places to visit in richmond hill ga

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Things To Do In Richmond Hill, GA & Nearby

The small city of Richmond Hill, GA, located a few miles south of Savannah, offers several attractions and things to do, some in the city itself, and some nearby.

Besides its various special events (including the extremely popular Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival), Richmond Hill has a museum devoted to its history as the winter retreat of motor car magnate Henry Ford, and a Civil War-era fort, the latter located just outside the city.

Things to do near Richmond Hill include the the bamboo collection and themed gardens at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens, south of Savannah, and the interesting Colonial Midway Museum, located in the neighboring city of Midway.

See also: – Fort McAllister – Skidaway Island State Park – Pin Point Heritage Museum

! Hours, admission and other attraction information may change at short notice. Please check all details at the official website before visiting.

Fort McAllister State Park

Fort McAllister is a Civil War-era earthwork fort built by the Confederates to defend the southern coastal access to Savannah. It is considered the best-preserved earthwork fortification in Georgia, with self-guided tours of the fort and historical programs on soldier life, historic weapons, or nature topics available daily.

Outdoor exhibits at the fort include historic cannons, plus barracks, palisades and other fort structures. The visitor center offers a display of Civil War artifacts and a short film. Several miles of hiking and biking trails wind their way through marsh-side maritime forest.

Fort McAllister State Park offers frequent special events, including historical programs on holiday weekends and a series of ranger-led hikes, nature-focused programs and other activities.

Open daily, 7am-10pm. Admission to the historic site is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and $5 for children (6-17). There is a $5 parking fee for admission to the state park only.

3894 Fort McAllister Road, Richmond Hill, GA

Call 912-727-2339 or visit the official website for additional information.

Richmond Hill Historic Society & Museum

This small but fascinating museum explores the industrial magnate Henry Ford’s contributions to Richmond Hill (where he and his wife Clara used to winter) and other aspects of local history.

The building in which the museum is housed was constructed by the Fords in 1940 to serve as a kindergarten for local children. Exhibits and a film examine the lives of Henry and Clara Ford, plus the history of the Richmond Hill area since the pre-colonial period, including the indigenous Guale people, local rice plantations, Gullah-Geechee culture and Sherman’s March to the Sea, among other topics.

Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm. Admission is $8 for adults, children (6-17) $4.

11460 Ford Avenue, Richmond Hill, GA

Call 912-756-2676 or visit the official website for additional information.

Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens

Located north of Richmond Hill on the outskirts of Savannah, the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens offers a series of themed gardens and an extensive collection of bamboo.

Areas within the Gardens include an English-style cottage garden, a Mediterranean garden, a replica of the Trustees Garden established by early colonists in Georgia, a rose garden, and collections of orchids and camellias.

The Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens is open Thursday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Adults $5, children (6-16) $3.

2 Canebrake Road, Savannah, GA

Visit the official website for additional information.

Colonial Midway Museum

The Midway Museum, a few miles south of Richmond Hill, provides an insight into colonial life and history in coastal Georgia. The museum is housed in a reproduction of an 18th-century raised plantation cottage, decorated with authentic period furnishing, art and other artifacts, many of which were donated by local families.

Docents provide 1-2 hour tours of the house, outlining the history of the area from the colonial period into the 20th century. After the tour, you can admire the 1792 Midway Church next door.

The museum is open for guided tours Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-4pm. Adults $10, seniors/military $8, children (0-18) $5. Tours of the historic cemetery adjacent to the museum can be arranged via reservation for an additional $10 per person.

491 North Coastal Highway, Midway, GA

Call 912-884-5837 or visit the official website for additional information.

Richmond Hill Festivals & Events

The highlight of Richmond Hill’s festival calendar is the annual Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival in fall, but the city also offers a year-round schedule of events.

Community events include monthly car shows, holiday festivals and art shows. There are also several annual special events at nearby Fort McAllister State Park, plus regular additional programming such as guided hikes and other family activities.

