Hanover Square

Hanover Square. . , Hanover Square, also referred to as Hanover Park, is one of the two major squares in Brunswick that retained their original size and shape. It was named to honor Britain’s ruling House of Hanover during the reign of King George II, when the Colony of Georgia was established. A center of civic and social activity in Brunswick, Hanover Square has played an important role in the city’s history. , The Portuguese Community in Brunswick , The first members of the Portuguese community arrived in Brunswick around 1914, and into the 1920s. Most were fishermen who settled on or near Hanover Square, close to the docks, including Captain Jack Martin and his friends. Many became American citizens as soon as they were eligible. The favorable climate, welcoming community and family-friendly atmosphere of Hanover Square made the newcomers feel at home. After the boats returned from a day on the waters of Coastal Georgia, families enjoyed the benches on Hanover Square. Fathers discussed the day's catch while their children played and their wives visited one another. , Faith and Tradition , One of the many contributions made by the Portuguese community was the Blessing of the Fleet ceremony, which originated as part of the Lady Fatima Day observance. Boat captains decorated their vessels and paraded past the docks in downtown Brunswick. On the Sunday closest to May 13, an exquisitely decorated statue of Our Lady of Fatima, the patron saint of Portugal, is carried through Hanover Square. The solemn processional includes a Knights of Columbus honor guard and numerous other celebrants. , The proximity of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and school on the north side of Hanover Square made it a favorite neighborhood for Portuguese families. The wooden church, built in 1890, was replaced by the current modern structure in 1967. , A Seafaring Legacy , Portuguese fishermen in Brunswick were among the first to develop the skills and specialized equipment to commercially harvest shrimp from the coastal waters. Their success created an industry that has been a mainstay of the local economy, providing employment for thousands of workers. , During World War II, most of the local shrimp fleet was confiscated for shoreline patrol activities. Many young men in the Portuguese community joined the US Armed Forces to serve their new country. After the war, the vessels were returned to their owners, with improvements such as larger, stronger motors. This enabled them to double their net size, increase their catch and meet a growing nationwide demand for shrimp. Note the names of the vessels, below, which proudly reflected their Portuguese heritage. , Signature Squares of Brunswick, Inc. is a non-profit organization established in 2005 under the leadership of co-founder and Executive Director Julie Hunter Martin to restore and preserve the parks and squares within the Historic District of Brunswick. Signature Squares gratefully acknowledges the support of the following in preserving the history of Hanover Square: City of Brunswick; Friends of Coastal Georgia History; Jekyll Island Authority; The Garden Club of Georgia, Inc. and Garden Clubs of Glynn County for financial and in-kind contributions; Jerry Spencer, ASLA, Landscape Architect; and Mia Knight Nichols for research support..