Richmond Hill, Georgia
Encyclopedia
Richmond Hill is a city in Bryan County
, Georgia
, United States
. The population was 6,959 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Savannah
Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 10.2 square miles (26.4 km²), of which, 10.1 square miles (26.2 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.49%) is water.
The main intersection in Richmond Hill is between U.S. 17, running north and south, and S.R. 144
(Ford Avenue
), running east and west. Interstate 95
has two exits within the city limits, one with each highway.
and the larger South Bryan County area. A large percentage of South Bryan residents live outside the city limits of Richmond Hill, especially in a number of planned developments east of the city along S.R. 144. This area contains large amounts of marsh and riverfront property, Fort McAllister Historic Park
, and the small community of Keller. Geographically, it is significantly larger than the municipal limits of Richmond Hill itself. However, the area contains no schools and few businesses or other public accommodations. As a result, residents of the entire South Bryan area rely on Richmond Hill proper for basic services, and must travel through the city to leave Bryan County, especially when commuting to Savannah, Georgia
via U.S. 17 or I-95. Most South Bryan residents, especially the large percentage of relative newcomers, would likely say they were "from Richmond Hill."
. Ford used the town, formerly known as Ways Station, as a winter home, and philanthropic social experiment, building the complex known as the Ford Farms along the Ogeechee River
in the 1930s. After just one visit he chose this area as his Winter Home. Ford's dwelling was built on the site of Richmond Plantation, which was burned by elements of General William T. Sherman's army at the conclusion of the "March to the Sea
". Ford's holdings eventually totaled 85000 acres (344 km²) of agricultural and timber lands, most of which is now owned by the State of Georgia or ITT Rayonier
, a timber company. Ford was also responsible for the construction of a number of public buildings, including a kindergarten, which now houses the museum of the Richmond Hill Historical Society, and a chapel which now houses St. Anne's Catholic Church. Both are located on Georgia S.R. 144, also known as Ford Avenue within the Richmond Hill city limits. The Ford Plantation has now been redeveloped as a luxury resort, with vacation cottages, a clubhouse, tennis, and golf. When it was suggested that the town be renamed with "Ford", Mr. Ford declined and instead Ways Station was renamed "Richmond Hill" after the site of Ford's home on the banks of the Ogeechee River.
Richmond Hill was incorporated in March 1962. The current Mayor is Harold Fowler, who took office in 2009. Previously, Richard Davis, served in that capacity since 1989. The city is governed by a mayor and a four member city council. See the official website below for more details.
Richmond Hill was the location of the discovery in 2004 of Benjaman Kyle
, a man who suffers from retrograde amnesia
as a result of a severe beating. He cannot remember who he is. As of June 2009, he remains unidentified.
of 2000, there were 6,959 people, 2,433 households, and 1,883 families residing in the city. The population density
was 686.5 people per square mile (265.0/km²). There were 2,573 housing units at an average density of 253.8 per square mile (98.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 81.28% White, 13.69% African American, 0.60% Native American, 1.42% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.28% from other races
, and 1.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.71% of the population.
There were 2,433 households out of which 51.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples
living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.24.
In the city the population was spread out with 34.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 36.1% from 25 to 44, 14.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $47,061, and the median income for a family was $54,457. Males had a median income of $36,823 versus $25,810 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $18,891. About 9.8% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.
The schools are named, Richmond Hill Primary School (RHPS), Richmond Hill Elementary School (RHES), George Washington Carver Upper Elementary School (GWCUES), Richmond Hill Middle School (RHMS), and Richmond Hill High School
(RHHS). The city is currently expanding its schools due to a large spike in population throughout the last ten years. A new elementary has just been built and a new middle school is in the process. Richmond Hill is expected to grow exponentially in the next few years.
Richmond Hill hosts a number of community events at J.F. Gregory Park. Throughout the year the community comes together for supporting special events and causes, here are just a few:
Annual Easter Extravaganza,
Annual Memorial Day Observance,
National Night Out,
Old Time Family 4 July Festival & Fireworks,
Annual Pumpkin Patch,
Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival-35k attendees,
Annual Veterans Day Observance,
Matt Freeman Road Race,
& the Annual Chili Cook-off.
Religion:
Richmond Hill is home to over 20 churches of all denominations. Many of these organizations participate cooperatively in outreach programs that benefit the community as a whole.
The Soup Kitchen aka Food for the Soul based out of the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church's kitchen and manned by ten separate churches rotating on a weekly basis, delivers over 350 hot meals to families in need within Richmond Hill.
The Way Station, another multiple church outreach program, has been in operation for over twenty years providing food, clothing, and other items that enhance the lives of families in the community.
