Buddy Sullivan. Photo Credit Richmond Hill GA Live

Have you ever wondered how Coastal Georgia has developed into the unique region that it is today? Well, both the City of Richmond Hill and the land at WaterWays have a rich history that plays into the overall story of our region.

Just twenty-five minutes south of the historic city of Savannah, a city founded in 1733 by General Oglethorpe and described by Forbes Travel Magazine as the "loveliest colonial town in America" Richmond Hill also has its own story and one local resident has decided it's time to share it.

Beginning on March 11^th, The Richmond Hill Historical Society will present a six week class taught by Buddy Sullivan, a renowned historian in Richmond Hill. The subject of these classes will cover over 400 years of growth along the coast and its impact on the history of our area. Learn more information and to register for this class, please call the Richmond Hill Museum at 912-756-3697 or click here!

As for WaterWays, the land our community is built on is practically a walkable history lesson. Stretching back 5,000 years to the first great Indian civilization in North America, there is evidence that Native Americans settled here. In fact, many excavations have been conducted over the years, in which archaeologists have unearthed arrowheads, pottery, tools and even smoking pipes. For the next two centuries, plantations sprang up with silk as the main product, until plantation owners found strong markets for rice and Sea Island cotton. One of the prominent cotton plantations in Bryan County was called Cottenham. This property was eventually purchased by automobile icon Henry Ford in the 1920's where he built a homestead for his winter retreat which looked out over Red Bird WaterWay from the land that is now known as WaterWays Township. In fact, some structural elements are still evident on the land today!

To live with such history is rare in today's world and an experience that cannot be replicated.

Please share your memorable moments that have become a part of your family's historical tapestry with us on Facebook.