History of South Harbor
General Oglethorpe landed on the bluff of the Savannah River in 1733. His mission, as authorized by the King of England, was to establish a defense against the Spanish to the south in what is now Florida. He established a fort on the northeast end of Skidaway Island where Priest Landing Marina is now located. In 1758, Half Moon Village was established on the southwest end of the island, fronting on Skidaway River, now named Burnside River. The river was renamed for General Burnside, who was granted Rotten Possum Hammock, now known as Burnside Island. Crown grants were then given as shown on the map below. South Harbor derives from lots 11, 12, 13, and seven hammocks, also shown. These lots were 40 and 50 acres in size. In 1769 Michael Illy sold to Thomas Netherclift. In 1770 Samuel Lyon sold to Jonathan and Agnes Lightenstone. In 1773, the Netherclifts sold to Lightenstone. In 1774 Michael Reitter sold to Lightenstone. Robert Bolton sold to Samuel Lyon, who then also sold to Lightenstone. Then came the Revolutionary War. The Lightenstones were Loyalists and went back to England. Their property was confiscated March 1, 1778 by the Commissioner of Confiscated Estates. History/Text credit: Stephen Lufburrow