Archives: Destinations

Old Fort Jackson

Old Fort Jackson is a must-see National Historic Landmark offering daily cannon firings and exciting interactive programs for adults, kids and families! Only minutes away from historic downtown Savannah, you can experience unique views of Savannah’s riverfront and walk on the grounds of one of the oldest brick fortifications on the East Coast.

History

This fortification is located on the Savannah River, just 3 miles east of the city. It was constructed in 1808 as part of President Thomas Jefferson’s Second System coastal defense initiative and named after Revolutionary War patriot James Jackson. This brick fort was constructed over an old earthen battery from the Revolutionary War which had been called “Mud Fort.” Soldiers were stationed at Fort James Jackson to guard Savannah during the War of 1812. Following the War of 1812, two periods of construction continued expansion of the fort from the 1840s-1850s, prior to the outbreak of the American Civil War.

Local Confederate militia units occupied the fort at the start of the Civil War in 1861. In 1862, it became the headquarters for Savannah’s river defenses after the fall of Fort Pulaski. In 1864 the Confederate troops quickly evacuated Fort Jackson just prior to the arrival of federal troops under the leadership of General William Tecumesh Sherman after his infamous “March to the Sea,” leaving Fort Jackson under control of federal troops. The last American soldiers to be stationed at Fort Jackson were members of the 55th Massachusetts, an African- American unit of the Federal Army.

The War Department abandoned the fort in 1905 and the state of Georgia reopened it in 1965 as a maritime museum. After the state decided to close the museum in 1975, the newly formed nonprofit Coastal Heritage Society approached the State in 1976 asking permission to re-open and operate the site, which was granted. The historic site was now referred to as Old Fort Jackson. In 1978, Fort Jackson and CHS came under the leadership of Scott W. Smith. Operation continued to grow with modest success as did development of educational programming for regular guests and student field trips.

Currently, Old Fort Jackson has a successful model of independent operation and a solid reputation of delivering high-quality, engaging educational programming for booked groups. This program offering has been expanded to regular operation for daily museum guests and includes cannon, musket firings and other interactive & hands-on activities.

Oglethorpe Square

Oglethorpe Square was laid out by James Oglethorpe upon his return from England in 1742. This was the final square that he laid out personally while residing in the colony. Today the square is home to many historically and architecturally significant homes, most built in the English Regency and Greek revival styles. The building that now houses The President’s Quarters Inn was once occupied by the prominent local judge William Law. At present the many lovely homes that surround the square are its primary claim to fame. Oglethorpe Square has no monuments. However, there have been discussions about adding a World War II memorial at some point in the future. For now, Oglethorpe Square stands as a memorial to the love and effort of Savannah preservationists, many of whom find the square’s Owens-Thomas House to be one of their finest triumphs.

• THE OWENS-THOMAS HOUSE – Built in 1816, The Owens-Thomas House is one of the best examples of English Regency architecture in America, and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. Designed by William Jay for the wealthy banker Richard Richardson the home was one of the grandest of its day, and no expense was spared in its construction. As it happened, Mr. Richardson occupied the home for only three years before heavy financial losses forced him to turn the property over to the bank. The house was subsequently purchased and turned into one of the city’s earliest and most prestigious lodging houses, catering to the elite travelers of the day. The Marquis de Lafayette was a guest in the home during a visit to Savannah in 1825, and gave a stirring address from the home’s exquisite cast-iron veranda. In 1830, George Welshman Owens, the Mayor of Savannah purchased the home, and it remained in the family until Owens’ granddaughter, Miss Margaret Thomas, donated the property to the Telfair Museum. The home is now a lovely house museum, filled with period furnishings. Of particular interest to visitors are the fabulous parterre garden, and the home’s original carriage house. The carriage house features one of the few, and perhaps the oldest urban slave quarters to survive to modern times. If you have the inclination, The Owens-Thomas House is well worth a visit.

Riverboat Narrated Sightseeing Cruise

IMPORTANT: Be aware that this tour normally operates 1 to 2x per day. Advance reservations are not required. They do not allow upgrades to your ticket to the dinner or sightseeing cruise.

During this 1.5 hour cruise you can experience the river that was the lifeblood of Savannah! Hear the Captain’s intriguing tales and historic facts about this modern port and the ships that visit from all over the world. Then make your way down river to Old Fort Jackson, home of one of the largest and oldest original artillery pieces in the country! Take advantage of the great photo opportunities of Savannah’s historic riverfront and skyline. Snacks and beverages are available on board at our Riverboat Snack Shop.

