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And then there was Brunswick

Due to its strategic geography, Brunswick’s history has been punctuated by conquest and acquisition during times of political turmoil. Five Flags have claimed this coastal region as their own, as well as countless generations of native tribes, each leaving their indelible mark. Many of the historic landmarks have been lovingly restored and are a great addition to your visit.

Brunswick’s Old City Hall has developed a split personality. This part-time city courthouse doubles as Brunswick’s new venue of choice for everything from class reunions to wedding receptions. 

Old City Hall

Construction on Old City Hall began in 1886 from an architectural design by Alfred Eichberg, and was completed in 1889, with the installation of the clock/bell tower in 1893. The architectural style is “Richardsonian Romanesque”, with Queen Anne parallels. Massive in stature, with the unusual addition of Italianate brackets, Romanesque architecture was the style of choice for the majority of public buildings built in the United States during this period. Elaborate terra cotta friezes decorate our Old City Hall clock tower and side entries, while the corner columns adorned with gargoyles gaze welcomingly at you and your guests. 

For Events

City Hall is available to rent for weddings and other special events. Call for information on renting.

View our public events page to see what’s happening next!


MARY ROSS WATERFRONT PARK | Gloucester & Bay Street

Located on the East River in Historic Downtown Brunswick is Mary Ross Waterfront Park.  The park features The Liberty Ship Memorial Plaza, where you can view a scale model of a Liberty Ship, similar to those built in Brunswick shipyards during World War II. Other attractions include an outdoor musical playscape, staged pavilion and farmers market. A lovely spot to watch the sun set or to see huge oceangoing ships from around the world and picturesque shrimp boats.

Harbor Market

Hours: 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday

For Events

Mary Ross Park is available to rent for weddings, special events and festivals. Call for information on renting the park.

View our public events page to see what’s happening next!

 


Historic Ritz Theater

The Ritz Theatre, located within the “Old Town Brunswick” National Register District, was built in 1899 to house the Grand Opera House, retail establishments, and the general offices of the Brunswick & Birmingham Railroad. Today, downtown Brunswick’s historic theatre and arts center features year-round live performances, films, exhibits, educational programs and more. Programming and management by Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association, coordinating arts council for the City of Brunswick and Glynn County.

LOVER’S OAK | Intersection of Prince & Albany Street

The Lover’s Oak (said to date back to the 12th century) is located at the intersection of Albany and Prince Streets in Historic Downtown Brunswick. According to local legend, Native American braves and their maidens met under the majestic spreading limbs of this enormous oak. As of 2005, the Lover’s Oak was estimated to be 900 years old. The tree’s trunk is about 13 feet in diameter and it branches into ten limbs measuring 12 to 30 inches in diameter.

Did you know?

The tree’s name stems from a Native American legend alleging the tree as the meeting place between young lovers.

SIDNEY LANIER BRIDGE | US Hwy 17

As you look south to the foot of Newcastle Street, you will see the Sidney Lanier Bridge, Georgia’s tallest cable-stayed suspension bridge, which provides easy access to the Golden Isles from Interstate 95 (Exit 29). This beautiful structure is 7,780 feet long and 486 feet tall.  It contains 95,283 cubic yards of concrete and 14,810,095 pounds of reinforcing steel.  The current bridge was built as a replacement to the original lift bridge which was struck by ships twice. 

Each year in February, there is the annual 5k Bridge Run, sponsored by Southeast Georgia Health System, when the south side of the bridge is closed to traffic and people register to run (or walk) the bridge.

Did you know?

The bridge was named for Georgian poet Sidney Lanier who wrote the poem Marshes of Glynn, about the beautiful marshes that surround the area.