More Things To Do In Coastal Georgia

– Beaches near Richmond Hill – Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge – Sapelo Island tours – Ebenezer Creek blackwater swamp – Ossabaw Island tours – Things to do in Brunswick, GA

See also: – Savannah events – Savannah Historic District – Seafood festivals in the lowcountry – Food festivals in Georgia – Black history things to do in Savannah

© Melanie K Jones 2024

Things To Do In Richmond Hill + Sunbury + Midway Georgia: Coastal GA Road Trip

This post may contain compensated links. Refer to my  disclaimer  for more info.

Excited to join our road trip down the Georgia Coast and need to know the best things to do in Richmond Hill and Historic Midway and Sunbury Georgia?

You’ve probably heard about Fort McAllister State Park and Richmond Hill attractions near Tybee Island.

Or you want to see why Bryan and Liberty counties captured the heart of automobile billionaire Henry Ford and his wife Clara.

My last guess is that you want to see the circa 1792 Midway Church (still standing!) where prominent Continental Congress members went on to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Either way, this post is for you!

Where is Richmond Hill, Sunbury, and Midway, Georgia anyway?

Richmond Hill, part of Bryan County, Georgia is 50 miles south of Hilton Head, South Carolina , and 75 miles to secluded Jekyll Island Georgia .

14 miles southwest of Richmond Hill is Midway, Georgia. Drive 11 more miles east and you’ll find Sunbury, Georgia. Both of which are part of Liberty County.

Visit these Georgia counties on a day trip, weekend trip, or as beach getaways on a road trip from Savannah and Tybee, down to Darien Georgia.

Keep reading for Richmond Hill things to do, the best Richmond Hill restaurants, and the best hotels in Richmond Hill, GA. You won’t find these Georgia travel tips and details anywhere else. Enjoy the vacation ideas, activities, accommodations, what to eat, and maps.

FUN THINGS TO DO IN RICHMOND HILL GA

Practically in Savannah Georgia’s backyard, Richmond Hill is located along the scenic Ogeechee River.

A secret to most of the world, this well-kept small southern town is brimming with lots of gorgeous architecture, shopping, restaurants, and outdoor recreation. Many beautiful places in Richmond are the result of Henry Ford’s accidental discovery and refurbishment of this modest Lowcountry paradise.

The Green Creek Trail , J.F. Gregory Park, tennis courts, and golf courses are popular outdoor spots for locals and visitors. Within the park is a Richmond Hill Veterans Memorial where each granite piece represents a war fought by the United States Armed Forces in the last 100 years.

The city’s pride and joy pride for many years has been the Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival each fall.

RICHMOND HILL HISTORY MUSEUM

Originally built by Henry Ford as a kindergarten center during the 1940s, the Richmond Hill History Museum building currently displays the local history from the Guale Indians to the arrival of Henry Ford and beyond.

It’s a fascinating story!

Insider Tip: The museum is located at 11460 Ford Ave. They are taking reservations for tours at this time due to the pandemic.

COASTAL BRYAN HERITAGE TRAIL

Arrive in downtown Richmond Hill and download the Coastal Bryan Heritage Trail app to see all the interesting things to do in the area.

When you start the app you’ll hear…

“Here, you’ll embark on a journey where you will learn about many of the fascinating people and stories that make up the rich heritage of South Bryan County.”

Click on the tab called “list” and you’ll see a list of all the places to visit in order of where they are located.

You’ll notice that the original name for this area was Ways Station and a lot of information will come up about Henry Ford, the car magnate.

He visited this area fell in love. So much that he and his wife built a winter home here. He started many churches and schools and even refurbished Fort McAllister State Park.

In the video, you’ll see us wandering around many stops on the Coastal Bryan Trail app including Burnt Church Cemetery, Stop #13, the grave of George W McAllister.

Such a beautiful place!

FORT MCALLISTER STATE PARK

Fort McAllister, built in 1861, served the purpose of providing protection against Union Naval attacks during the Civil War.