Community Service Groups:
List of major employers:
Shopping Areas:
11705 Mercy Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31419 about 15 miles away.
Newcomers & Neighbors guide in pdf is a source for local information about events, government, education, & healthcare. The guide is produced annually and free printed copies are available in the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce.
Bryan County, Georgia
Bryan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 23,417. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 30,132...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The population was 6,959 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Savannah
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Savannah metropolitan area
The Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of three counties in Georgia, anchored by the city of Savannah. As of the 2010 census, the Savannah MSA had a population of 347,611, an 18.6 percent increase from the 2000 population of ...
.
Geography
Richmond Hill is located at 31°56′17"N 81°18′49"W (31.938151, -81.313750).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 10.2 square miles (26.4 km²), of which, 10.1 square miles (26.2 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square mile (0.258998811 km²) of it (0.49%) is water.
The main intersection in Richmond Hill is between U.S. 17, running north and south, and S.R. 144
Georgia State Route 144
State Route 144 is an east–west highway in southern Georgia, USA. It begins near the Atlantic coast southeast of Keller in south Bryan County, where a spur leads to Fort McAllister Historic Park...
(Ford Avenue
Henry Ford
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry...
), running east and west. Interstate 95
Interstate 95 in Georgia
Interstate 95, the main Interstate Highway on the east coast of the United States, serves the Atlantic coast of Georgia. It begins at the St. Marys River at the Florida state line north of Jacksonville and heads north past the border of South Carolina at the Savannah River...
has two exits within the city limits, one with each highway.
Locality
In some respects, it might be helpful to differentiate between Richmond Hill city properCity limits
The terms city limits and city boundary refer to the defined boundary or border of a city. The area within the city limits is sometimes called the city proper. The terms town limits/boundary and village limits/boundary mean the same as city limits/boundary, but apply to towns and villages...
and the larger South Bryan County area. A large percentage of South Bryan residents live outside the city limits of Richmond Hill, especially in a number of planned developments east of the city along S.R. 144. This area contains large amounts of marsh and riverfront property, Fort McAllister Historic Park
Fort McAllister Historic Park
Fort McAllister Historic Park is a Georgia state park located near Keller and Richmond Hill in South Bryan County, Georgia and on the south bank of the Ogeechee River . The park is home to the best preserved earthwork fortification of the Confederacy...
, and the small community of Keller. Geographically, it is significantly larger than the municipal limits of Richmond Hill itself. However, the area contains no schools and few businesses or other public accommodations. As a result, residents of the entire South Bryan area rely on Richmond Hill proper for basic services, and must travel through the city to leave Bryan County, especially when commuting to Savannah, Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. Established in 1733, the city of Savannah was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today Savannah is an industrial center and an important...
via U.S. 17 or I-95. Most South Bryan residents, especially the large percentage of relative newcomers, would likely say they were "from Richmond Hill."
History
Richmond Hill has a historical connection to industrialist Henry FordHenry Ford
Henry Ford was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry...
. Ford used the town, formerly known as Ways Station, as a winter home, and philanthropic social experiment, building the complex known as the Ford Farms along the Ogeechee River
Ogeechee River
Ogeechee River is a river in the U.S. state of Georgia. It heads at the confluence of its North and South Forks, about south-southwest of Crawfordville and flowing generally southeast to Ossabaw Sound about south of Savannah. Its largest tributary is the Canoochee River...
in the 1930s. After just one visit he chose this area as his Winter Home. Ford's dwelling was built on the site of Richmond Plantation, which was burned by elements of General William T. Sherman's army at the conclusion of the "March to the Sea
Sherman's March to the Sea
Sherman's March to the Sea is the name commonly given to the Savannah Campaign conducted around Georgia from November 15, 1864 to December 21, 1864 by Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman of the Union Army in the American Civil War...
". Ford's holdings eventually totaled 85000 acres (344 km²) of agricultural and timber lands, most of which is now owned by the State of Georgia or ITT Rayonier
Rayonier
Rayonier , headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, is the fifth largest private land owner in the United States with over . In addition to its U.S. holdings, Rayonier also owns of land in New Zealand.-History:...
, a timber company. Ford was also responsible for the construction of a number of public buildings, including a kindergarten, which now houses the museum of the Richmond Hill Historical Society, and a chapel which now houses St. Anne's Catholic Church. Both are located on Georgia S.R. 144, also known as Ford Avenue within the Richmond Hill city limits. The Ford Plantation has now been redeveloped as a luxury resort, with vacation cottages, a clubhouse, tennis, and golf. When it was suggested that the town be renamed with "Ford", Mr. Ford declined and instead Ways Station was renamed "Richmond Hill" after the site of Ford's home on the banks of the Ogeechee River.
