Billys Island

Billys Island is a deserted town on an island in the Okefenokee Swamp in Charlton County, GA. The island is a space to observe local biodiversity and engage in outdoor recreation activities like hiking.

The town existed from 1918 to 1927, started by Daniel Hebard, a timber-baron from Philadelphia. He decided he wanted to build a company town for his employees on the island, and harvest the local trees, including old-growth cypress trees, pines, and palmettos. The island had up to 60 buildings, and up to 600 people lived and worked there due to Hebard's efforts. The town became deserted in 1927 after most of the laborers moved to other logging camps and Hebard's operation in the swamp was discontinued. The area has now been reclaimed by nature.