45 minutes away from Savannah and easily accessible to I95, Fort McAllister State Park is a lovely outdoor space with plenty of water recreation, picnic tables, a playground, and fishing piers.

The covered picnic areas include bathrooms, and the children’s play area has a rock climbing wall, swings, and a fitness zone.

Want to camp?

There are cottages and RV sites!

Walkthrough the interactive museum for a fascinating display of Liberty County’s involvement in the Civil War.

Take a peek outside the museum (after paying a fee) into the barracks to see what living conditions would have been like. Also, check out the Blacksmith shop that offered a place to make weapons and supplies.

We loved going underground to the hospital for those who had malaria or burns from the cannons. Underground we also saw the Gunpowder Magazine that stored gunpowder and ammunition.

Once you pay your fee at the museum, you’ll receive a map. This map includes a numbered trail to follow around the fort.

A Fort McAllister tour is a fabulous outdoor venue to learn about the Civil War era in our country. It’s also a great place to get exercise and enjoy the beautiful view of the Ogeechee River.

Insider Tip: Wear incredibly comfortable walking shoes because there is A LOT of walking. But it’s so worth it! THESE are cute and comfy.

BEST HOTELS IN RICHMOND HILL GA

There are plenty of budget chain hotels in Richmond Hill Georgia , for sure. Of them all, I personally like Home2Suites or Hampton Inn , both near Savannah I 95.

If you can swing a nicer resort (especially if you are traveling our Coastal Georgia road trip), swing for one of the Tybee Island resorts in THIS article or this beach resort that I wrote about HERE .

BEST RICHMOND HILL GEORGIA RESTAURANTS

Wondering the best places to eat in Richmond Hill, Ga?

I’ve got you.

Start your day with a breakfast sandwich and the best coffee in town at Way Station Coffee Co. on Ford Avenue. You’ll also love the Caprese panini and espresso to go!

Enjoy lunch or dinner at Bubba’s Bistro.

Bubba’s is known around town for excellent home cooking and friendly staff. Try the crab cake sandwich, fried green tomatoes, and grilled vegetables.

Insider Tip: Don’t skip the dessert at Bubba’s !

Richmond Hill Ga map

THINGS TO DO IN HISTORIC MIDWAY GEORGIA

What may seem like a pass-through area between Savannah and the Golden Isles on Highway 17 (my favorite Coastal Georgia road of choice), don’t miss the unbelievable story of this quiet but historic town.

British Colonists established the land known as Midway, Georgia, and granted land to Dorchester, South Carolina Puritans.

Of the small population of Midway residents, several men would become big names in United States history.

MIDWAY MUSEUM, CHURCH & CEMETERY

The Midway Museum, built as a gorgeous display of 18th-century Lowcountry architecture, is housed next door to the Midway Congregational Church. The cemetery is across the street.

The Congregationalists that came from South Carolina established the Midway Society and Church in a formal meetinghouse.

In 1792, the present church building is one of the most scenic historic landmarks in Georgia and one of the oldest church buildings and congregations in Georgia.

Church member Lyman Hall represented Georgia at the First Continental Congress. One year later in 1776, Lyman, neighbor Button Gwinnett, and Augusta resident George Walton signed the Declaration of Independence.

Across the street is the beautifully eerie historic walled cemetery.

At almost two acres, the cemetery holds Georgia Governor Nathan Brownson, Senator John Elliott, General Daniel Stewart, and General James Screven.

Insider Tip: Call ahead to Midway Museum at 912-884-5837 for current hours and specific COVID guidelines. Museum, church, and cemetery are located at 491 N. Coastal Highway, Midway.

CAY CREEK WETLANDS INTERPRETIVE CENTER

Very close to the Midway Museum and Church, Cay Creek Interpretive Center showcases freshwater wetlands very rich in native Georgia trees.

This tidal ecosystem is home to many diverse species of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.

