Richmond Hill has a history that mirrors that of our nation: Exploration, Indian and Colonial settlements, the American Revolution, the War Between the States, Henry Ford Era, and recent military conflicts.
For centuries, the Guale people inhabited the shores of the Ogeechee River, enjoying the plentiful seafood and temperate climate. Spanish exploration in the late 1500s led to English settlement by 1792.
Prosperous rice plantations in the area were the "breadbasket" of the South, but the Civil War shifted this prosperity into poverty almost overnight. Fort McAllister, built in 1862 is one of our significant historical sites (now a Georgia state park). Originally the fort was built to protect Savannah's "back door.” Civil War buffs will tell you about the incredible stand the Rebels made against a new Yankee weapon, the ironclad, in the first sea-land battles in which this new class of warship was used. Nine distinct battles were fought involving the fort, including the final battle of General Sherman's March to the Sea, which ended in Bryan County.
Devastated after Sherman's March to the Sea in 1864, the desperate years of 1865-1925 found nearly 80 percent of county residents living at the poverty level, with malaria and moonshine dominating people's lives and livelihoods. An economic shot in the arm came when Henry Ford and his wife Clara visited Ways Station, as the town was then known, looking for a winter retreat. They built their winter estate on Sterling Bluff and set about erasing the impoverishment of Ways Station over the next 22 years. Ford’s philanthropic initiative saved Fort McAllister and enabled the fort to be reconstructed, and preserved for all to enjoy.
Eventually, Ford bought 85,000 acres, drained the swamps, constructed a sawmill, subsidized health care, built schools, a church, commissary, trade school, community house, and homes for his 600 employees. Ways Station was one of the most impoverished areas of Georgia. Ford sought to improve the quality of life and ultimately built 272 buildings on his property. With friends Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone, Ford formed the Edison Botanic Society and conducted laboratory experiments, attempting to turn agricultural products into goods useful to the auto industry.
Ford Farms transformed former rice fields into fields of fine iceberg lettuce and grew 365 varieties of soybeans, testing their properties for extracting rubber. In 1941, the town was renamed Richmond Hill after Ford's estate. The Fords gave this small village a 20th-century rebirth through their philanthropic efforts, transforming the backwater town of Ways Station into a vibrant community with new schools and employment opportunities.
Today most of our historic resources are associated with the Henry Ford Era. Richmond Hill has been recognized and awarded as a Preserve America Community for preserving American heritage by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the U.S. Department of Commerce, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on behalf of First Lady Laura Bush.
Most historic resources in Richmond Hill are associated with the Henry Ford Era. There are three types of properties related to the philanthropic and development activities of Henry Ford. There are the residential structures constructed for the employees of Henry Ford, commercial structures which were financed by Ford and the institutional buildings which housed religious, educational, and civic activities. Roughly 25 structures are being preserved with the intention of being listed on the National Registry. Some of the resources are just at the 50 year age requirement for eligibility for the National Registry Nomination. This includes:
In 1939, Ways Station was renamed to Richmond Hill in honor of the Ford’s winter residence. The city was incorporated in 1962 with boundaries that contain approximately 3,720-acres. Subsequent annexations have almost doubled the current city size (6,535-acres). The county is physically divided by the Fort Stewart Military Reservation. Created prior to World War II, Fort Stewart occupies almost 109,000-acres of central Bryan County. Richmond Hill is located in the southern portion of Bryan County and is home to many soldiers and their families – the county’s fastest growing city.
Today Richmond Hill serves as a quiet family community, located just minutes from metropolitan Savannah. The city of more than 10,000 residents retains the small town charm. Richmond Hill has a great deal to offer to its residents; a diminished crime rate, outstanding educational opportunities, community services, recreational facilities, and beautiful scenery. This community has infinite potential. Richmond Hill offers relief from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Quality growth and teamwork characterize Richmond Hill’s success. Southeast Georgia is one of the hottest business and residential growth areas in the country. Local businesses are aware of the unrivaled location advantages and the pro-business, pro-growth mentality of the local government. Richmond Hill borders the Fort Stewart Military Reservation and serves as home to many soldiers and their families. Families are aware the school system is top notch and the Board of Education is producing quality results. The schools continually exceed state standards and rank in the top 5% in SAT scores. Community involvement is evident in the motivated Parent Teacher Student Organizations. Neighborhood associations take pride in their neighborhoods and maintain the appearance. The Chamber of Commerce and the Convention and Visitors Bureau play an active role in the community as well as other active civic organizations. These partnerships enable the city and local businesses to work together towards effective growth. Citizen participation and community collaboration have led to creative solutions on development issues, prevention programs for the youth, and greater community understanding of good planning and investment.