What a find! A fragment of a Savannah Line plate was found while on shark tooth hunting!

What’s the Savannah Line, you ask? The Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah, commonly known as the Savannah Line, was established in 1872 as a subsidiary of the Central of Georgia Railway. Its primary purpose was to facilitate the transportation of passengers and freight between Savannah, Georgia, and major northern ports, including New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. This integration of rail and sea transport significantly enhanced trade and travel between the southern and northern United States.

The Savannah Line owned and operated 18 passenger and freight steamers, which were among the finest on the East Coast. These vessels were instrumental in transporting cotton, naval stores, and other goods from the South to northern markets, playing a vital role in the economic development of Savannah as a major port city. The company’s operations were closely tied to Savannah’s waterfront. In 1870, the Central of Georgia Railway acquired the Vale Royal Plantation, comprising 276 acres along the Savannah River, to establish modern docks and warehouses for the Ocean Steamship Company. This strategic move allowed the railway to extend its reach to the sea, enhancing its transportation network.

The Savannah Line maintained continuous service from 1872 until March 1942, when World War II conditions led to the suspension of its operations. In 1958, the Georgia Ports Authority purchased the company’s waterfront property, transforming it into what is now known as the Ocean Terminal, a world-class facility specializing in breakbulk commodities.

The legacy of the Ocean Steamship Company of Savannah is a testament to its pivotal role in connecting the southern United States with northern markets, significantly contributing to the region’s economic growth and development.