History of Chesser Island

Unlike the Okefenokee Swamp, the history of Chesser Island is more recent. It was during the later years of 1800s when a family stayed in a little island found on the eastern part of the swamp. The head of the family, W.T. Chesser, decided to rough it up on the island than to continue staying on Tattnall and Liberty.

Roughing it up is an understatement. The place back then is not exactly a haven but the Chesser family managed to make both ends meet. Convenience stores were yet to be developed. The Chessers had to resort to inventive ways in order to put food on the table. It was a good thing that the Okefenokee Swamp served as home to many animals. The family filled their stomachs with whatever they shot, trapped, or caught for the day.

The sandy soil made it hard to grow crops other than sugar cane, tobacco, and turpentine. These crops were the family’s main source of income. Other than hunting and taking care of the crops, hog butchering and syrup grinding were the other activities which occupied the Chessers.

There were good days and bad days but the Chesser family called the 592-acre island their home.