A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CAUSEWAY

PLANNED AND CONSTRUCTED FROM 1921-1924

From the humble beginnings of a ferry route to the marvel of modern engineering, the F.J. Torras Causeway remains a cherished symbol of community unity and progress, forever etched in the heart of Glynn County’s history.

OPENING DAY JULY 11, 1924

Before the causeway’s existence, the journey to St. Simons Island was a ferry ride that departed from Brunswick and docked at the island’s southern pier.

However, the dream of a causeway for automobiles lingered among Brunswick’s residents. Previous attempts failed, until Fernando Torras, an experienced engineer with a passion for challenging projects, took up the cause.

How the Causeway Came to Be

Having graduated from Georgia Tech and boasting a resume of constructing rail lines, bridges, and roads in South America, Torras meticulously surveyed the marshy terrain under Brunswick’s mayor’s request. This led to the birth of the causeway project, helmed by Torras as the Chief Engineer. Completed in 1924 after thirteen months of intense labor and a budget exceeding $418,000, the causeway was an instant hit, revolutionizing transportation in Glynn County.

1921

March

Paved Road to SSI – Soon Reality

Company formed SSI Development Co-organized, property known as Long Island purchased

August

Glynn County Will Pay Cost of Survey St. Simons Project

Assistant State Bridge Engineer, and District Highway Engineer, King

Young Mens Club and Rotary Club will bear all expenses of work

November

Glynn Approve Highway Project Bond Vote: $176,000.00; 628 Votes/ 26 were women, 12 people voted against

December

Islands Company Names Officers
President W.J. Butts
VP R.L. Phillips
Secretary/Treasurer F.E. Twitty

About 60 residents subscribed as much as $500 stock appeal to Brunswick and Glynn County for payment on Long Island and Wister Tract

1922

September

Plans Completed for SSI Water Highway

1923

May

Dredging Begins

1924

February

Construction of Second Drawbridge Begins

July

Road Opening

Together, these visionary leaders and dedicated engineers forged a path of resilience and progress, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and connect our coastal communities.

E. L. Stephens

Chairman of the Glynn County Commissioners

E.L. Stephens’ role as Chairman of the Glynn County Commissioners was pivotal in realizing the dream of a modern highway connecting Brunswick to St. Simons Island. His foresight and collaborative spirit brought together key stakeholders, paving the way for progress and prosperity in our region.

M. B. McKinnon

Mayor of Brunswick

As the Mayor of Brunswick, M.B. McKinnon’s vision and leadership were instrumental in championing the cause of constructing the F.J. Torras Causeway. His unwavering dedication to enhancing transportation infrastructure laid the groundwork for a landmark that continues to unite our coastal communities.

Fernando J. Torras

Chief Engineer

As the Chief Engineer for the construction of the F.J. Torras Causeway, Fernando J. Torras’s expertise and ingenuity transformed challenges into triumphs. His engineering prowess and tireless efforts resulted in the creation of a resilient and iconic causeway, symbolizing our community’s resilience and progress.

Together, these visionary leaders and dedicated engineers forged a path of resilience and progress, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and connect our coastal communities.

M. B. McKinnon

Mayor of Brunswick

E. L. Stephens

Chairman of the Glynn County Commissioners

Fernando J. Torras

Chief Engineer

The causeway’s grand opening saw a spectacle of 5,500 cars crossing to St. Simons Island, accompanied by a festive parade and a grand fish dinner for 7,500 attendees under the majestic live oak trees.

In honor of Torras’s pivotal role, the causeway was officially named after him in January 1953, a year following his passing. Over the years, the causeway underwent reconstruction and expansion, evolving to meet the region’s growing needs.

News Article Archive

Jan. 1919 – Many Tourists Reaching Brunswick Almost Daily

May 1919 – St. Simons May Be Connected to Mainland

Nov. 1919 – Bridge Project is Endorsed by Club

Oct. 1920 – The St. Simon Bridge

Nov. 1920 – W.J. Butts Not to Enter the Race for Commissioner

Nov. 1920 – Historical Georgia Islands

Nov. 1920 – Directors Meet and Make Plans Highway Work

Mar. 1921 – Paved Road to St. Simons Island Will Soon Become a Reality

July 1921 – The St. Simons Road

July 1921 – State and Federal Aid for St. Simon Highway Project

Aug. 1921 – Glynn County Will Pay Cost of Survey St. Simon Project

Sept. 1921 – Brunswick Works for New Highway

Oct. 1921 – Real Campaign in Interest St. Simon Highway Starts

Oct. 1921 – Abrams Named as Head of Highway Committee of 100

Oct. 1921 – People to Pass on Road Project

Oct. 1921 – $300,000 May be Given for Roads to Glynn County

Oct. 1921 – Col. Bugg Talks Interestingly of General Affairs

Oct. 1921 – Young Mens Club Meeting Really Highway Affair

Sept. 1921 – Report on Brunswick And St. Simons Highway To Be Made This Week

Nov. 1921 – Bond Committee To-Night; Mass Meeting on Monday

Nov. 1921 – St. Simon Highway Committee of 100 Had Good Meeting

Nov. 1921 – Success of Bond Issue Seems Assured

Nov. 1921 – Glynn Approves Highway Project

Dec. 1921 – Gates to Open to Georgia’s Isle of Romance

Dec. 1921 – St. Simon Road Is Approved by Press

Dec. 1921 – Island Company Names Officers

Dec. 1921 – McKinnon City Member of Bridge Commission

July 1922 – Will Introduce St. Simon Highway Bill Wednesday

Sept. 1922 – St. Simons Highway Bond Issue Carries

Sept. 1922 – St. Simons Highway Will Cost $300,000

Sept. 1922 – Plans Complete for St. Simons Water Highway

May 1923 – St. Simon Highway Ceremonies To Mark the Beginning of Work on Brunswick’s Great Project

May 1923 – Arbitration of St. Simon Highway Matter Agreed On

May 1923 – The Coney & Parker Company Furnish Highway Material

May 1923 – Mayor McKinnon Proclamation

May 1923 – St. Simon Highway Work Will Bring Many to Brunswick

May 1923 – Brunswick – Two Tugs With Pontoons Are Enroute Here

1923 – F. J. TORRAS – A Native Brunswickian

Feb. 1924 – Work on Second Drawbridge to Begin Monday

Feb. 1924 – Many to Attend Mass Meeting Tuesday Night

Feb. 1924 – City Prepares for Opening of St. Simon’s Road

Feb. 1924 – Gathering for Tonight at City Hall Be Big One

June 1924 – Bringing St. Simons Closer

July 1924 – Mrs. Jas. D. Gould Dies Suddenly at St. Simon’s Home

July 1924 – Brilliant Historic Scenes to Feature Road Opening

July 1924 – Brunswick – St. Simon Road Dedicated With Ceremony; 20,000 Georgians Present

June 1924 – Brunswick – St. Simon Highway Opened Today

July 1924 – Details of Opening Day Ceremony and Pageant

Sept. 1924 – Committee at Work on Plans in Bridge Event

July 1924 – Stage All Set for Great Highway Opening

Feb. 1925 – New Highways to Be Feature for Island Visitors

June 1925 – Heads of Highway Committees Meet Wednesday Night

Sept. 1926 – Notice of Election on Bonds to Roads

June 1928 – Brunswick Region is Fast Becoming Coastal Resort

Aug. 1986 – Torras Causeway – the Dream that Came True

Aug. 1986 – The Building of Glynn County

Mar. 1991 – Torras Causeway brings changes to S.S.I.