The best part?

The natural beauty you discover as you take a stroll along the boardwalk!

Insider Tip: Cay Creek is located at 189 Charlie Butler Road., Midway.

THINGS TO DO IN HISTORIC SUNBURY GEORGIA

The story of Sunbury is incredibly intriguing. Once a bustling Coastal Georgia port, today it’s a literal ghost town!

This prosperous settlement was founded in 1758 and sported many city streets, town squares, and grand homes. Ships are frequented often from all over the world.

Before the Revolutionary War, this town allegedly had 1/3 of the wealth of the entire colony of Georgia in its midst. The war began its decline.

The residents fled, destruction by the British was significant, and the town never recovered as a commercial center.

Hurricanes, the Civil War, and two bouts of yellow fever in the 1800s replaced the busy city streets with grass, bushes, and trees.

Today, a new era of suburbia is blossoming where the Historic Sunbury once stood. Sunbury Cemetery and Fort Morris are the only visual reminders of this area’s past.

Insider Tip: The Sunbury Cemetery is located at 1-465 Dutchman’s Cove Rd, Midway.

FORT MORRIS STATE PARK

Fort Morris, now a Georgia State Park, was built to protect Sunbury.

An enclosed earthwork held cannons to shoot at enemy ships. Even though Sunbury fell to the British, it took a while…

After getting the demand to surrender from a British commander in 1778, Col. John McIntosh (now famously) sent his reply, “Come and take it!”

Today, visitors to Fort Morris State Historic Site can experience the cool visitor center and gift shop, birdwatching , and 66 acres of nature.

We loved walking the trails, boardwalk, and seeing where the bustling town port of long ago used to be.

Insider Tip: Although Fort Morris is open seven days a week, the museum is only open Thursday through Saturday.

SUNBURY CRAB COMPANY RESTAURANT

If you are like us, you love Coastal Georgia seafood spots in the middle of nowhere.

Don’t be alarmed by the casual “shack” look on the outside. Southern restaurants like these typically produce the freshest seafood and nicest staff.

Sunbury Crab Company Restaurant is one of those places.

The best seafood, great service, and panoramic views of the Sunbury Harbor make this the place to be.

Don’t go without a reservation! They book up days in advance.

Enjoy a laid-back vibe while eating fresh Wild Georgia Shrimp, local oysters, steaks, or blue crabs!

Insider Tip: This restaurant is located at 541 Brigantine Dunmore Rd., Sunbury. Since the pandemic, dine-in reservations are now required by calling 912-432-1882.

HOW TO GET TO RICHMOND HILL, SUNBURY & MIDWAY

It’s very easy to fly into Savannah Georgia and rent a car and continue the road trip to Richmond Hill and Midway Georgia.

From Savannah Airport to Richmond Hill is approximately 20 miles.

OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOUR OF SAVANNAH DISCOUNTS

Continuing south from Richmond to Midway is a 14-mile drive. Then drive 11 miles southwest to Sunbury.

For the love of all things holy, travel down via Coastal Highway 17 instead of I-95.

Slow down and enjoy the journey!

TRAVEL GEAR YOU MAY NEED

Travel like a pro because THIS LUGGAGE can take it!

Sometimes you want more than Google maps – you just want to look at the “big picture” of an area. THIS is the road atlas I have and I LOVE it!

I also adore this Stylish Car Storage Bag .

COASTAL GEORGIA TRAVEL FAQS

It’s about 27 miles to the nearest beach, Tybee Island, Georgia !

Most of the things to do in Richmond Hill GA that I mentioned above are outdoor activities… Fort McAllister, driving tour of Richmond Hill, Historic Downtown, Fort Morris, etc.

Bryan County

It’s 21 miles from Savannah to Richmond Hill

It’s best known for being the winter haven for automotive billionaire, Henry Ford and his wife Clara in the 1940s.

BEFORE YOU GO

Richmond Hill and neighboring cities Midway and Sunbury are perfect places to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors and history.

