History Driving Trail
Explore Henry Ford's Southern town on the Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail! Here, you will embark on a journey where you will learn about many of the fascinating people and stories that make up the rich heritage of South Bryan County.
Buckle up for a drive through history!
Picture this: the year is 1925, and the local community is buzzing with excitement because the one and only Henry Ford, along with his wife, Clara, decided our piece of the Georgia Coast was the place to purchase mass amounts of land - 85,000 acres to be close. Now, Mr. Ford was a true innovator, a real trailblazer. He's best known for revolutionizing the automobile industry with that famous Model T. But he also made a BIG impact here in Richmond Hill. Along with his pals Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone, Ford was on a mission to find the perfect spot to experiment with rubber-producing plants for automobile tires and other car parts and to create a new winter retreat for himself and Clara. Their concern about rubber shortages during World War I led him right here on the advice of the renowned naturalist John Burroughs.
Now, sadly, their grand plans for rubber plant experiments didn't quite pan out, but did they give up? Not a chance! Over the next 25 years, they raised a bumper crop of well- groomed, well-educated children and brought prosperity to adults through education, job opportunities, and healthcare- even going as far as to eradicate malaria and other diseases that plagued the area. They built a downtown, restored historic homes to their former glory, improved churches and cemeteries, and even tackled the restoration of the old Civil War fortress, Fort McAllister.
Alright, as we drive along the trail, you'll catch glimpses of private residences, churches, and cemeteries, some still active, where you can almost hear the whispers of the past. And remember, as we explore these sites, let's show the utmost respect for the history they represent and for the owners.
Along the way, you’ll hear names such as Richmond Hill, Ways Station, South Bryan County, and even Bryan Neck, all of which refer to our area. Buckle up, my friends, and enjoy the tour!
Picture this: the year is 1925, and the local community is buzzing with excitement because the one and only Henry Ford, along with his wife, Clara, decided our piece of the Georgia Coast was the place to purchase mass amounts of land - 85,000 acres to be close. Now, Mr. Ford was a true innovator, a real trailblazer. He's best known for revolutionizing the automobile industry with that famous Model T. But he also made a BIG impact here in Richmond Hill. Along with his pals Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone, Ford was on a mission to find the perfect spot to experiment with rubber-producing plants for automobile tires and other car parts and to create a new winter retreat for himself and Clara. Their concern about rubber shortages during World War I led him right here on the advice of the renowned naturalist John Burroughs.
Now, sadly, their grand plans for rubber plant experiments didn't quite pan out, but did they give up? Not a chance! Over the next 25 years, they raised a bumper crop of well- groomed, well-educated children and brought prosperity to adults through education, job opportunities, and healthcare- even going as far as to eradicate malaria and other diseases that plagued the area. They built a downtown, restored historic homes to their former glory, improved churches and cemeteries, and even tackled the restoration of the old Civil War fortress, Fort McAllister.
Alright, as we drive along the trail, you'll catch glimpses of private residences, churches, and cemeteries, some still active, where you can almost hear the whispers of the past. And remember, as we explore these sites, let's show the utmost respect for the history they represent and for the owners.
Along the way, you’ll hear names such as Richmond Hill, Ways Station, South Bryan County, and even Bryan Neck, all of which refer to our area. Buckle up, my friends, and enjoy the tour!
Download the Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail Companion Booklet and a free mobile app for narration, turn-by-turn directions, and historic photos.
Stop by the Richmond Hill Visitor Center for more information,
located in the former Ford Bakery at 10750 Ford Avenue (stop 5 on the trail).
VisitRichmondHill.com
(912) 756-2676
located in the former Ford Bakery at 10750 Ford Avenue (stop 5 on the trail).
VisitRichmondHill.com
(912) 756-2676