Monday, November 2, 2009

The Squares of Historic Savannah

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
The fountain in Forsyth Square stands as the jewel in the crown of historic Savannah Squares. Historic Savannah was designed by Admiral Oglethorpe, a British Naval officer, who returned to England without ever seeing the results. I think he would have been proud of his efforts.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Orleans Square is one of 24 original squares, of which 23 remain today. The historic district was laid out so every house faced a square. Carriage houses were placed on rear alley ways.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
This view of Telfair Square shows the benches along the perimeter. Most squares have statues, monuments or small statues in the center, some do not.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
This view of Franklin Square sits just outside of the City Market, and is a monument to African Americans.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Johnson Square was laid out by both Admiral Olgethorpe and Col. William Bull in 1733 and is the first square built. It sits appropriately at the intersection of Bull Street and Congress in front of City Hall.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Wright square shows a beautiful monument.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
A view of Pulaski Square and Spanish Moss covered trees.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Chatham Square and beautiful historic home.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares


From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Monterey Square and Mercer-Williams house of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame. If you have not read the book or seen the movie, you are missing out on the best story written in the truth is stranger than fiction genre. Yes, it is a true story. Bonus for watching movie: director Clint Eastwood used all Johnny Mercer music!

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Beautiful Madison Square. Note the horse and carriage in the background.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Lafayette Square with another horse and carriage.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Calhoun Square and more amazing trees.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Whitfield or Whitefield Square (I found both spellings in the city printouts) with a charming gazebo.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Crawford Square sits about half way on the east boundary and is not far from the Colonial Park Cemetery. Note the size of this gazebo!

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Green Square is north of Crawford between State and York Streets.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Washington Square is in the NW corner of historic Savannah, not far from the cobblestone pathway to the Savannah River.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Warren Square lies to the west, also between Bryan and Congress Streets.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Columbia Square and its small fountain.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Reynolds Square with a statue of John Wesley.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares
From Savannah - The Historic Squares
From Savannah - The Historic Squares
Finally we end fittingly, I hope, with Oglethorpe Square and the plaque that tells some of the history. I know we missed a few squares, pictures taken without identification, but when I fill in with prior visits (yes, I will need to go back in time to before learning to blog) hopefully I can get them right!

For further information: Historic Savannah