Savannah
Founded in 1733 as the capital of Georgia’s British colonial province, Savannah remains a strategic Atlantic port and cultural hub, celebrated for its 22 historic squares and wealth of early American landmarks.
At a glance
Savannah is Georgia’s fifth-largest city and the county seat of Chatham County, with a 2010 census population of 136,286. The downtown historic district—encompassing the Savannah Historic District, Savannah Victorian Historic District, and 22 carefully planned public squares—constitutes one of America’s largest National Historic Landmarks, designated in 1966.
History
James Oglethorpe founded Savannah in 1733 as the capital of the Georgia province under British rule. The city’s orderly street grid, known as the Oglethorpe Plan, remains largely intact today. During the American Revolution and the Civil War, Savannah’s position as a strategic port shaped its role in both conflicts. It served as Georgia’s first state capital after American independence and has evolved into a major industrial and Atlantic shipping center.
What you see
The historic downtown preserves Oglethorpe’s original urban design with its distinctive network of public squares integrated throughout residential and commercial blocks. Visitors encounter a rich architectural fabric spanning centuries: the Juliette Gordon Low birthplace, the Georgia Historical Society (the oldest in the South), the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (among the first public museums in the region), the First African Baptist Church, and the Temple Mickve Israel—the nation’s third-oldest synagogue. The Central of Georgia Railway’s turntable complex represents the oldest surviving post-war railway structure in America.
Cultural significance
Savannah attracts millions of annual visitors drawn to its historic streets, parks, and cultural institutions. The city’s landmarks document pivotal moments in American history, from colonial settlement through the Civil War era. Its grid-based urban planning influenced American city design for generations, while its diverse religious and civic monuments reflect the city’s multicultural heritage and foundational role in American independence and social movements.
Key facts
- Founded: 1733
- Address: Savannah, GA 31401, USA
- Coordinates: 32.0133641, -81.2973513
- Phone: 912.238.1453
- Official website: http://www.savannah.com/
- National Historic Landmark designation: 1966
- 2010 population: 136,286
Practical information
Savannah’s historic downtown is readily walkable, with the 22 public squares serving as natural gathering points and navigation landmarks. Many major attractions are within the National Historic Landmark district. Opening hours and admission fees for individual attractions vary; consult the official website for current details.
Getting there
Savannah is accessible via Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, located about 20 minutes from downtown. The city is also served by Amtrak and Interstate 95. Regional transportation within Savannah includes public transit and taxi services.
Sources & resources
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