Cross of Florida (1817), Mexican Rebel (1817), Confederate (1861), and United States. Timucuan artifacts, pirate-era relics, Civil War exhibits, and rotating shows on shrimping, rail history, and Fernandina's Victorian golden age. Small, sharp, and docent-driven — the guided walk-through is why locals send visitors here first.

What to order

Take the docent-led Eight Flags Tour (Mon–Sat 11a and 2p, Sun 2p) — included with admission and worth planning around; the self-guided visit skips the best stories. Adults $10, seniors and military $8.

Hours

Mon–Sat 10a–4p · Sun 1p–4p · free admission Friday 4p–6p