What secrets does an island hold? Hutchinson Island in Savannah holds many. It whispers tales of industry, war, and even high-speed races. Hutchinson Island sits proudly in the Savannah River, just north of Savannah’s bustling downtown. It’s a slender strip of land, about 7 miles long and only a mile wide at its broadest point. The island was named after Archibald Hutchinson, a friend of General Oglethorpe. For years, Hutchinson Island served the Port of Savannah, a vital cog in the global shipping machine. Its industrial landscape played a crucial role in the port’s rise to become one of the world’s busiest.
Hutchinson Island witnessed a pivotal moment during the Civil War. In December 1864, General Sherman’s Union forces arrived at Savannah’s doorstep. Confederate General Hardee, unwilling to see Savannah destroyed, chose a strategic retreat. Under the cover of darkness, his troops made a daring escape across the Savannah River. They utilized a makeshift pontoon bridge that spanned from Hutchinson Island to the South Carolina wilderness. This clever maneuver saved his troops and spared Savannah from the ravages of war. The island also played a role in controlling the Savannah River’s tides. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers once operated a tide gate system here. This system was designed to prevent the river’s shipping channel from filling in. However, studies later revealed that the tide gate was causing saltwater to intrude into the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge upstream. As a result, the tide gate was abandoned.
Today, Hutchinson Island has shed its purely industrial skin. It has embraced a new identity as a vibrant hub for conventions, resorts, and even residential life. The Savannah International Trade and Convention Center stands as a testament to this transformation. The Westin Savannah Harbor Resort offers luxurious accommodations for visitors. Hutchinson Island even boasts a residential community known as The Reserve at Savannah Harbor. This marks a significant shift from the island’s industrial past.
But the story doesn’t end there. Hutchinson Island has a surprising connection to the world of motorsports. In the 1990s, a group of local businessmen sought to revive Savannah’s racing heritage. They spearheaded the creation of the Grand Prize of America Road Course, a 1.965-mile circuit built on a public road. This marked a first in the USA, a public road designed with racing in mind. The inaugural Dixie Crystals Grand Prix in 1997 drew a crowd of over 30,000 spectators. Hélio Castroneves, a future Indianapolis 500 champion, emerged victorious. Although initially successful, legal disputes and financial troubles led to the track’s decline and eventual closure. However, in the 2010s, the track was revived for historic racing events, adding another chapter to Hutchinson Island’s multifaceted history.
To reach this fascinating island, you can take the Savannah Belles Ferry, which offers regular service across the river. Alternatively, you can access the island by car via the Talmadge Memorial Bridge from the south. From the north, in South Carolina, U.S. Highway 17 will lead you to Hutchinson Island.