Where to Find History, Old Southern Charm, Architecture, and Famous City Squares

The Hostess City of the South

Savannah, GA known as the “The Hostess City of the South” is sure to delight any traveler who desires a truly unique experience. Located on the eastern side of the state of Georgia this coastal city is full of distinction, history, and some amazing delicacies. The city is located on a bluff above the Savannah River and has an abundance of Candler oak tree lined streets. Furthermore, the parks throughout the downtown area make it a truly charming city.

From the shopping and restaurants on the famous River Street to Forsyth Park. This city has a genuinely distinctive charm about it. Do not miss an opportunity to enjoy a little Southern charm from this enchanting city. I would highly recommend this city as it is probably one of the most walkable cities in the United States. Savannah, GA. was built for a slower more mindful lifestyle with so much to see and enjoy one block at a time.

What makes Savannah, GA so unique is the many parks that have been placed throughout the historic downtown. Their are approximately 22 small 1 square city block size parks scattered throughout the 1 square mile radios of the downtown. Each park has its own unique statue or water fountain that is surrounded by giant oak trees, flower gardens, and paved pathway through the small parks. These parks are one of the many unique attractions that you will find while spending time in Savannah.

The Famous Places in Savannah

Forsyth Park

Forsyth Park is probably the most iconic attraction in Savannah, GA. This gorgeous well landscaped park is the home to Georgia’s extremely famous water fountain. Named after the 33^rd Governor of Georgia John Forsyth (Georgia Historical Society, 2014). The Park consists of 30 acres of lush gardens and radiating walkways that lead to the magnificent water fountain on the north end of the park. The southern end has a Confederate War monument topped with a bronze soldier. The park is lined with Candler Oak trees offering an abundance of shade and tranquility. This is a must see because it is a truly perfect photo opportunity or a tranquil stroll through one of Americas most amorous parks (6).

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

This 143-year-old church is Savannah’s first Parish. The parish was originally established to accommodate a growing Catholic population. In 2020 his Holiness Pope Francis, through the Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, issued a decree granting the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist the title of Minor Basilica. There are only 87 churches and 18 cathedrals in the United Stated that carry this name. The Minor basilicas churches are traditionally named because of their antiquity, dignity, historical value, architectural and artists worth, and the significant value it brings to worship (1).

Waterfront District on River Street

The waterfront district is an iconic evolution of history starting once as a cotton warehouse district that has been transformed into the elaborate tourist destination it is today. The original century old buildings on River Street have been transformed into luxurious shops, unique dining restaurants, and boutique hotels. The River Street district is located on the Savannah River, giving tourists an up close and personal experience with some of the largest ships from around the world. Due to its location Savannah is one of the busiest ports in the United States. The River Street section is not incredibly large so a nice afternoon should give you plenty of time to enjoy all that it has to offer (2).

Savannah River

Georgia Queen

Savannah Historic District

The historic district is a non-commercial part of town that has large sidewalks and tree lined streets giving an abundance of shade throughout the warm months. This is the place where most of the unique and historic southern architecture can be seen in the homes and townhouses that line the streets. Many famous historical figures have frequented these roads and lived in the homes in this part of the city. A beautiful experience that transports you to a simpler time when beauty and nature were the defining qualities of a neighborhood.

Historical Architecture

Savannah is filled with unique architecture that is historical in nature and reminds us of a bygone era. The streets in the Historic districts are lined with some of the most culturally unique homes that still have that Old Southern charm appeal to them. The following is a collection of notable homes we were able to capture on my journey to the Hostess city called Savannah, GA.

Mills B. Lane House

The Mills B. Lane home which was constructed in 1908 for a banking executive. This 14,500 square foot charmer is located across the street from the iconic Forsyth Park. The house consists of 6 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms. The Mills house is an architectural masterpiece of its time with wrought iron fences enclosing the property and a stately brick facade. The Mills House is a perfect blend of historic southern charm and classic Savannah style (3).

Armstrong House

This 100-year-old four story home was built to model the Italian Renaissance era and is an architectural marvel not to be missed. Located in the Historic District on 447 Bull Street in between two Savannah squares (historical parks that offer shade and seating and a historical monument). The house has a beautiful wrought iron fence that encompasses the home and is professionally landscaped. Filled with over 100 years of history it currently houses one of Georgia’s most prestigious law firms. This home was also featured in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997). (4)

Il Porcellino

Il Porcellino, the bronze wild boar of Florence, Italy. This statue I found to be interesting, unique and a little grotesque as it looks like a boar salivating over something. The statue is a water feature in the side garden of the Armstrong house. The statue fountain is made of Hellenistic era marble and the artist who created the fountain was Pietro Tacca in 1620-1633.

Metts Mansion 1903

This turn of the century home was built in 1903 overlooking the famous Forsyth Park. The white pillars that highlight the front porch give off a distinguished look, a characteristic of power and allure. The beautiful wrought iron balconies and crest emblem on the walls give charm and grace, a characteristic of the Old South and simpler times. This prestigious home is one not to miss as it is a true jewel of the historic district in Savannah.

Famous City Squares

Famous for its iconic city squares and parks which gives Savannah, GA the title of one of the most walkable cities in the United States. Each park is unique with history and prominence. They are truly a place of beauty and historical notoriety for anyone who adorns their presence.

Monterey Square

Monterey Square is one of Savannah’s many square parks. This Park is known for its most notable white marble sculptor of Casimir Pulaski, a towering monument in the middle of the square. Located off the famous Bull Street and next to the Mercer Williams house made famous by the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997). This is a great place to just sit and relax while you sip on some cool refreshing southern iced tea.

Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square is located off the corner of St. John the Baptiste cathedral. This quaint park has a small fountain in the middle that was designed in 1873 to honor the Marquis De Lafayette, a French general under George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. The Park is quiet and peaceful with the sounds of water cascading down the fountain tiers serenading the park visitors (5).

Madison Square

This famous square is home to the monument of Sgt. William Jasper, an American soldier in the Revolutionary War. The monument depicts Sgt. Jasper holding his bullet wound with his right hand while standing tall and carrying the colors of his regiment above his head. His bravery was later honored with this sculpture of him. The Square was named after the fourth President of the United States, James Madison.

Downtown Savannah, GA

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REFERENCES

1. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. (2021). Church History. Retrieved from https://savannahcathedral.org/church-history/.
2. Savannah, GA. (2021). Savannah River Street. Retrieved from https://www.savannah.com/savannah-river-street/.
3. Flemming, Lauren. (2021). Historic Mills B. Lane House Sells. Retrieved from https://www.southmag.com/historic-mills-b-lane-house-sells/.
4. Savannah, GA (2021). House with History. Retrieved from https://www.savannah.com/houses-with-history/.
5. Savannah, GA (2021). Lafayette Square. Retrieved from https://www.savannah.com/lafayette-square/.
6. The Cultural Landscape Foundation (2021). Forsyth Park. Retrieved from https://www.tclf.org/forsyth-park/.

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