For most people, Savannah, Georgia is synonymous with history, and rightly so. When General James Oglethorpe and 120 passengers landed along the Savannah River in 1733, he named the 13th and final American colony Georgia after England’s King George II. Savannah became its first city.
Known as America’s first planned city, Savannah was unique in that public squares and public streets were arranged in grids. Amazingly enough, of the original 24 public squares, 22 still exist today.
In 1966 Savannah’s Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark, making it one of the largest historic landmarks in the country. This city is teeming with history on every corner. From antebellum mansions, culturally significant churches, and the birthplace of the “mother” of Girl Scouts, history buffs will find what they are looking for in Savannah.
If you’re a history lover, Savannah should be at the top of your travel bucket list! Find the perfect vacation rental for Savannah history tours and step right outside your door and into the past.
Historic Churches and Cemeteries I Savannah, Georgia Vacation
There are many important religious historical sites in Savannah, including Congregation Mickve Israel, the third-oldest Jewish congregation in America. In addition, the First African Baptist church was founded here in 1777 and played an important role in the Underground Railroad. The Victorian Gothic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist is home to the oldest Roman Catholic Church in all of Georgia. There’s no shortage of beautiful photo ops in Savannah, as one of the most famous and photographed cemeteries in the country is the Bonaventure Cemetery. The cemetery was made popular by the best-selling book and movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
Girl Power I Savannah, GA Vacation
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is significant not for the home itself, but for the efforts of Girl Scouts near and far who rallied in 1953 to save the house from demolition. Since then, it has become a living memorial to the woman who pioneered a movement that empowered girls to change the world.
Glorious Architecture I Savannah, GA Vacation
Any architectural styles from the 18th and 19th centuries can be found in Savannah, from the Gothic Revival churches and Green-Meldrim House, the Italianate Mercer-Williams House, or the Federal-style Isaiah Davenport House. If you’re staying at any of the properties in historic Savannah, a quick stroll around the block will present an array of architectural treasures. Don’t forget to check out the ornate ironwork found on many balconies, window guards, gates and fountains. You’ll have an Instagram-worthy time!
Savannah History in Parks and Public Squares I Savannah, GA Vacation
The Historic District has no shortage of charming parks and squares. Step in the shade of Spanish moss-covered oak trees or explore one of the many memorials and monuments throughout the town. Forsyth Park is famous for its white fountain erected in 1859. Emmet Park sits on a bluff overlooking the Savannah River and was a tribute to Robert Emmet, an Irish patriot to Savannah’s Irish community. The best part? You’ll find several Savannah vacation rentals that face these breathtaking town squares.
Museums & Learning I Savannah, GA Vacation
Besides historical points of interests, there are museums and educational centers dedicated to a range of historical interests. The Telfair Museum of Art and Sciences (located in a historic mansion) is the oldest art museum in the South. The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum chronicles the civil rights struggle from slavery to present and also features lecture halls and an African-American book collection for children. Lastly, those interested in nautical history will enjoy The Ships of the Sea Museum. This museum hosts a collection of ship models and maritime antiques and is located in the Greek Revival William Scarborough mansion.
Now that you know what historical treasures are waiting for you, give us a call at 912-289-0130 and let us help you plan your Savannah, GA vacation into the past.