What if I told you Richmond Hill wasn’t always Richmond Hill? This vibrant town, nestled along the Ogeechee River, boasts a history as rich as the Georgia soil. Richmond Hill’s story begins long before Henry Ford’s arrival, stretching back to the Native Americans who first called this land home. European settlers arrived in the 1730s, drawn by the fertile land along the Ogeechee and Canoochee rivers. Richmond Hill played a vital role in the production of rice and Sea Island cotton. It even served as the final stop on General Sherman’s infamous March to the Sea. Imagine the scene: Union troops overwhelming Fort McAllister in December 1864, opening a back door to Savannah and marking the end of Sherman’s devastating campaign. This pivotal moment in Richmond Hill’s history is preserved at Fort McAllister State Historical Park. Explore the remarkably preserved earthwork fortifications, a testament to Confederate ingenuity. These earthen mounds, designed to withstand river bombardment, successfully repelled seven Union naval attacks.
Fast forward to the 1920s. Enter Henry Ford, the automotive innovator, seeking a winter retreat and a place to experiment with rubber-producing plants. Ford, captivated by Coastal Georgia’s beauty, acquired a vast 85,000-acre estate, renaming his winter home “Richmond Hill Plantation.” Ford’s influence extended beyond his plantation. He invested in the community, building churches, schools, and improving infrastructure. When the federal government established Camp Stewart (now Fort Stewart) in 1941, displacing many residents, they settled in the area, renaming the town Richmond Hill in Ford’s honor. The town, once a humble settlement known as Ways Station, blossomed under Ford’s influence.
Today, Richmond Hill offers visitors a glimpse into its layered past. The Richmond Hill History Museum, housed in the old Ford Kindergarten building, showcases artifacts spanning from the Guale Indians to the Ford legacy. Retrace Ford’s footsteps at the Ford Courthouse Annex, the Ways Station Marker, and the Ford Community House. Visit the “Martha-Mary” Chapel, named for the mothers of Henry and Clara Ford, and imagine the community gatherings at the Ford Bakery and Commissary. The legacy of Henry Ford is interwoven with the very fabric of Richmond Hill, shaping its identity and leaving an enduring mark on this charming Southern town.