A Tourist’s Guide to Exploring History in Savannah, Georgia, and Beyond
Welcome to Savannah, Georgia, a city steeped in history and brimming with stories waiting to be discovered. From its cobblestone streets and historic squares to its moss-draped oaks and antebellum architecture, Savannah offers a captivating journey through the past. Join us as we embark on a historical adventure through Savannah and its surrounding areas, where each corner holds a tale of bygone days and enduring legacies.
1. Historic Savannah:
Our journey begins in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, where time seems to stand still amid the cobblestone streets, manicured squares, and elegant mansions. Take a guided walking tour to explore the district’s rich history and architectural treasures, including iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Owens-Thomas House, and the Mercer-Williams House. As you wander through the shaded squares and picturesque streets, you’ll gain insights into Savannah’s colonial past, its role in the Civil War, and its vibrant cultural heritage.
2. Bonaventure Cemetery:
Step into Savannah’s hauntingly beautiful past at Bonaventure Cemetery, a tranquil oasis nestled along the banks of the Wilmington River. Dating back to the early 19th century, this historic cemetery is renowned for its ornate mausoleums, intricate sculptures, and lush vegetation. Join a guided tour to learn about the cemetery’s famous residents, including poet Conrad Aiken, songwriter Johnny Mercer, and other notable figures from Savannah’s past. As you wander through the moss-draped pathways and shaded lanes, you’ll uncover the stories of love, loss, and legacy that have shaped Savannah’s history.
3. Wormsloe Historic Site:
Experience the romance and majesty of the Old South at Wormsloe Historic Site, home to the iconic Avenue of Oaks and the ruins of Georgia’s oldest standing tabby structure. Nestled along the Isle of Hope, this historic plantation offers visitors a glimpse into the antebellum era with its scenic trails, interpretive exhibits, and breathtaking views of the Savannah River. Take a guided tour to learn about the lives of the early settlers who called Wormsloe home and explore the museum and visitor center, where you’ll find artifacts and exhibits that bring Savannah’s colonial past to life.
4. Fort Pulaski National Monument:
Delve into Savannah’s military history at Fort Pulaski National Monument, a Civil War-era fortress located on Cockspur Island. Built in the early 19th century to defend Savannah’s strategic port, Fort Pulaski played a key role in the Civil War and saw one of the first successful uses of rifled artillery in combat. Explore the fort’s ramparts, barracks, and artillery batteries, and take a guided tour to learn about the fort’s construction, its role in the war, and the daily lives of the soldiers who served there.
5. Savannah History Museum:
Dive deeper into Savannah’s past at the Savannah History Museum, located in the city’s historic downtown area. Housed in the historic Central of Georgia Railway Train Shed, this museum offers a comprehensive overview of Savannah’s history, from its founding in 1733 to the present day. Explore interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays that chronicle the city’s colonial origins, its role in the American Revolution and Civil War, and its cultural contributions to the South. Highlights include a replica of an 18th-century cotton gin, a steam locomotive, and a diorama depicting the Battle of Savannah.
6. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace:
Pay homage to a trailblazing woman at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, the childhood home of the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, this beautifully preserved house museum offers visitors a glimpse into the life of Juliette Gordon Low and the beginnings of the Girl Scout movement. Explore the interactive exhibits, browse the gift shop for Girl Scout memorabilia, and learn about Low’s vision and leadership that continues to inspire girls and women around the world.
7. Old Fort Jackson:
Experience Savannah’s maritime history at Old Fort Jackson, the oldest standing brick fortification in Georgia. Located on the Savannah River, this historic landmark dates back to the early 19th century and played a crucial role in the defense of the city during the War of 1812 and the Civil War. Explore the fort’s cannons, barracks, and exhibits, and watch live demonstrations of historic weapons and artillery. Don’t miss the chance to take a guided tour and learn about the daily lives of the soldiers who served at Old Fort Jackson.
8. Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters:
Delve into Savannah’s complex history of slavery at the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a National Historic Landmark located in the heart of the historic district. Built in 1819, this elegant mansion offers a glimpse into the lives of Savannah’s elite during the antebellum era, while the adjacent slave quarters provide insights into the experiences of the enslaved Africans who lived and worked on the property. Take a guided tour to explore both the mansion and the slave quarters, and learn about the intertwined stories of wealth and privilege, oppression and resistance, that shaped Savannah’s past.
9. Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens:
Escape the city and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Coastal Georgia at the Coastal Georgia
Botanical Gardens. Located just a short drive from Savannah, this sprawling botanical oasis offers visitors a chance to explore lush gardens, scenic trails, and serene water features. Take a leisurely stroll through the camellia garden, admire the colorful displays of azaleas and roses, and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this idyllic retreat.
From historic landmarks and cultural institutions to natural wonders and scenic landscapes, Savannah and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of opportunities for visitors to learn about the city’s rich history and vibrant heritage.
Learn from the stories of the past, explore the beauty of the present, and embark on a journey through time in the charming Hostess City of the South.
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