By Christy Sherman

Henry Ford was known for many accomplishments: he was an American industrialist, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and developed and manufactured the first automobile that many middle-class Americans could afford. But, while he is so iconically identified with Dearborn, Michigan, did you know he was swept under the spell of coastal Georgia?

In 1925, he and his wife, Clara, visited Richmond Hill (then known as Ways Station) looking for a winter retreat. Hoping to explore the agricultural possibilities of growing rubber, they built their winter estate on the site of a former rice plantation and set about to erase the impoverishment of the local community.

The Fords constructed a saw mill, drained the swamps, eradicated malaria, subsidized health care, started the first kindergarten in Bryan County and began building schools that helped set the standard in education throughout Georgia. Eventually, they bought 85,000 acres, including Fort McAllister, saving the old fort from demise. They built a church, commissary, trade school, community house, and homes for 600 employees.

In short, the Fords brought the town into the 20th century and ushered in a new era. In 1941, the town’s name was changed to Richmond Hill in honor of Ford.

This year, the city of Richmond Hill will celebrate the 150th birthday of Clara Ford with a number of events, including a tour of The Ford Plantation (normally closed to the public), and other architecture in Richmond Hill that was built or restored by the Fords. There also will be several opportunities for an overnight stay at the Fords’ winter mansion.

The celebration will culminate with an Evening Gala at The Ford Mansion on April 23. Guests will be transported to a Ford-era, Gatsby-esque party reminiscent of when the Fords would bring orchestras from Michigan and invite local students and guests to dance on the lawn.

From the Georgia Department of Economic Development: Georgia.org.