Savannah, Georgia, is a city that effortlessly blends Southern charm, historic intrigue, and a vibrant cultural scene. From cobblestone streets to moss-draped oaks, here are the top historic sites you must visit:
Savannah's Historic Squares
One of the city’s most distinctive features is its 22 historic squares, each offering a unique glimpse into the past. These squares, originally designed in the 18th and 19th centuries, provide green spaces, monuments, and a sense of tranquility amidst the bustling city. Here’s a guide to some of Savannah’s must-visit squares.
James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia colony, was an innovative planner whose vision for Savannah has left a lasting legacy. In 1733, Oglethorpe designed Savannah with a unique grid layout that incorporated a series of public squares. His plan aimed to create a city that balanced community, defense, and aesthetics.
Here are 5 squares that should not be missed:
Chippewa Square
Famed for its role in the movie "Forrest Gump," Chippewa Square is where the iconic bench scenes were filmed. The square is named after the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812. At its center stands a statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah. With its beautiful landscaping and historic significance, it's a perfect spot for both history buffs and movie enthusiasts.
Forsyth Park
While not a square in the traditional sense, Forsyth Park is an essential visit. This 30-acre park is the largest in the historic district and features the famous Forsyth Fountain, which is a favorite photo spot for visitors. The park also hosts a farmer's market every Saturday and various cultural events throughout the year.
Madison Square
Named after President James Madison, this square is home to the impressive monument of Sergeant William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero. The square is surrounded by significant buildings, including the Green-Meldrim House, which served as General Sherman’s headquarters during his March to the Sea. Madison Square offers a serene environment with a touch of historical reverence.
Telfair Square
Telfair Square is a cultural hub, named after the Telfair family, who contributed significantly to Savannah's cultural and artistic heritage. It’s home to the Telfair Museums, which include the Telfair Academy and the Jepson Center for the Arts. Art lovers will appreciate the square’s artistic vibe and proximity to some of Savannah’s best galleries.
Johnson Square
As Savannah's largest and first square, Johnson Square holds a special place in the city’s history. Named after Robert Johnson, the colonial governor of South Carolina, it features a striking monument to Nathanael Greene, a Revolutionary War general. The square is surrounded by some of Savannah’s oldest and most beautiful buildings, offering a perfect blend of history and architecture.
Riverstreet District
River Street’s history dates back to the early 18th century when Savannah was founded in 1733 by James Oglethorpe. The riverfront quickly became a vital center for trade and commerce. During the 19th century, it was a bustling port area, with cotton being the primary export. The historic buildings along River Street, many of which were once cotton warehouses, have been meticulously preserved and repurposed, providing a tangible connection to the city’s mercantile past.
What to do on Riverstreet:
- Shopping, dining and bars
- Riverboat Cruise (included on Savannah TourPass)
- Watch large container ships arrive and depart the Savannah Port.
The Cotton Exchange
The Savannah Cotton Exchange, established in 1872, was one of the most important cotton trading centers in the world. The Cotton Exchange building, completed in 1887, still stands today as a symbol of Savannah's prominence in the global cotton industry.
Savannah Riverboat Tour
Visitors can take scenic riverboat cruises, offering a unique perspective of the city and its historic waterfront. These cruises often include narrated tours, dinner options, and themed events. Included on Savannah TourPass
Factors Walk
One of the most intriguing aspects of River Street is Factors Walk, a unique architectural and historical feature. Factors Walk consists of a series of iron bridges, ramps, and walkways that connect the upper levels of the historic buildings to the street. These structures were used by cotton factors (brokers) to access the cotton warehouses and conduct business efficiently.
Plant Riverside
Plant Riverside District is a dynamic and vibrant area along the Savannah River, transforming the city’s historic waterfront into a hub of modern luxury and cultural enrichment. As part of the larger Kessler Collection, this mixed-use development brings together upscale hotels, distinctive dining options, unique shops, and a variety of entertainment venues, all while preserving and celebrating the rich industrial history of the site.
House Museums
Savannah’s famous house museums provide a glimpse into how Savannah’s elite merchants, elected officials and wealthy lived. On these tours you’ll also learn about the tragic lives of those enslaved, how they lived and their roles and how they shaped Savannah in so many ways.
Andrew Low House
Built in 1849, this home belonged to Andrew Low, a wealthy cotton factor. It provides insights into the luxurious lifestyle of Savannah’s elite in the 19th century.
INCLUDED WITH SAVANNAH TOURPASS
Davenport House
Built in 1820, this Federal-style house saved from demolition in 1955 is credited with sparking Savannah's historic preservation movement. It offers a look at early 19th-century life.
INCLUDED WITH SAVANNAH TOURPASS
Green Meldrim House
This Gothic Revival mansion, built in the 1850s, served as General Sherman’s headquarters during his March to the Sea. It’s notable for its elaborate architecture and historical significance.
INCLUDED WITH SAVANNAH TOURPASS
Owens Thomas House & Slave Quarters
Built in 1819, this house is a National Historic Landmark. It offers a comprehensive look at the lives of both the wealthy owners and the enslaved people who lived and worked there.
