Formerly the state capital of Georgia, Savannah is the fourth largest city in the state and by far the most historic, with an old quarter to rival any other in the US. Situated right on the eastern side of Georgia, the city sits on the banks of the Savannah River and remains a major seaport with direct access to the Atlantic Ocean.
With its 24 old town squares, ornate churches and historic forts, Savannah is considered to have extensive heritage. Wright square, one of the original four squares to be built in Savannah in 1733, includes a number of interesting sites such as the 130-year-old Lutheran Church of the Ascension as well as a huge granite boulder dedicated to Tomochichi, a Native American Indian and the first person to settle Savannah at the beginning of the 18th century.
Savannah and its surrounding areas feature two Civil War forts, Fort Jackson and Fort Pulaski, located about 15 miles east of the city. In the past decade, Mercer House has become the most famous of Savannah’s historic houses which opened to the public after it was featured in the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Completed in 1868, the property once belonged to General Mercer and has now been restored.
Savannah attractions
Mercer House: a stately 19th century mansion that has become extremely popular with visitors since being featured heavily in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, or ‘the film’, as the locals refer to it.
City Market: shopping, eateries and entertainment are available at this renovated downtown market.
Wright square: home of the Lutheran Church of the Ascension and a granite boulder dedicated to Savannah’s first settler, Tomochichi, a Yamacraw Native Indian. River street: is a redeveloped shopping and entertainment district with a good selection of restaurants overlooking the river. Fort Pulaski: now classified as a national monument, the fort was used as a military installation through most of the 19th century, most notably during the Civil War.
Tybee Island: located close to Fort Pulaski, this island becomes popular during the summer with its sandy shoreline and restaurants and bars with sea views.