St Marys history

Foundation and Historical Roots

St Marys holds an honourable place in the state's chronicles as the second-oldest city in Georgia, second only to Savannah. Its official history began in 1787, when a group of twenty enterprising settlers purchased a plot of land at the mouth of the St Marys River. Notably, the cost of this historic transaction was a mere 38 dollars.

The city's uniqueness lies in its pre-planned design: street names and squares were mapped out even before the first stone was laid. The settlement arose on the site of a former Spanish mission and a Timucua Indian village, lending this land a deep historical context even before the arrival of American colonists.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of a small settlement into a significant locality was driven by a fortunate combination of geographical and geopolitical factors:

• Strategic geography: Its location on the banks of the deepwater St Marys River, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean, made the city an ideal site for a port and maritime trade.
• Border status: For a long time, the river served as the border between the USA and Spanish Florida, transforming the city into a significant customs and military point.
• Administrative significance: From 1802 to 1923, St Marys served as the administrative centre of Camden County, attracting lawyers, merchants, and officials.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the first decades of its existence, the city's economy and appearance were shaped by available natural resources and maritime traditions.

• Shipbuilding and logging: The surrounding forests, rich in live oak, became the foundation for a thriving shipbuilding industry and timber export.
• Trade hub: The port was actively used to export cotton and other agricultural products from local plantations.
• Architectural heritage: Early prosperity allowed for the construction of significant buildings, such as the Presbyterian Church (built in 1808) and the famous Orange Hall mansion, which still shape the city's unique historical appearance.

Major Milestones in the History of St Marys

• 1787: A group of twenty founders purchased land at the river's mouth, officially marking the beginning of the city's history.
• 1792: The Georgia State Legislature officially incorporated St Marys as a city.
• 1802: St Marys received the status of administrative centre for Camden County, becoming the hub of the region's political and judicial life.
• 1808: Construction of the First Presbyterian Church was completed; it is considered one of the oldest in Georgia today.
• 1815: During the War of 1812, the city was temporarily occupied by British troops following the Battle of Fort Point Peter.
• 1829: The famous Orange Hall mansion was erected, becoming an outstanding example of Greek Revival architecture.
• 1862: During the Civil War, the city came under fire from Union Navy gunboats.
• 1923: St Marys lost its status as the administrative centre of the county, which was transferred to the city of Woodbine.
• 1941: The opening of a major paper mill (later known as the Gilman Paper Company) transformed the city into an industrial centre.
• 1972: The St Marys Historic District was officially listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.
• 1978: The start of construction on the nearby Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base led to a new phase of demographic and economic growth.
• 2002: The closure of the paper mill marked the end of the industrial era and the city's reorientation towards tourism and heritage preservation.

Key Stages of the City's Transformation

The history of St Marys is a journey from a frontier settlement to a modern tourist and strategic centre. Here are the main milestones that defined the city's modern appearance and economy:

• Unique urban planning (1787)
  Significance: Unlike many spontaneously arising settlements, St Marys was designed in advance. A clear grid of wide streets and designated spaces for parks and public buildings laid the foundation for a comfortable urban environment that retains its relevance and charm centuries later.
• Era of administrative influence (1802–1923)
  Significance: The status of administrative centre for Camden County for over a century provided the city with political weight and economic prosperity. This time gifted St Marys its architectural gems, including the Orange Hall mansion, and formed the cultural traditions of the "Old South".
• Industrial breakthrough (1941)
  Significance: The opening of the pulp and paper mill (later Gilman Paper Company) was an economic salvation after the Great Depression. The factory turned the agrarian town into an industrial hub, financed the creation of a modern hospital and airport, and provided jobs for several generations of residents.
• Official heritage recognition (1972)
  Significance: The inclusion of the St Marys Historic District in the US National Register of Historic Places protected the ancient buildings from demolition. This decision became the foundation for the development of cultural tourism, allowing the city to monetise its history.
• "Gateway to Cumberland" status (1972)
  Significance: The creation of the Cumberland Island National Seashore and the launch of ferry services from downtown St Marys forever linked the city with eco-tourism. This attracted travellers from all over the world, stimulating the development of small businesses: hotels, cafes, and souvenir shops.
• Military-strategic boom (1978)
  Significance: The construction of the US Navy submarine base "Kings Bay" caused explosive population growth and infrastructure modernisation. The influx of military specialists and federal investment diversified the economy and integrated the quiet city into the global security system.
• Post-industrial renovation (since 2002)
  Significance: The closure of the paper mill marked the end of the heavy industry era. The city set a course for ecology and quality of life: former industrial zones are being recultivated, and the focus has shifted to developing recreational areas by the water and attracting new residents.

