The Savannah Historic District is a National Historic Landmark. Laid out in a grid plan, the blocks are full of great examples of 18th and 19th century architecture.. The district encompasses the original town plan laid out in 1733 by Gen. James E. Oglethorpe, founder of the British colony of Georgia. Most of the original squares, which feel like mini plazas or parks, remain and each have their own unique focal point, which can be a statue, a memorial, or even a tomb.
A good way to start to explore here is with a carriage ride through the historic district. It's a great way to get a nice narrated overview while riding in a bit of shade. There are many outfits at various locations nearby. We went with Plantation Carriage Company, located in a square at Congress St., which is filled with restaurants and shops. Unfortunately, our costumed tour guide just mumbled inaudibly under his breath and was not informative at all. It was so frustrating. My kids and I felt like it was a complete waste of our time and so when the tour ended I spoke to the manager who then refunded our money. I always tell my kids to speak up when they feel something is not right and this was another fantastic teachable moment. I never try to get out of paying for stuff and I always believe in doing the right thing, but I am also not afraid to let the manager know when I’ve had a very poor experience. As I told my kids though, always make sure you are polite. So just because it was a bust for me and my kids, doesn’t mean it will be for you-we just got unlucky with a bad guide. Read the reviews and find a great outfit and chances are, it will it will be an enjoyable and educational experience..
Since we didn't learn anything on our carriage ride, the kids and I decided to explore through the district on foot in over 90 degree heat and ridiculous humidity walking from square to square taking it all in. The historic district is quintessential Savannah, the squares framed by the large trees with the hanging spanish moss. Creepy romantic is how I characterize it if that makes any kind of sense and in fact, Savannah is known as America's most haunted city. It's claimed that many of the gorgeous homes and buildings in the historic district are haunted. As you pass through the district some of the more notable buildings include the Owens-Thomas House built in 1818 (Oglethorpe square), the Beaux-Arts style Edmund Molyneux Mansion circa 1917 (Bull Street), the Spencer Woodbridge House built in 1795 (Habersham Street), and the 1853 Gothic Revival Greene House (Madison Square). Also make sure to check out the the colonial cemetery. Look for the archway with the letters D A R which stands for Daughters of the American Revolution-a group that was founded in 1890. It is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children.
Here’s a statue of James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia which played right into our theme of Colonies, Colonists and the Civil War part 1. When we saw this statue, Joel instantly perked up screaming "Mom, i learned about him in school"-How awesome is that to learn a lesson in history class and then stand where it actually happened. I am sure to this day, Joel will never forget James Oglethorpe and his connection to the Georgia colony, quite frankly, none of us will!
In another square you will find the grave of Tomo Chi Chi. Who is Tomo Chi Chi you ask? Well we had no idea either till we were inspired to read the marker at his grave.
It turns out Tomo Chi Chi was a seventeenth-century Creek leader and the head chief of a Yamacraw town on the site of present day Savannah. He remains a prominent character in early Georgia history. As the principal mediator between the native population and the new English settlers during the first years of settlement, he contributed much to the establishment of peaceful relations between the two groups and to the ultimate success of Georgia.
If you are a Paula Dean fan (and after it all came out how she treated her employees you may not be-this photo predates all that mess), stop by her shop and restaurant in the district called The Lady and Sons for some down home cookin’. Do make reservations way in advance—this place is packed! Her cuisine isn't our thing but it was fun to check out and say we were there. There's also a great little shop on site with some nifty cooking knick knacks and souvenirs. We left with some paper fans to beat the sweltering heat.
Wind your way through the historic district and you will find some amazing examples of the unique architecture of Savannah.
Afterwards we headed toward the waterfront, also known as Riverfront Plaza—lots of shops and tasty treats. Gotta try some fudge.
