Friday, 13 January, 2023
The stunning coastal city that is Savannah, Georgia, is known for its elegantly preserved architecture, beautiful parks, and rich history. An interesting fact about this city is that it was a Christmas gift to Abraham Lincoln from Union General Sherman during the Civil War. When General Sherman was in charge, he burned Atlanta to the ground but was astounded by the breathtaking beauty of Savannah. So, he spared it and sent a telegram to President Lincoln, offering him the city. There are plenty more interesting facts like this one and stunning locations in this grand city.
Our team at Vaden Automotive wants to help you plan your trip around the city, so we put together a list of four historical sites to visit in Savannah, Georgia.
Savannah Historic District
Savannah Historic District is home to many historical landmarks, including The Forsyth Park Fountain. The fountains were constructed in 1858 and reside at the north end of Forsyth Park. You may see similarly styled fountains around the globe, like in Paris and Peru. Enjoy the fountain's exquisite architecture with several benches surrounding it. In addition to the famous fountain, there are plenty of other sites that make this district a historical landmark, such as its distinctive grid plan and architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries.
In 1733, General. James E. Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia British colony, created the original town layout, which is still part of the grid plan today. Additionally, most of the original squares are still there today and are enveloped by great time-period architecture, like Georgian, Greek Revival, and Gothic styles. In the Savannah Historic District, you can find many prominent locations, such as:
- The Spencer Woodbridge House from 1795.
- The Owens-Thomas House from 1818.
- The Gothic Revival Greene House from 1853.
- The Beaux-Arts style Edmund Molyneux Mansion from 1917.
You can take a self-guided tour of the district, beginning at the restored Central of Georgia railroad station. Not only does this historic district have well-preserved buildings from significant periods, but it's also a meaningful area to the African American community, including Beach Institute, the first Black school from 1865, and the King-Tisdell Cottage from 1896, the home of a working-class African American family.
- Savannah Visitor Center's hours:
- Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Location:Â 301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Savannah.
First African Baptist Church
In December 1773, with leadership from Reverend George Leile, the First African Baptist Church (FABC) played a critical role in the Underground Railroad. The church was officially established in 1773, making this landmark is older than the United States itself, which was established in 1776. Reverend Leile became ordained as the FABC's pastor in May 1775. Then, in December 1777, was recognized as an official place of worship.
A few short years later, in 1782, Pastor Leile didn't want to risk re-enslavement, so he went with the British when they evacuated Savannah and then migrated to Jamaica. He was the first American missionary and the first Jamaican Baptist missionary.
Today, some original church features remain, such as the light fixtures, the baptismal pool, and the pews in the balcony. As you walk through the church, you can still see holes in the floor where individuals using the Underground Railroad could breathe. The holes in the floor are in the shape of an African prayer, representing birth, life, death, and rebirth.
You can purchase tour tickets online using the church's website.
- Tour hours:
- Sunday through Tuesday: Closed.
- Wednesday through Saturday: 1 p.m.
- Location:Â 23 Montgomery St., Savannah.
Savannah History Museum
Located in the former historic Central of Georgia railway's passenger station, you can find the Savannah History Museum. The city's history in the museum begins in 1733 and walks you through significant wars of the United States and the city, such as the American Revolution and the Civil War. Additionally, the museum takes you through Savannah's modern-day history, including substantial musical, cultural, and artistic contributions. This location is also where you can view the famous bench from the film, "Forrest Gump."
After you're done looking at the museum and its many artifacts, go across the road to explore the Battlefield Memorial Park. This park is where soldiers fought the second bloodiest battle in the American Revolution. Here, at least 800 troops passed away or were wounded.
Tickets are available online or in person at the museum.
- Hours:
- Daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Location:Â 303 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Savannah.
The Old Sorrel Weed House Museum & Tours
The Old Sorrel Weed House Museum & Tours is a historical monument named by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation as a must-see when you're in the area. Here, you can go on ghost tours in the evening and historical architecture tours. The architecture tour takes you through the Antebellum South, where you can look at exquisite Savannah homes, learn about the history of the buildings and city and see fine antiques from that period. During this tour, you see the main home, the Sorrel Weed House, known as one of the most haunted homes in Savannah.
The original occupant, French Haitian merchant Francis Sorrel, had this home built by Charles Clusky in the 1830s. Clusky hosted notable guests like Robert E. Lee. If you choose to go on the ghost tours, you can spend an hour exploring rooms and hallways with a paranormal tour guide in one of the most actively haunted houses in the United States, the Carriage House.
Purchase your tour tickets online using the museum's website.
- Hours:
- Daily from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Location:Â 6 W. Harris St., Savannah.
We know there are several fascinating museums and historical sites in our culturally rich city, so we're barely scratching the surface with our four suggestions. What do you think of our list? Did we miss one of your favorite historical landmarks? Contact us, and tell us about it. Our team at Vaden Automotive values our customers' opinions, especially about intriguing historical sites to share with locals and travelers alike.
Visit our dealership in Savannah, Georgia, and speak with our team of sales experts about your wants and needs in your next dream vehicle. Or, you can browse our inventory of new cars and used vehicles. No matter what you're searching for, we want to help you find it and get you the best deal.
Image by Philip Arambula is licensed with Unsplash License