INCLUDED WITH SAVANNAH TOURPASS
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The 1821 home of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, offers tours that explore her life and the early history of the Girl Scouts.
INCLUDED WITH SAVANNAH TOURPASS
Harper-Fowlkes House
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.
INCLUDED WITH SAVANNAH TOURPASS
Mercer-Williams House
Built in 1860, this house is famous for its architectural beauty and for being the setting of the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." It offers a glimpse into Savannah's antebellum past and post-Civil War history.
Old Fort Jackson
A National Historic Landmark, Old Fort Jackson is one of the oldest standing brick fortifications in the U.S., built in 1808. It played a crucial role in coastal defense during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. The fort features daily cannon firings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits.
- This attraction is included on the Savannah TourPass
Civil Rights Sights
Savannah, Georgia, renowned for its historic charm and antebellum architecture, also holds significant sites that highlight the city’s critical role in the Civil Rights Movement. These landmarks provide a window into the struggle for racial equality and justice, preserving the memories of the courageous individuals who fought for civil rights.
First African Baptist Church
One of the oldest African-American congregations in the United States, the First African Baptist Church was founded in 1773. This historic church served as a hub for the civil rights activities in Savannah. Notably, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad, with holes in the floorboards that provided air for escaping slaves hiding underneath. During the Civil Rights Movement, it hosted numerous meetings and strategizing sessions, playing a pivotal role in organizing protests and marches.
Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
Named after Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert, a prominent civil rights leader and pastor of the First African Baptist Church, this museum is dedicated to documenting and preserving the history of the Civil Rights Movement in Savannah. The museum features exhibits that showcase the struggles and triumphs of the African-American community, including photographs, artifacts, and personal stories of those who participated in the movement. It provides an educational experience that highlights the local efforts to combat segregation and discrimination.
Beach Institute
Established in 1867, the Beach Institute was the first school in Savannah dedicated to the education of African Americans after the Civil War. It became a center for African-American culture and education, nurturing generations of leaders and activists. Today, it operates as a cultural center and museum, offering insights into the African-American experience and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
King-Tisdell Cottage
The King-Tisdell Cottage, named after Eugene and Sarah King, and Sarah Tisdell, prominent African-American citizens of Savannah, serves as a museum highlighting African-American history and culture. It showcases exhibits on the contributions of African Americans to the development of Savannah and their role in the broader Civil Rights Movement.
Georgia State Railroad Museum
Located in a historic rail yard, this museum offers interactive exhibits and tours that highlight the history of rail transportation in Georgia. The museum is housed in the Central of Georgia Railway roundhouse complex, one of the most complete antebellum railroad complexes in the U.S.
This attraction is included on the Savannah TourPass.
The Pirate's House
Established in 1753, it originally served as an inn for seafarers and quickly gained a reputation as a gathering place for pirates and sailors from around the world. The building, with its charming colonial architecture, is steeped in maritime lore and legend.
The Pirate’s House is believed to have inspired scenes in Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel “Treasure Island.” The restaurant’s interior is a fascinating blend of historic charm and pirate-themed décor, with several rooms preserving their original 18th-century features. Visitors can explore the tavern’s hidden tunnels, once allegedly used for smuggling, adding to the allure and mystery of the place.
Today, The Pirate’s House is a popular restaurant known for its Southern cuisine and hospitality. Guests can enjoy a meal in a setting that feels like stepping back in time, surrounded by tales of adventure and intrigue. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts, literature lovers, and anyone seeking a unique dining experience in Savannah.
Bonaventure Cemetery
Founded in 1846, Bonaventure Cemetery is a quintessential example of a Victorian-era cemetery, known for its elaborate tombstones, monuments, and hauntingly beautiful landscapes. The cemetery gained fame after being featured in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and is the final resting place of many notable Savannah residents.
- Guided tour included on Savannah TourPass
Colonial Park Cemetery
Established in 1750, this cemetery is the final resting place for many of Savannah’s early residents. It offers a serene, historic atmosphere with notable graves and monuments. The cemetery also includes the graves of several Revolutionary War soldiers.
Recommended Guided Tours to Explore Savannah's History
It’s much easier to digest and understand history when being told first-hand by a historical expert Tour Guide. Below are some of the best guided tours that are all included on our Savannah TourPass to make the most of your experience in the city.
Carriage Tours
- Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tours along with their nightime Ghost Trolley Tour.
Walking Tours: daytime historical tours along with ghost and graveyard, pub crawls and more
Riverboat Cruise
Telfair Museums and historic museums.
- Bicycle Tours
House Museum Tours
To fully maximize your Savannah vacation, look into the Savannah TourPass which has been found to make touring easier since all tours allowed on the pass have to be vetted. TourPass also saves time researching and booking tours and includes skip the line access making figuring out what to do a breeze.
Maximize Your Vacay with TourPass
To fully maximize your Savannah vacation, look into the Savannah TourPass which has been found to make touring easier since all tours allowed on the pass have to be vetted. TourPass also saves time researching and booking tours and includes skip the line access making figuring out what to do a breeze. Go to Savannah TourPass info page
