The Intriguing History Of Brunswick, Georgia: A Coastal Gem With A Storied Past

Brunswick, Georgia, is a historic port city known for its rich seafood industry, southern hospitality, and unique downtown area. The city is laid out in a formal grid, similar to Savannah, with streets and squares bearing colonial names. Brunswick offers beautiful views of the Sidney Lanier Bridge and stunning sunsets from the Brunswick Landing Marina. It is also known for its historic sites, including the Historic Ritz Theatre, Lover's Oak, and the Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation. The city hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee and the Blessing of the Fleet. Brunswick is an ideal destination for those seeking a combination of history, cuisine, and outdoor activities.

Brunswick's rich seafood industry

Brunswick, Georgia is known for its rich seafood industry. Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, the city has a long history as an important port, playing a strategic role during World War II. Today, it is recognised as the centre of Georgia's shrimping industry, with shrimp boats docked at the wharf, ready to trawl the local waters.

The city's seafood industry offers a wide range of seafood, including shrimp, crab, oysters, and fish. This includes classic dishes such as fish and chips, as well as local specialties like shrimp and grits, and the Low Country Boil, a combination of shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes served family-style.

For those looking to try their hand at catching their own seafood, the Lady Jane shrimping vessel offers a unique opportunity to join the shrimp boats and try shrimping first-hand.

In addition to its seafood industry, Brunswick also boasts a variety of restaurants, historic sites, and cultural events, making it a popular tourist destination. The city's Historic Downtown, also known as Old Town Brunswick, features a range of architectural styles dating back to 1819, including Queen Anne, Jacobean, and Italianate designs.

The city also hosts several annual events, such as the Brunswick Rockin' Stewbilee, a festival featuring a stew-tasting contest with over 50 teams participating, and the Blessing of the Fleet, a traditional event where local fishermen bring their boats to be blessed for a safe and bountiful season.

With its rich history, cultural offerings, and, of course, its delicious seafood, Brunswick, Georgia, is a charming coastal city with plenty to offer visitors and locals alike.

The Historic Ritz Theatre

In the 1920s, as motion pictures became popular, the Opera House was converted into a movie palace and renamed the Ritz Theatre. The first story's brickwork was covered with Carrara glass, and an elaborate marquee and cascading sign were added to give the building a more modern art deco look.

In 1956, the world premiere of 'A View From Pompey's Head', filmed primarily at the Oglethorpe Hotel, was introduced by the film's star, Richard Egan, at the Ritz Theatre.

The theatre fell into decline in the 1960s and 1970s, but in 1981, the City of Brunswick purchased it and began modernisation and substantial alterations. The theatre's roof had collapsed, so extensive reconstruction was required. The Ritz sign was left intact.

Under the management of the Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) since 1990, the theatre has returned to its roots as a live performance space and a place for community and cultural events. The Ritz hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including performing arts, films, exhibits, and educational programs. It is also used by independent producers and organisations that rent the space.

Sidney Lanier Bridge

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is an iconic landmark in Brunswick, Georgia, named after the poet Sidney Lanier. It is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Brunswick River, carrying four lanes of U.S. Route 17. The bridge is not only the longest-spanning bridge in Georgia, stretching 7,779 feet, but it is also the tallest, reaching a height of 480 feet. The bridge was built in 2003 to replace the original vertical-lift bridge, which was struck by ships on two separate occasions in 1972 and 1987. The new bridge was designed to allow larger ships to enter the port and eliminate the need for a drawbridge.

The sleek and elegant design of the Sidney Lanier Bridge belies the massive amounts of concrete and steel used in its construction. The bridge features two identical towers that anchor its cables to the bridge deck, with the cables fanning out to form two pyramids on either side. The bridge is an example of innovative engineering, as it was built from water level with cranes mounted on barges floated in the river. Additionally, rock islands were constructed around the base of each tower to protect against ship collisions.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge is not just a functional structure but also a source of community engagement and recreation. Each year, usually in February, the Southeast Georgia Health System sponsors the "Bridge Run," where the south side of the bridge is closed to traffic, and people can run or walk across it. The event is followed by a fun walk, a family-friendly festival, and community vendors, with proceeds going towards cancer and cardiac care programs. The bridge also offers panoramic views of the Golden Isles, making it one of the most photographed locations in the area.

The bridge has a tragic history, as the original structure was involved in a deadly collision in 1972 when a cargo ship struck it, resulting in the deaths of ten people. Another ship collision occurred in 1987, prompting the construction of the new bridge to enhance safety and facilitate maritime commerce.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge stands as a testament to the resilience and progress of Brunswick, Georgia, offering both practical and recreational value to the community while also serving as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the tragic accidents of the past.

Brunswick Stew

The origins of Brunswick Stew are disputed, with both Brunswick City, Georgia, and Brunswick County, Virginia, claiming to be the birthplace of the dish. The debate is friendly and has been going on for over a century.

The key to a good Brunswick Stew is in the meat, which takes centre stage in this stew. It is typically made with leftover BBQ meat, such as chicken, pulled pork, or brisket. However, you can also use ground beef, cubed pork loin chops, or chopped chicken breast. The meat is combined with a handful of vegetables, such as onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic, and simmered in a large pot or Dutch oven.

Some people like to add frozen lima beans (butter beans), diced potatoes, or okra to their Brunswick Stew. The stew is typically served as a side dish with barbecued chicken or pork, along with other sides such as baked beans and potato salad. It can also be served as a main course with saltine crackers or cornbread on the side.

The Port of Brunswick

Brunswick, Georgia, is a port city with a rich history and a diverse range of attractions. One of its most notable features is the Port of Brunswick, which plays a vital role in the city's economy and has a long history dating back to the eighteenth century.

The Port's Economic Significance

The Shrimping Industry

Brunswick was once known as "The Shrimp Capital of the World" due to its abundant wild shrimp harvests. The shrimping industry remains essential to the local economy, and visitors can still see the array of shrimp boats docked at the wharf, ready to trawl the local waters.

The Blessing of the Fleet

During World War II, the traditional Blessing of the Fleet festival began in Brunswick. This festival is now an annual event, featuring a beautiful parade of shrimp boats floating past the Sidney Lanier Bridge, alongside other family-friendly activities.

The Port's Terminals

• Colonel's Island Terminal: This terminal has three modern Ro/Ro berths and handles a diverse mix of bulk commodities, including vehicles and project cargo.
• Mayor's Point Terminal: This terminal specializes in break-bulk and project cargo, particularly the handling of forest products, with ample covered and open storage space.
• East River Terminal and Lanier Dock: Operated by Logistec U.S.A., this terminal handles break-bulk and bulk commodities, with deepwater berthing and ample storage space.

In summary, the Port of Brunswick is a bustling hub of economic activity, with a diverse range of imports and exports and a long history that continues to shape the city of Brunswick today.

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