Moss-draped oaks whispered secrets. Their branches formed a canopy above White Bluff a quiet community nestled eight miles southeast of Savannah.
White Bluff wasn’t just a place it was a story etched into the Georgia soil. It was a collection of small communities Nicholsonboro Rose Dhu Twin Hill and Cedar Grove. In 1940 its population was around 400 people.
These communities thrived along White Bluff Road. Their history stretched back long before 1940. Many of its inhabitants were descendants of enslaved people. They had worked on St Catherines Island a large plantation owned by Jacob Waldburg. After the Civil War and General Sherman’s Special Field Orders No 15 briefly reserved the island for freed slaves Waldburg reclaimed it. The former slaves moved to White Bluff in 1868 seeking new beginnings.
White Bluff wasn’t always a quiet haven. A book from 1869 mentions two hotels and several summer homes. It even mentions a Dutch settlement in 1740 at the very location. This hints at a rich and varied past. A past far more vibrant than the quiet image many associate with White Bluff today. Imagine bustling activity carriages and the lively conversations of visitors.
The oldest Reformed congregation in Georgia continuously serving has its roots in White Bluff. In 1737 160 German Reformed people arrived in Savannah. They sought religious freedom and after fulfilling their indentured servitude they petitioned for a minister and land. Their petition was granted in 1745. The land was officially given by King George II in 1759. Their first minister John Joakim Zulby also served in the Second Continental Congress.
White Bluff’s story is one of resilience. A story of a community that overcame hardship and established itself in the heart of Georgia. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of its people. A community shaped by history and its people. White Bluff’s past continues to echo through its moss-draped oaks a silent reminder of its enduring legacy. A legacy worth remembering and cherishing.