Swamp became the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in 1937. Slowly, the Chesser family located to other areas. Tom and Iva Chesser were the last family to leave the island, in 1958. Many members of the Chesser family remain nearby in Folkston, Georgia, Waycross, Georgia, and Hollister, Florida. They are involved in the ongoing maintenance and interpretation of the Chesser Island Homestead; some are employed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in various capacities. References External links Chesser Island at the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge A winery operated by descendants of the Chessers Protected areas of Charlton County, Georgia Islands of Georgia (U.S. state) Landforms of Charlton County, Georgia