Family-friendly areas with great restaurants and many places to see near Savannah and Tybee Beach.

While in Savannah, be SURE to do the Old Town Trolley Tour! You’ll find a discount HERE .

You can read our Georgia travel guides  HERE .

PIN FOR LATER!

RELATED PLACES TO SEE FOR DETOURS

If you love military history and are passing through Hinesville, Georgia, be sure to visit the 3rd Infantry Division Museum . Take a detour west from Midway to visit the historic 1871 Dorchester Academy.

Published on HuffPost, Okefenokee Living Magazine, and more, Shan is a Family Travel Journalist with a passion for helping women lose the overwhelm of planning family-friendly trips in the south. She shares travel reviews & insider secrets that Women REALLY want to know about Georgia, Florida, & the Carolinas vacations.

☕️ It’s THE REAL DEAL around here ☕️

You may also enjoy these Related Posts:

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Welcome, traveler, to Richmond Hill. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that you’ve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin past…or you can embrace this new place you’ve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isn’t it?

Things to Do in Richmond Hill

You’ll not be wanting for things to do in Richmond Hill. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiques…or that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant you’ve been hearing about? Or perhaps you’d rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.

Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Richmond Hill? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.

Is the wind whispering suggestions in your mind? Rent a car and take it out beyond city limits and into the wild blue yonder. Explore the smaller cities and towns past the border, and get to know the stories behind them. Visit a county fair and let childhood memories wash over you as cotton candy melts in your mouth. Sample hand-made jam at a stop on a forgotten highway, or let the hustle and bustle of modern life sweep you away as you lose yourself in the organized chaos of a modern metropolis. Your choices are endless—and so are the adventures to come.

When you book your journey with Travelocity, you’re never far from Richmond Hill attractions. After all, the money you save when you plan a trip with us is best spent along the way. Whether it’s the roar of the city you crave, or the quiet solitude that comes with a simpler getaway, everything you need to get started is right here.

Popular places to visit

Fort mcallister.

You can learn about the history of Richmond Hill when you stop by Fort McAllister. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this family-friendly area.

Kilkenny Marina

Explore the waterfront in Richmond Hill with a trip to Kilkenny Marina. While in this trendy area, you can savor the coffeehouses and local chocolate shops.

Fort McAllister State Park

Explore the great outdoors at Fort McAllister State Park, a lovely green space in Richmond Hill. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Georgia Peach World

Enjoy an outing to Georgia Peach World during your stay in Richmond Hill. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Richmond Hill Historical Society Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Richmond Hill Historical Society Museum during your travels in Richmond Hill. Discover the seafood restaurants and its theater scene while you're in the area.

St Anne's Catholic Church

You can find out about the history of Richmond Hill with a stop at St Anne's Catholic Church. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Places to visit

• Fort McAllister Vacations
• Kilkenny Marina Vacations
• St Anne's Catholic Church Vacations
• River Street Vacations
• Forsyth Park Vacations
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More ways to wander Richmond Hill

Most popular.

Richmond Hill community battles rising waters in neighborhoods

R ICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV) – On Saturday, community members in Richmond Hill came together to clean up after Debby left record amounts of water in neighborhoods

“We’re just trying to get ahead of it, some people it’s a little too late,” said Richmond Hill local Betty Bransfield who was coordinating relief efforts in the area.

The Richmond Place and Rushing Street communities are getting dangerously close to going under.

“They’re all stuck and half their neighbors out here are stuck, and that’s the sad part,” said Willie Puskas, who was helping his in-laws in the neighborhood. “They’ve either got to walk out of here – even then I’ve heard there’s been some sewer back up so they’re stepping in this water so there’s a little bit of that mixed in there too.”

 People there say that waters have been rising throughout the day, despite sunny skies.

“We’re just trying to put up some sandbags, stop the water from coming in there and trying to help out in any way we can out here,” said Puskas.

