The Squares of Savannah, Georgia

When Savannah, Georgia was laid out under the direction of General James Oglethorpe, the city was designed on a grid system similar to an English model for cities that included many parks squares symmetrically laid out throughout the city. Here is a brief introduction to each of the beautiful park squares of Savannah.

Franklin Square

Franklin Square is dedicated to Benjamin Franklin, who as an important ally to the city during the late 1700's. The square is home the the first African American Baptist Church, built by slaves who lived in the city during the hours they were not needed by their owners.

Ellis Square

Ellis Square is located at the corner of Bernard and West Congress. This modest park square is conveniently located near the Trolly Stop gift shop and is withing short walking distance of City Market.

Telfaire Square

This square was named after the prominent Telfaire family of Savannah and is host to the Jepson Center of the Arts, as well as a statue in recognition of the Girl Scouts of America.

Orleans Square

This square is in recognition of the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812, where the United States was led to victory by General Andrew Jackson. There is an attractive fountain that makes this square a nice spot for quiet contemplation.

Pulaski Square

Although this square lacks any monuments or fountains, it was named in recognition of Count Casmir Pulaski, a famous Revolutionary War hero in the southern battle front.

Chatham Square

Chatham Square is located at the south eastern tip of the historic district. Be sure to stop by the historic Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House located on West Taylor.

Johnson Square

The largest square in Savannah, this busy park is named after Robert Johnson, a colonial leader of Georgia.

Wright Square

This controversial square is the unmarked resting place of the remains of Tomochichi, a Native American ally of early colonial Georgia.

Chippowa Square

A tourist favorite, Chippowa Square is the spot where Tom Hanks sat on a bench a narrated the modern cinema classic, Forrest Gump.

Madison Square

This important square recognizes President James Madison. It is located near the Sorrel Weed House and the famous Dogoto Hilton Hotel.

Monterey Square

Beautiful Monterey Square is home to the Mercer House, the setting of the film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, a major source of tourism to Savannah.

Reynolds Square

Reynolds Square was the location of Savannah's failed effort at raising silk worms for commercial use, known as the Filature.

Oglethorpe Square

Named after the founder of the Colony of Georgia, this square is home to the Telfair's Owens Thomas House.

LaFayette Square

This is a must see square named after the Marquis de LaFayette. It is host to both the Andrew Low House and the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

Calhoun Square

This square was not part of the original city design, having not been constructed until 1851. It is located near the famous Gothic style TempleMickue Israel.

Warren Square

Warren Square is located at Habersham and East Julian and is named after Reverend General Joseph Warren.

Columbia Square

Columbia Square is home to the Davenport House, a great example of federal architecture. There is also a nice fountain known as theWormsloe Fountain.

Troup Square

Named after George Troup, a nineteenth century Georgian politician. There is an interesting example of modern sculpture at Troop Square that features a sphere being help up by turtles.

Whitfield Square

Whitfield Square is named after George Whitfield, an important figure in The Great Awakening. There is a pleasant gazebo at the center of the Savannah park square.

Washington Square

Named after George Washington during his visit to Savannah late in his career. This was also the sight of the Trustee's Garden where early colonialists experimented with potential cash crops.

Greene Square

The Savannah park square was named after Major General Nathanial Greene of the Revolutionary War. A monument to Greene is also located at Johnson Square.

Crawford Square

The smallest of Savannah's park squares, this was the only square in which African-Americans were permitted during the Jim Crow laws.

Sources:

Tour of Savannah
http://wikimapia.org/8805289/Columbia-Square
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squares_of_Savannah,_Georgia
Savannah Visitor's Center