Urban Structure and Planning

The architectural appearance of St Marys is unique in that the city did not expand chaotically but followed a clear master plan developed back in 1788. This early urban planning scheme, preserved to this day, largely determined the cosy and orderly atmosphere of the historic centre.

• Regular street grid: The city was divided into even blocks with wide avenues oriented towards the river, ensuring natural ventilation and access to water.
• System of squares: The plan included public spaces named after the founding fathers of the USA (e.g., Washington, Franklin). Although not all have survived in their original form, the structure of open spaces remains an important feature of the city.
• Shady alleys: A characteristic feature of the landscape design became the centuries-old oaks planted along the streets, creating the famous "green tunnels" typical of the Old South.

Architectural Styles and Eras

The buildings of St Marys reflect its journey from a frontier outpost to a thriving port. In the historic district, one can trace the succession of several key American architectural trends.

Federal Style and Early Republic (late 18th – early 19th c.)

The city's earliest structures are distinguished by simplicity and functionality, characteristic of the settlement period. These are typically wooden frame houses raised on brick supports for flood protection.

• Characteristic features: Strict symmetry, gable roofs, minimal decoration, use of local timber (cypress and pine).
• Landmark object: First Presbyterian Church (1808). One of the oldest church buildings in the state, executed in a concise style close to New England meeting house architecture but adapted to the southern climate.

Greek Revival (1820–1860)

During the period of economic prosperity before the Civil War, a style imitating ancient temples gained popularity. It symbolised democratic ideals and the wealth of the plantation elite.

• Characteristic features: Massive columns (Doric or Ionic), white facades, wide entablatures, and monumental porticos.
• Landmark object: Orange Hall Mansion (c. 1830). This is the architectural dominant of the city and a textbook example of Greek Revival. The building stands out with a majestic portico featuring four columns and a symmetrical staircase, embodying the grandeur of the antebellum South.

Victorian Eclecticism (late 19th c.)

After the Civil War and during the Reconstruction period, more picturesque and decorated buildings appeared in the city, reflecting the romantic moods of the era.

• Characteristic features: Asymmetrical facades, carved wooden verandas ("gingerbread trim"), turrets, and the use of patterned shingles.
• Examples: Residential cottages along the waterfront and Osborne Street, which often combine elements of Queen Anne style and folk Victorian architecture.

Religious and Public Architecture

Particular attention should be paid to religious structures, which served not only as spiritual centres but also as shelters during conflicts.

• Catholic Chapel: Built in the mid-19th century, this stone bank building, which was later used as a church, demonstrates the durability of masonry, atypical for the predominantly wooden city of that time.

Notable Figures

St Marys is the birthplace or place of activity for a number of significant figures who left their mark on the military history, science, religion, and sports of the USA.

• Archibald Clark (1782–1848) — Major, Mayor, and Public Servant
  One of the key figures in the city's early history. Clark served as the first customs collector at the Port of St Marys (appointed by President Thomas Jefferson) and was repeatedly elected mayor. His home, known as "Federal Quarters", is a historical landmark where, according to legend, Aaron Burr stayed after his duel with Alexander Hamilton.
• Oliver Bowen (1742–1800) — Navy Commodore
  A hero of the American Revolutionary War and the first Commodore of the Georgia Navy. Bowen played an important role in naval operations against British forces. He spent the last years of his life in this region and is buried in the historic Oak Grove Cemetery in St Marys.
• Henry Beard Delany (1858–1928) — Bishop and Educator
  A native of St Marys who became the first African American elected as a suffragan bishop of the Episcopal Church in the USA. Delany was also an outstanding educator and administrator at St. Augustine's College, making a significant contribution to the education and spiritual life of the community.
• Marguerite Williams (1895–1991) — Geologist and Scientist
  Born in St Marys, she went down in history as the first African American woman to earn a doctorate (PhD) in geology in the USA. She dedicated her entire career to teaching and science, becoming a professor and chair of the geography department, inspiring new generations of students.
• Mary Martha Reid (1812–1894) — Nurse and Humanitarian
  A native of the city who gained wide renown for her selfless work in Richmond hospitals during the Civil War. She organised care for wounded soldiers from Florida and Georgia, earning the reputation of the "Florence Nightingale of the South".
• Lycurgus "Stump" Mitchell (born 1959) — Athlete and Coach
  A famous American football player born in St Marys. He had a successful career in the NFL as a running back and later became a respected coach working with several professional league teams.