Through Facebook groups, calls to friends and favors cashed in, the community came out to help, filling sandbags and delivering them by boat.

“We’re a tight community, Richmond Hill we stick together,” said Puskas. “We get some help on our side it’d be nice but we tend to tie in and battle whatever challenge that we have ahead of us.”

Among the busy people News 3 found helping out Saturday very few were actually living in the neighborhoods affected. Many, with little damage at their houses, just came out to see how they could lend a hand.

“As a community we come together to do the best we can to try and help those in need,” said Bransfield.

Parts of the neighborhoods are flooded high enough for motorboats to get through. First responders are helping with evacuations.

Food, drinks and other help is set up at First Christian Academy . They’re asking the public for more small boats to get in and out of the neighborhoods.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.

Richmond Hill residents try to stay afloat amid historic flood levels

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WTOC) - Debby may be gone, but Bryan County residents are still dealing with the storm’s fallout.

WTOC visited parts of Richmond Hill where people have been experiencing some of the worst flooding they’ve ever seen.

Residents are doing what they can to stay afloat as floodwaters threaten their homes and safety.

Some going as far as kayaking extra sandbags to those most in need, such as people in the Richmond Place neighborhood.

”We’re just going around to different neighborhoods. If people just don’t need their sandbags, we’re collecting them and bringing them to the people that actually do need them,” said Richmond Hill resident, Fallon Prisuta.

Some homes in the neighborhood are already too late to save. Across the street, more folks are trying to make the best out of this soggy situation. Patrick Wynn and his cousin went door to door on kayaks checking on their neighbors near Camellia Street. Wynn says his home is safe for now, but not everything has come out unscathed.

”Now our sheds have about three foot of water in them, so everything in the sheds is ruined, but we’re pretty lucky cause there’s a lot of people that’s lost a lot from what we’ve seen on tv. So, pretty fortunate,” said Wynn.

Even people whose homes aren’t currently affected are still feeling the impact. Lorenzo Cooper lives near Clarktown Road—a road cut off by a stream of rapidly moving floodwater. He says the water is too high to​ drive through, so he had to call out from work.

”I’m not going to make it because I got to go down 17, so I still ain’t going to be able to make it. 17 is worse too, I heard,” said Cooper.

Flooding throughout Richmond Hill has already reached historic levels, and until rivers like the Ogeechee crest, more flooding is likely. In the meantime, community members are stuck dealing with this issue in whatever way they can.

Copyright 2024 WTOC. All rights reserved.

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As flood waters rise in Richmond Hill, no mandatory evacuation order issued yet

The Ogeechee River has crested in some parts of Georgia but is still rising in low-lying areas of Bryan and Chatham counties.

Richmond Hill residents off of Rushing Street and within the Richmond Place, White Oak and Live Oak subdivisions experienced exponentially rising flood waters in the late afternoon and into Saturday evening.

Officially, the City of Richmond Hill's City Clerk Dawnne Greene said there has been no call for any mandatory evacuation of neighborhoods. The city has not made a formal request for boats or kayaks either.

Greene said volunteers had been helping with sandbagging before Tropical Storm Debby hit coastal Georgia. Some volunteers have taken it upon themselves to continue providing assistance by delivering sandbags via kayaks and boats, as well as informally assisting people with evacuating.

Greene said that the Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services teams will respond to evacuate anyone who requests assistance.

Carter Street power turned off

The city released at statement around 8:40 p.m. on its Facebook page stating, "Due to a safety concern involving water infiltration into electrical equipment, we will shut down power to Carter Street today at approximately 9:30 p.m."

The announcement stated the step was a "necessary precaution to prevent potential electrical hazards and ensure the safety of our residents."

For emergencies she said folks should call 911, but for non-emergency requests, she advised people call the fire department's non-emergency line which is 912-756-3749. She said the community can get official updates on the City of Richmond Hill Facebook page .

Public safety officers reportedly are going "door-to-door to alert residents of this situation and offer support."