Richmond Hill was incorporated in March 1962. The current Mayor is Harold Fowler, who took office in 2009. Previously, Richard Davis, served in that capacity since 1989. The city is governed by a mayor and a four member city council. See the official website below for more details.
Richmond Hill was the location of the discovery in 2004 of Benjaman Kyle
Benjaman Kyle
Benjaman Kyle is the pseudonym adopted by a man who has retrograde amnesia, or possibly dissociative fugue. He was discovered unconscious on August 31, 2004, in Richmond Hill, Georgia and is believed to be about 60 years old...
, a man who suffers from retrograde amnesia
Amnesia
Amnesia is a condition in which one's memory is lost. The causes of amnesia have traditionally been divided into categories. Memory appears to be stored in several parts of the limbic system of the brain, and any condition that interferes with the function of this system can cause amnesia...
as a result of a severe beating. He cannot remember who he is. As of June 2009, he remains unidentified.
Development
Real estate development in Richmond Hill has generally followed trends represented in the United States as a whole. Post Civil War populations remained relatively stable until the arrival of industrialist Henry Ford in 1930s. In the early 1970s, subdivisions began to spring up, and the "white flight" from nearby Savannah, GA began a settlement trend that has continued steadily until the present. Subdivisions of varying quality, ranging from starter homes to exclusive, gated golf communities, have emerged.Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 6,959 people, 2,433 households, and 1,883 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 686.5 people per square mile (265.0/km²). There were 2,573 housing units at an average density of 253.8 per square mile (98.0/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 81.28% White, 13.69% African American, 0.60% Native American, 1.42% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.28% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.68% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 3.71% of the population.
There were 2,433 households out of which 51.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.7% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 14.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 19.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.83 and the average family size was 3.24.
In the city the population was spread out with 34.0% under the age of 18, 8.9% from 18 to 24, 36.1% from 25 to 44, 14.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females there were 93.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $47,061, and the median income for a family was $54,457. Males had a median income of $36,823 versus $25,810 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $18,891. About 9.8% of families and 10.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under age 18 and 6.1% of those age 65 or over.
Schools
Bryan County Board of Education serves Richmond Hill. Richmond Hill currently has five public schools. The schools are for people between the ages of 5-21 (21 in cases of challenged high-school students).The schools are named, Richmond Hill Primary School (RHPS), Richmond Hill Elementary School (RHES), George Washington Carver Upper Elementary School (GWCUES), Richmond Hill Middle School (RHMS), and Richmond Hill High School
Richmond Hill High School (Richmond Hill, Georgia)
Richmond Hill High School is a public high school in Richmond Hill, Georgia, United States; which teaches grades 9-12. RHHS is located in the center of Richmond Hill on 1 Wildcat Drive, the main street which is named after the school's mascot....
(RHHS). The city is currently expanding its schools due to a large spike in population throughout the last ten years. A new elementary has just been built and a new middle school is in the process. Richmond Hill is expected to grow exponentially in the next few years.
Culture
Social Gatherings:Richmond Hill hosts a number of community events at J.F. Gregory Park. Throughout the year the community comes together for supporting special events and causes, here are just a few:
Annual Easter Extravaganza,
Annual Memorial Day Observance,
National Night Out,
Old Time Family 4 July Festival & Fireworks,
Annual Pumpkin Patch,
Great Ogeechee Seafood Festival-35k attendees,
Annual Veterans Day Observance,
Matt Freeman Road Race,
& the Annual Chili Cook-off.
Religion:
Richmond Hill is home to over 20 churches of all denominations. Many of these organizations participate cooperatively in outreach programs that benefit the community as a whole.
The Soup Kitchen aka Food for the Soul based out of the Richmond Hill United Methodist Church's kitchen and manned by ten separate churches rotating on a weekly basis, delivers over 350 hot meals to families in need within Richmond Hill.
The Way Station, another multiple church outreach program, has been in operation for over twenty years providing food, clothing, and other items that enhance the lives of families in the community.
Community Service Groups:
- Richmond Hill Rotary Club
- Richmond Hill Exchange Club
- Richmond Hill Lions Club
- Richmond Hill Garden Club - Senior's Center
Economy
93% of the of the employment is from small businesses with less than 20 employees and unemployment has stabilized at 8.6%.List of major employers:
- Hobart CorporationHobart CorporationThe Hobart Corporation is a manufacturer of commercial equipment used in the foodservice and grocery industry. The company manufactures food preparation machines for cutting, slicing and mixing, cooking equipment, refrigeration units, warewashing and waste disposal systems, and weighing, wrapping...
- City of Richmond Hill
- Bryan County Bank & Trust
- Allied Van LinesAllied Van LinesAllied Van Lines is a moving company founded in 1928 as a cooperative non-profit organization owned by its member agents on the east coast of the United States, to help with organizing return loads and minimizing dead-heading . In 1968 it was reorganzied as a standard public company, with shares...
