Glynn County, Georgia is a small area that has been home to many historical events that have shaped the state of Georgia and the United States as a whole. From the colonial era to the civil rights movement, Glynn County has witnessed a range of events that have contributed to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Here are seven historical events that have taken place near Glynn County.

1. Battle of Bloody Marsh: On July 7, 1742, British troops commanded by General James Oglethorpe defeated a Spanish invasion force at the Battle of Bloody Marsh. The battle took place on the nearby island of St. Simons and is considered a significant event in the history of the state of Georgia. The British victory helped to ensure that Georgia remained a British colony and not a Spanish possession.

2. Brunswick-Fort Frederica Campaign: This campaign was fought during the American Revolutionary War in 1778-1779 between the British and American forces. The campaign was a result of a failed attempt to take British-held Savannah. The Americans attempted to isolate the British at Fort Frederica, but the plan failed when the British abandoned the fort and moved on to Savannah.

3. Civil War: During the American Civil War, Glynn County was a site of military activity on several occasions. Union General William T. Sherman sailed past the county in 1864 on his way to capture Savannah. Union troops also burned the local newspaper building in Brunswick in February 1865.

4. Conversion of John Wesley: On Sunday, May 24, 1738, John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, had a religious experience while visiting St. Simons Island. He later referred to the experience as his “conversion.” Wesley’s conversion was a critical moment in the history of the Methodist church, which later became one of the largest Protestant denominations in the United States.

5. Civil Rights Movement: Glynn County was also an important battleground during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1964, the county was one of the first in Georgia to integrate its public schools. The Glynn County chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) also played an integral role in the movement.

6. Construction of Sidney Lanier Bridge: The Sidney Lanier Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that spans the Brunswick River connecting Brunswick, Georgia, and Jekyll Island. The bridge was completed in 2003 and named after Sidney Lanier, a Georgia poet, and musician. It is the most massive cable-stayed bridge in Georgia and an essential part of the local infrastructure.

7. Jekyll Island Club: Jekyll Island is a barrier island near Glynn County that was once a favorite vacation spot for wealthy industrialists. The Jekyll Island Club was founded in 1886 as an exclusive retreat for industrialists such as J.P. Morgan, Joseph Pulitzer, and William Rockefeller. The club played a significant role in the development of the state’s tourism industry in the early 20th century.

In conclusion, Glynn County has witnessed many historical events that have contributed to the rich cultural heritage of the region. From the colonial era to the civil rights movement, Glynn County has played a pivotal role in shaping the history of Georgia and the United States. Despite its small size, the county remains an important location for historians and history enthusiasts alike.