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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
          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.

          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.

          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.

          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.