Scheduled Tour Times

Boarding from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., Sailing at 1:00 p.m., Returning at 2:30 p.m. Every Saturday & Sunday in December & January Every Wednesday through Sunday in February Daily from March through November PLUS December 26-31

Boarding from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m., Sailing at 3:30 p.m., Returning at 5:00 p.m. Saturday only in February, March & November Daily from April through October

Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum

Visit one of the world’s most powerful museum experiences, the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Located only minutes from historic downtown Savannah, where the Eighth Air Force was activated in 1942, the 90,000-square-foot museum is dedicated to preserving the history and stories of the Eighth Air Force, the “greatest air armada of all time.” Hear the unforgettable stories of bravery, experience a bomber mission and briefing, and see the ongoing restoration of the World War II B-17 Flying Fortress “City of Savannah” inside the Museum’s Combat Gallery. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is an experience not to be missed while visiting Savannah!

We are pleased to be able to offer group tours of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. These tours can be self-guided or guided by our incredible Museum Docents. If you choose for your group to tour self-guided (on your own), you will want to plan on a minimum of two hours. Guided tours are two hours in length. If you have limited time, just let us know and we will tailor a shorter tour for your needs.

The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force is home to a traditional English Pub. You can enjoy lunch there, Monday thru Friday from 11 am to 2 pm, with food prepared by our in-house restaurant, Miss Sophie’s Marketplace.

Johnson Square

It was the first of Oglethorpe’s original squares and is still Savannah’s largest. It was named after South Carolina Governor Robert Johnson, who was a friend of Oglethorpe’s and provided assistance to the early settlers of the colony. This square was laid out in 1733 and was a central focus of daily life in the earliest days of the city. Thus, the settlers gathered in this square to get the time of day (which they read on a sundial which had been built there), post public notices, get water for their families, socialize, and even to bake their bread. The square’s two fountains now mark the places where the city’s communal ovens once stood.

• JOHNNY MERCER BENCH – Johnson Square also pays homage to Johnny Mercer, Savannah’s favorite son. The popular and commercially successful songwriter wrote more than 1,000 songs between 1929 and 1976. Mercer also received eighteen Academy Award nominations, won four Academy Awards, composed music that was featured in several Broadway shows, and was a cofounder of Capitol Records. A beautiful bench carved from white marble pays tribute to this remarkable entertainer. The bench is engraved with the titles of some of Mr. Mercer’s greatest hits, and a profile sketch of the singer which was hand drawn by the music legend himself.
• NATHANIEL GREENE MONUMENT – Dominating the center of Johnson Square is an impressive white obelisk marking the final resting place of Nathanael Greene, a hero of the Revolutionary War. The French General Marquis de Lafayette, who was so instrumental in assisting the Continental army during the Revolutionary War, laid the cornerstone for the monument honoring Greene in 1825.
• CHRIST CHURCH – On the south east corner of the square you will find Christ Church, now known as Christ Anglican Church. Also known as “the Mother Church of Georgia,” Christ Church was the first church in Savannah and was originally established as an extension of the Church of England. The church continues to be home to a vibrant Christian community today.

Jepson Center for the Arts

The Jepson Center links the history preserved by the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters and Telfair Academy to the future of art and architecture. The strikingly modern building, opened in 2006, is filled with art, activities, and educational opportunities that will encourage learning for generations to come.

Holiday Closures:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• St. Patrick Day Observance
• Easter
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve, open 10am-3pm
• Christmas Day
• New Years Eve Day, open 10am to 3pm

Historic Homes Walking Tour

Savannah has charmed visitors for centuries with her history, architecture and famous hospitality. With this tour, you will:

• Explore the rich architectural heritage that spans two centuries
• More than a discussion on architecture, this enchanting walk through the heart of the Historic District focuses on Savannah’s majestic mansions and their residents.
• Learn about Savannah’s ongoing historic preservation movement and hear of the contributions of residents dedicated to protect and conserve our rich history.
• This tour may include depending on availability, a visit to one of Savannah’s most beautiful historic homes.
• Tours departs from Warren Square.

One of the places you’ll see on this tour is the Owens-Thomas House, widely regarded as the premiere example of regency architecture in the United States, and learn about the achievements of architect William Jay. You’ll also see the Green Meldrim House, where Gen. William T. Sherman was a “guest” during the Civil War. Other house highlights includes discussions on the development of domestic dwellings in Savannah, from colonial times to the present, featuring fine examples of architecture that span two centuries.

Harper Fowlkes House Tour

This Greek Revival mansion located in Savannah’s historic district was built in 1842, and graciously opens their doors for tours. The house is beautifully furnished with antiques, yet continues to retain the feel of a warm and inviting home.

The Harper-Fowlkes House has served as the headquarters for the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Georgia since Alida Harper-Fowlkes bequeathed the house to the Society in 1985.

