We took a nice drive around the city today with our first stop at the Mary Ross Waterfront Park
Mary Ross was a teacher, scholar, and historian from the area who focused on the Spanish occupation of the Southeastern United States.
While in the park, we found the pot that was used in making the first batch of Brunswick Stew.
For those not from the south, who may never have heard of Brunswick Stew, it is a tomato-based stew usually having local beans, vegetables, and originally small game meat such as squirrel or rabbit, though today it’s often chicken.
The exact origin of the stew is disputed, both Brunswick County in Virginia and the city of Brunswick Georgia claim where it was it was developed. Personally, I think Brunswick Georgia wins the claim since they have the pot.
We also visited the World War II memorial while in the park. It’s a 23-foot scale replica of a Liberty ship. Between 1943 and 1945, the Brunswick shipyard built 99 of these 447-foot cargo vessels that sailed the Atlantic and Pacific loaded with equipment and supplies. No names were painted on the bows to prevent the enemy from detecting the vessels mission or cargo.
We also drove past the Old City Hall, which was built between 1886 and 1889, with the installation of the clock tower in 1893.
And, the Ritz Theatre, built in 1899 to house the Grand Opera House, today the historic theater features year-round live performances, films, exhibits, and educational programs.
Our last stop was to see the Lover’s Oak. According to local legend, Native American braves and their maidens met under the majestic spreading limbs of this enormous oak tree. The tree is over 900 years old and its trunk of over 13 feet in diameter.
It was a nice day checking out the local area. Our next stop will be in Charleston and checking out the history of that area.
Until next time,
Safe Travels.