Dungeness on Cumberland Island, Georgia, is a ruined mansion that is part of a historic district that was the home of several families significant in American history. James Oglethorpe first built on Cumberland Island in 1736, building a hunting lodge that he named Dungeness. Oglethorpe named the place after Dungeness, in England. The next Dungeness was the legacy of Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene, who had acquired 11,000 acres of island land in exchange for a bad debt. His widow built a four-story tabby mansion in 1803, over a Timucuan shell mound. During the War of 1812 the island was occupied by the British, who used the house as a headquarters.
In 1818 Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, a dashing cavalry commander during the Revolutionary War and father of Robert E. Lee, stayed at the house until his death on March 25, 1818, cared for by Greene's daughter Louisa, and was laid to rest in nearby cemetery with full military honors provided by an American fleet stationed at St. Marys, Georgia. The house was abandoned during the U.S. Civil War and burned in 1866.
In the 1880s the property was purchased by Thomas M. Carnegie, brother of Andrew Carnegie, who began to build a new mansion on the site. The 59-room Queen Anne style mansion and grounds were completed after Carnegie's death in 1886. His wife Lucy continued to live at Dungeness and built other estates for her children, including Greyfield for Margaret Carnegie, Plum Orchard for George Lauder Carnegie, and Stafford Plantation. By this time, the Carnegies owned 90% of the island.
The Carnegies moved out of Dungeness in 1925. In 1959 the Dungeness mansion was destroyed by fire, alleged to be arson. The ruins are today preserved by the National Park Service as part of Cumberland Island National Seashore. They were acquired by the Park Service in 1972.

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Our top choices for St. Marys pet-friendly hotels

Riverview Hotel

St. Marys

Charlene

฿3,592 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Dec - 31 Dec

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland

St. Marys

Lois

฿2,331 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jan - 5 Jan 2026

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Frequently asked questions

What's the best dog-friendly hotel in St. Marys?

SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western St Marys Cumberland is a top dog-friendly hotel, and offers an outdoor pool along with free wired Internet for its human guests. Two other good options for you and your pet's trip include Riverview Hotel and Goodbread House Bed & Breakfast Inn.

How many hotels that accept pets can I expect to find in St. Marys?

Enjoy travelling with your furry pal at one of Expedia's 16 St. Marys hotels that allow pets.

What's the best time of year to travel to St. Marys with my pet?

When you're travelling with pets, keeping track of the weather can make the trip safe and fun for everyone. The hottest months are usually July and August, with an average temperature of 27°C, while the coldest months are January and February, with an average of 15°C. Average annual precipitation for St. Marys is 1224 mm.

What is there to see and do with your pet in St. Marys?

Known for its port, St. Marys has lots to offer visitors. See the local sights and visit St. Marys Welcome Center and Cumberland Island National Seashore Visitor Center. While you're there, make sure you don't miss Cumberland Island Ferry and Crooked River State Park.

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