The exterior and interior architectural features of the home have intrigued students and travelers from all over the world. One of the featured treasures of the house is the elliptical opening viewed from the lower and upper levels of the entry and stairwell.

What to Expect: 

• Docent led tour of Greek Revival historic home. 
• See fine furnishings and architectural features of the home.

NOTICE: This property can close for special events. To ensure they’re open prior to visiting, visit this link for updates: View Schedule

Greene Square

Greene Square was named in memory of the Revolutionary War hero, Nathaniel Greene. So great was Greene’s contribution to the war effort in Georgia that he was given a grant of land in gratitude for his service. Originally from New England, Mr. Greene moved his family to Savannah, only to die shortly following the move from heat stroke. In addition to the striking architecture, Greene Square is home to the Second African Baptist Church, and its long and vibrant history.

• THE SECOND AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH – The Second African Baptist Church has its origins in the early 1700’s, when slaves participated in worship with their white masters. In 1802, Henry Francis and Henry Cunningham were ordained as Baptist Ministers and together with a small group of followers, selected a site for the construction of what would become the Second Colored Baptist Church at 123 Houston Street. At that time Savannah had a significant number of free African Americans, and those with the financial means to provide support became some of the church’s early leaders.

• EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION – By 1864, the church was 58 years old and playing host to Union forces that had entered the city with General William T. Sherman. The church could not contain the enormous crowd that gathered to hear the Secretary of War, Edwin Stanton, and General Sherman as they read the Emancipation Proclamation and freed the enslaved African Americans of Savannah. A plaque commemorating the event can be seen to this day in Greene Square.
• MARTIN LUTHER KING JR – Nearly a century later, in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. visited the church and gave a thunderous sermon. He incorporated segments of what would become his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, clearly perfecting his historic words one month before the landmark “March on Washington.” After touring the square, turn south on Houston Street and then turn left onto Oglethorpe to Colonial Park Cemetery.

Green Meldrim House Tour

Notice: This house is operated by St. Johns Church and can be closed at any time for any reason for church related functions.

General William Tecumseh Sherman used the house as headquarters when the Federal army occupied Savannah during the Civil War, upon the invitation of Mr. Green. It was at this time (December, 1864) that General Sherman sent his famous telegram to President Lincoln offering him the City of Savannah as a Christmas gift. In 1976, the house was designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Department of the Interior.

Mr. Green was not possessed of great wealth when he arrived in Savannah. He became a cotton merchant and ship owner. By 1850, he had amassed a fortune sufficient to build the most elaborate house in Savannah at a cost of $93,000. According to Green family records, $40,000 of the cost of the building materials including flagstones, laths, planks and bricks, were brought from England as ballast on Mr. Green’s ships. Recent restorations have revealed that the bricks were actually made at a foundry in Macon, GA. The Green-Meldrim House is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture to be found in the South. The house was constructed in the early 1850’s as the residence of Mr. Charles Green, an Englishman who came to Savannah in 1833.

The architect for the house was Mr. John S. Norris of New York. Mr. Norris was in Savannah from 1846–1861 and during that time he designed not only the Green-Meldrim House but also the Custom House and numerous other fine residences. There are many unusual architectural features throughout the house. The front entrance has three sets of doors. The heavy outer double doors fold in and form a small closet on either side of the entrance. Of the other two sets, one has glass panels to give light and the third set is louvered for ventilation.

Features:

The woodwork on the main floor is American black walnut, beautifully carved, and the elaborate crown mouldings or cornices are stucco-duro. The doorknobs, hinges, keyhole escutcheons and covers are silver plated. The hanging consoles in the hall have supporting brackets or carved wood, while the ornate aprons are of papier-mache

There are marble mantles in each room in the house, the two in the double drawing rooms being of Carrara marble. Other original adornments in these rooms are the matching chandeliers and the large mirrors in gold-leaf frames which were brought from Austria.

The graceful curved stairway with skylight above is a feature found in other houses designed by Mr. Norris. Also of special significance are the oriel windows on the east side of the house.

The Garden:

The covered porch, on three sides of the house, is surrounded by ornate ironwork. The planting in the garden is not authentic to the period of the house, but after the removal of layers of soil it is believed that the pattern of the original flower beds was discovered and has been restored. The former kitchens, servants’ quarters and stable have been converted into the Rectory of St. John’s Church.

History of Ownership:

The house has been owned by only two families and St. John’s Church. After the death of Mr. Green in 1881, it became the property of his son, Edward Moon Green. On July 14, 1892, the house was purchased by Judge Peter W. Meldrim. On December 30, 1943, the Meldrim family sold this historic treasure to St. John’s, thus ensuring its preservation.