Sea Island, Georgia

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In 1911, Howard Coffin (owner of the Hudson Motor Company) purchased 20,000 acres (81 km²) of land on Sapelo Island and began developing it as a private resort for himself and friends. In 1922, he purchased what was formerly called Long Island and renamed it Sea Island. In 1928 he began an overnight inn and lodge named "The Cloister." In 1929, The Plantation golf course was built. The area was a magnet for industrialists of the era, as well as notable figures from all areas. The area was referred to informally as "Millionaire's Island," and the land on the island was privately owned by some of the wealthiest families in the United States. After the Great Depression, wealthy elites began to vacation in other areas, but The Cloister remained a spot with the most exclusive clients only. To the present day, land on Sea Island is controlled privately, and public access is limited. In June 2004 (June 8–10), it hosted a summit of the Group of Eight leaders. As with previous sites of the G8 meeting, the venue is remote, easily secured, and has a history of luxurious accommodations. As part of the security measures, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated the summit a National Special Security Event (NSSE). In late 2004, the Sea Island Company closed their famous hotel, The Cloister. After 75 years of service the hotel was torn down to make room for a new one. The new Cloister hotel reopened on April 1, 2006, along the Black Banks River on the east side of Sea Island. The new hotel has many of the same architectural features as the former building, reminiscent of Addison Mizner design. The famous 1928 Spanish Lounge, for example, was dismantled and completely rebuilt in the new hotel. A guard hut and gated entry were recently constructed on the causeway leading to Sea Island. Visitors and sightseers are no longer permitted; the entire island is now accessible only to homeowners, club members and guests of the resort.