- KrogerKrogerThe Kroger Co. is an American supermarket chain founded by Bernard Kroger in 1883 in Cincinnati, Ohio. It reported US$ 76.7 billion in sales during fiscal year 2009. It is the country's largest grocery store chain and its second-largest grocery retailer by volume and second-place general retailer...
- South Coast Medical
- PublixPublixPublix Super Markets, Inc. is an American supermarket chain based in Lakeland, Florida.Founded in 1930 by George W. Jenkins, it is an employee-owned, privately held corporation. Publix is currently ranked No. 86 on Fortune magazine's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For 2010 and was ranked No...
Shopping Areas:
- Ford Plaza - S.R. 144 - Ford Ave.Georgia State Route 144State Route 144 is an east–west highway in southern Georgia, USA. It begins near the Atlantic coast southeast of Keller in south Bryan County, where a spur leads to Fort McAllister Historic Park...
the largest shopping area in Richmond Hill with 2 bookstores, Curves, 3 restaurants, 2 bars, sporting goods, flooring, real-estate, and attorneys. - Station Exchange - S.R. 144 - Ford Ave.Georgia State Route 144State Route 144 is an east–west highway in southern Georgia, USA. It begins near the Atlantic coast southeast of Keller in south Bryan County, where a spur leads to Fort McAllister Historic Park...
currently in foreclosure most businesses have moved out. - Parker Square - S.R. 144 - Ford Ave.Georgia State Route 144State Route 144 is an east–west highway in southern Georgia, USA. It begins near the Atlantic coast southeast of Keller in south Bryan County, where a spur leads to Fort McAllister Historic Park...
built by Greg Parker and includes a deli, upscale clothing consignment shop, palmer chiropractic , karate studio, and a dentist. - Saw Mill Plaza - S.R. 144 - Ford Ave.Georgia State Route 144State Route 144 is an east–west highway in southern Georgia, USA. It begins near the Atlantic coast southeast of Keller in south Bryan County, where a spur leads to Fort McAllister Historic Park...
- remodeled in 2011 - has a dance studio, pizza parlor, barber shop, hair salon, motor cycle repair, and the only laundromat in Richmond Hill. - Publix Shopping Center - S.R. 144 - Ford Ave.Georgia State Route 144State Route 144 is an east–west highway in southern Georgia, USA. It begins near the Atlantic coast southeast of Keller in south Bryan County, where a spur leads to Fort McAllister Historic Park...
Anchored by PublixPublixPublix Super Markets, Inc. is an American supermarket chain based in Lakeland, Florida.Founded in 1930 by George W. Jenkins, it is an employee-owned, privately held corporation. Publix is currently ranked No. 86 on Fortune magazine's list of 100 Best Companies to Work For 2010 and was ranked No...
with with 3 restaurants, liquor store, nail salon, all things chocolate , UPSUPS- Science, technology and medicine :* Uninterruptible power supply* Ubiquitin proteasome system* Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy* Universal Polar Stereographic coordinate system* Ups * Medically "unexplained physical symptoms"...
Store, and ice cream shop. - Exchange Plaza - S.R. 144 - Ford Ave.Georgia State Route 144State Route 144 is an east–west highway in southern Georgia, USA. It begins near the Atlantic coast southeast of Keller in south Bryan County, where a spur leads to Fort McAllister Historic Park...
has Verizon, AttATTATT may refer to:*AT&T, an American telecommunications company*Amadou Toumani Touré, President of Mali*American Telephone & Telegraph, a former telecommunications company*American Tobacco Trail*American Top Team, a mixed martial arts team based in Florida...
, Pizza HutPizza HutPizza Hut is an American restaurant chain and international franchise that offers different styles of pizza along with side dishes including pasta, buffalo wings, breadsticks, and garlic bread....
, credit union, tanning salon, urgent care center.
Healthcare
Richmond Hill, Ga does not have a hospital. The nearest emergency room is located in Savannah at St. Joseph's Hospital11705 Mercy Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31419 about 15 miles away.
Newcomers & Neighbors Guide
Produced by the local news paper - Bryan County NewsNewcomers & Neighbors guide in pdf is a source for local information about events, government, education, & healthcare. The guide is produced annually and free printed copies are available in the Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce.
External links
- New Covenant Presbyterian Church - New Covenant is a church plant of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) in Richmond Hill.
- Georgia's Coast in photographs and more
- Official Richmond Hill Website
- Bryan County Board of Education
- Richmond Hill Police Department
- Richmond Hill Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Bryan County Now newspaper
- Bryan County News
- Ford Plantation
- Richmond Hill United Methodists Church
- Richmond Hill BSA Troop 527