Community comes together in time of need

As flood waters rose and the city coordinated its official response, community volunteers gathered at the First Baptist Church, 9184 Ford Ave., and in nearby shopping centers to coordinate efforts for delivering sandbags and other supplies to those who were trapped by the rising waters.

The city has a temporary shelter staged at the church where it can work to help arrange hotel rooms for displaced residents along with their pets. Greene confirmed that about 30 families already had opted to use the shelter as of 8 p.m.

Greene requested that residents do not wade through flood waters. "This is not a splash pad," she said, stating that the waters are full of alligators and snakes as well as bacteria. "People need to be mindful of the fact that you can get very sick from floodwaters if you have an open cut or anything of that nature," she said.

She also asked people to stay off flooded roads so as not to cause any wakes. She said some residents were "looking at inches" as to whether water would enter their homes or not.

UPDATE: National Weather service issues Flood Warning for Bryan and Chatham Counties

'Mulberry is absolutely destroyed'

As the sun set over the church volunteers continued to tirelessly fill sandbags and transport them from trucks to boats and kayaks to be delivered to families in need. Three volunteers who requested not to be named, said they had been helping since 2 p.m. One was 15 years old, and he said, "There was a little boy, could not have been 5 who was filling up sandbags." He estimated about five jon boats and close to 20 kayaks were going back and forth delivering supplies at one point.

All were quick to share that the community came out to support one another.

Another volunteer, Savannah Bowers, drove into the church parking lot with kayaks in her car as the darkness began to settle over homes increasingly threatened by water. She said she found out the community needed boats and volunteers from a post by a local Facebook group Southeastern Georgia Public Safety And News . She said the fire chief told her they did not need help so she went over to Mulberry Drive, which she said was "absolutely destroyed" with floods severely impacting people's homes.

Bowers indicated a community member had started a "kind of" a volunteer-run command center at the Family Dollar at 29 Mulberry Commercial Parkway where he was organizing efforts to get residents out. She said no one from the city command center, that she knew of, had been over to Mulberry Drive. She did say that the Georgia National Guard "showed up for, like, one hour and they just transported sandbags out, but it got to the point where sandbags are irrelevant and evacuation is more necessary."

She said that a "bunch of families with suitcases" were trying to evacuate, and a pregnant woman with a heart condition had also needed assistance. She said that more jon boats were needed and lights for boaters and kayakers.

Greene said she did not know about a community command center and if there was one, it was not coordinating with city officials. She assured that fire and emergency services were patrolling and assessing streets, which has led to such decisions as the one to shut down Carter Street's power.

"Community volunteers are kind of doing their own thing, which we appreciate and it's been wonderfully organized and taken care of," Greene said. The official command center at First Baptist is where the City of Richmond Hill is operating from, which she said includes the fire and police departments. "And we've been working in conjunction with Bryan County EMA and they are overseeing the National Guard," she said.

An anonymous guardsmen stated that they had been called up prior to Debby's arrival to be of assistance to local officials when requested. For most of the evening their trucks remained stationed in the church parking lot, with a few leaving periodically, but the purpose was not immediately made known.

This is a developing story as flood waters will continue to rise overnight and will likely take days to recede.

Joseph Schwartzburt is the education and workforce development reporter for the Savannah Morning News. You can reach him at [email protected].

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City of Richmond Hill offering free sand and sandbags for residents

RICHMOND HILL, Ga. (WSAV) – In preparation for the potential heavy rains and flooding from the approaching Tropical Storm Debby, On Saturday, the City of Richmond Hill is providing sand for residents to fill their own sandbags at the former GDOT lot on Timber Trail, near Port Drive.

Additionally, a limited supply of empty sandbags (5 per household at this time) is available at Richmond Hill Fire Department Station 2, located at 722 Timber Trail, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tracking Tropical Depression Four as it heads into the Gulf of Mexico

The city is asking residents to fill the bags only halfway to ensure they are manageable and effective. Also, residents are to take only the amount of sand or sandbags they truly need.

