In 1957 Port Wentworth officially came into being. A small town it has a big history. Before its incorporation Port Wentworth was a collection of colonial plantations. Mulberry Grove plantation was especially important. There Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin. This invention revolutionized the South. The town’s location near I-95 exit 109 is now a boon for tourism. Hotels and restaurants cater to travelers. They offer easy access to Savannah’s historic district.
Port Wentworth grew. Its population boomed. In 2020 over 10000 people called Port Wentworth home. This was more than double the 2010 population. The city continues to grow. The 2023 estimate placed the population over 14000. A major part of the city’s character comes from its industry. Lumber pulp paper and sugar refining have always been significant. The city also has a long history of brick making. Famous Savannah Gray brick is still produced there.
Sadly Port Wentworth has experienced tragedy. In 2008 a devastating explosion rocked the Dixie Crystals sugar plant. Fourteen people died. At least forty others suffered injuries. The blast was heard miles away. It shook houses in South Carolina. This terrible accident brought Port Wentworth international attention. News of the event reached Europe and Asia.
Today Port Wentworth offers a blend of history industry and nature. The Savannah National Wildlife Refuge is close. The Savannah River is easily accessible at the Houlihan Boat Landing. Visitors can explore the area’s rich history. They can visit African American praise houses and cemeteries. They can learn more about Sherman’s March to the Sea. Those interested in local agriculture can visit area farms. They can buy fresh Georgia grown produce.
Port Wentworth is more than just a stop on I-95. It is a thriving community. It is a place with a rich and complex history. It boasts beautiful natural surroundings. It offers a unique blend of old and new. It deserves to be explored. So take your time. Enjoy everything that Port Wentworth has to offer.