Augusta’s first Black mayor, Edward M. McIntyre Sr., was celebrated as a visionary and unifier as his name was permanently affixed to the Augusta Riverwalk on Friday. The dedication honored his enduring impact on the city, particularly his vision of the Savannah River as a hub for tourism and culture.
McIntyre served as mayor from 1981 to 1984 after spending eight years on the Richmond County Commission. Just days before his historic election, he identified the Savannah River as Augusta’s “last frontier, emphasizing its potential as a catalyst for revitalization.
McIntyre served as mayor from 1981 to 1984 after spending eight years on the Richmond County Commission. Just days before his historic election, he identified the Savannah River as Augusta’s “last frontier,” emphasizing its potential as a catalyst for revitalization.
Mayor Garnett Johnson quoted McIntyre’s vision, recalling his words: “Our beautiful river should be a great source of pride and enjoyment to our people… I believe our river could be a major entertainment center by complementing our downtown revitalization and assisting in our solicitation of conventions and tourism…. I believe our government’s job is to develop a comprehensive plan to seek out private investors to make this plan a reality, and that’s exactly what I propose to do as mayor of Augusta, Ga.”
Johnson urged the city to continue building on McIntyre’s vision, emphasizing ongoing revitalization efforts at the aging riverfront park.
“Our work is not finished, and we must push forward with development projects that enhance this area for future generations. Let this dedication inspire us to take action, ensuring Augusta’s Riverwalk remains a thriving center for culture and commerce,” he said.
Community leaders reflected on McIntyre’s influence on Augusta. Commissioner Jordan Johnson, who met McIntyre at age eight, said his mother was riding the school bus when the election results were announced.
“The bus erupted in cheers,” he said, remembering McIntyre as a public servant who put the city first. “He worked tirelessly. His journey of embracing a legacy of public service is one that we can still see and feel today,” Johnson said.
McIntyre’s son, Marlow McIntyre, recalled his father’s dedication to Augusta. “My father had a vision for this city. One of his dreams was to create a venue alongside the river for families to come out and enjoy what the city has to offer. No one else had envisioned what our city could become in this area.”
Marlow McIntyre recalled how his father was inspired by cities like San Antonio, which had developed its riverfront into a successful tourism destination. Upon returning from a trip there, McIntyre developed Augusta’s first master plan for riverfront development.
“In 1982—mind you, I said ‘he,’ not ‘we’—he created the master plan to build a venue near the river for Augusta.”
Commissioner Tony Lewis emphasized McIntyre’s lasting impact. “Riverwalk, the way it is today, was one of Ed McIntyre’s visions. What we see now is because of him, and I can think of no better person to honor,” Lewis said.
Former Tax Commissioner Steven Kendrick called McIntyre a true visionary.
“It’s unfortunate that not enough people know the history, but this Riverwalk was one of many things he thought about long before others in Augusta. It’s only fitting that it bears his name,” Kendrick said.
McIntyre was also a “uniter” who brought all areas of the city together, he said.
“He was the first of those who could really unite people—south Augusta, east Augusta, west Augusta, Black, white—he was everybody’s friend,” Kendrick said.
Commissioner Stacy Pulliam affirmed the city’s commitment to preserving McIntyre’s vision. “He was the visionary behind the Riverwalk, and that needs to be honored for generations to come. There are already plans in place to enhance our entertainment district and ensure his legacy continues.”