Residents must bring their own shovels.

Sandbags are also available for purchase through local retailers.

The City of Richmond Hill anticipate receiving another batch by Sunday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.

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Richmond Hill Convention & Visitor Bureau

Historic Sites

Take a spin in henry ford’s southern town.

Richmond Hill, Georgia, is no stranger to important people and defining moments. Buckle up and immerse yourself in our rich history, from the Colonial era to the Henry Ford era. Start your engine at the Richmond Hill History Museum, formerly the Henry Ford Kindergarten. Shift into gear with a visit to Fort McAllister State Historic Park, where you can explore Civil War history at the museum and see well-preserved Confederate earthworks. Cruise over to the Historic Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church,

the oldest public building in Bryan County, serving its congregation since 1830. Make a pit stop at the Richmond Hill Veterans Monument, honoring veterans from every war since World War I. All these sites are part of our History Driving Trail. Be sure to download our free app to start your historical road trip!

The City of Richmond Hill has been offering free sandbags to residents in response to Tropical Storm Debby, as flooding continues to impact neighborhoods and roads. 

As of Friday, both Northbound and Southbound lanes of Highway 17 from Mulberry Drive to Canebrake Road are closed to through traffic due to flooding, according to the City of Richmond Hill website.

The cul-de-sac of Rushing Street, parts of the Richmond Place subdivision, and White Oak/Live Oak neighborhoods are also affected by flooding, said Dawnne Greene, City Clerk. 

The City is working alongside local agencies such as Bryan County EMA as well as grassroots efforts from individuals to help aid residents in need. Richmond Hill’s First Baptist Church has offered to use its campus as a makeshift command center for the City, said Greene. 

“We do have a community network that has partnered with us and our public works department along with Bryan County EMA helping us with procuring sandbags, etc,” said Greene. 

“We have a major response from the community, with lots of people coming in with trucks and boats and kayaks to help out.”

Organizations such as the Red Cross and the United Way are also helping Richmond Hill residents navigate flood waters safely.

Water pumps from GEMA are set to arrive by Monday to help pump out water from impacted roads, said Greene. This will happen quicker if the water recedes in time over the weekend.   

“The water is close to reaching maximum [height], but it still will take a few days for it to slack out to sea and start receding down,” Greene said, referring to the Ogeechee River. The Ogeechee River has reached a crest of 17.9 feet as of Saturday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service.

No boil advisory is in place at this time. Any advisories made in the coming days will be communicated through official City of Richmond Hill channels such as the city’s webpage, Facebook, and CodeRed alert system, said Greene. 

Although no evacuation order is in place, the City of Richmond Hill urges residents to leave if they feel unsafe or believe their home is at risk.

In addition, Greene repeated warnings from the City for residents to avoid wading or driving in floodwaters for recreational purposes, as floodwaters can contain various debris, animals, and/or waste. 

“Floodwaters are not playwaters…it’s not the backyard swimming pool,” said Greene. 

To keep track of updates on flooding in Richmond Hill, visit the City of Richmond Hill’s website and Facebook page. 

To learn more about floods, visit https://gema.georgia.gov/floods-and-flash-floods . 

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Easy hikes and walks around Richmond

Exploring Richmond on foot is a delightful way to connect with nature. To help you make the most of your adventures, we’ve compiled the top easy hikes and walks around Richmond. Perfect for short hikes, kid-friendly excursions, and family-friendly outings, these routes offer something for everyone.

Plan. Save. Navigate. Your best adventures await.

Start today with a free komoot account.

Belle Isle Quarry Pond loop — Richmond, Virginia

Pony pasture and wetlands loop — richmond, virginia.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Forest hill trail loop — richmond, virginia, james river loop with potterfield and mayo bridges — richmond, va, buttermilk and reedy creek trails loop — richmond, virginia.

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

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Explore the most popular tours around richmond.

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