Discover the Oldest Town in Georgia

The oldest town in Georgia is rich in U.S. history. Established in 1732, Georgia became the youngest and southernmost of the 13 American colonies. Colonists settled in Savannah in early 1733, and it soon became one of the most diverse settlements in the area. Following the original English settlers, Jews from London came to Savannah in the summer of 1733. They established the oldest Jewish congregation in the South. Within the next few years, Germans, Scottish, Irish, Dutch, and Welch all settled in the area.

Modern-day Savannah is a large and bustling city, but it still preserves its historical charm. There are endless attractions worth experiencing in this city, so let’s dig into more of its history, sightseeing activities, and wildlife.

Where is Savannah Located on a Map?

Savannah is located near the northeastern coast of Georgia. It is less than a mile south of the South Carolina border and about 250 miles southeast of Georgia’s capital, Atlanta. The city sits on the Savannah River, which forms most of the border between Georgia and South Carolina.

History of Savannah

The recorded history of Savannah began in 1733 when a group of colonists, led by James Edward Oglethorpe, landed along the Savannah River. The population quickly grew, and Savannah became a city of exemplary eighteenth-century town planning.

Colonial Period

English colonists set sail on the ship “Anne” in November 1732 with plans to create a settlement in the 13th American colony. General James Oglethorpe named the colony Georgia after King George II of England. After befriending the Yamacraw Native American chief, Oglethorpe began settling the town on the bluff of the Savannah River. As a result of the settlers’ friendship with the local Native Americans, Savannah thrived without any attacks that burdened other settlements in the nation.

Savannah is considered the first planned city in America. Oglethorpe designed the city in a series of grids with several parks and public squares. Most of these squares remain today.

Revolutionary War And Antebellum Period

Savannah citizens played an important role during the Revolution even though Georgia, as a whole, was a bit slow to embrace America’s fight for independence. The Liberty Boys, a group of men who were prominent in the independence movement, originated in Savannah. In addition, three of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence lived in Savannah or maintained a professional connection to the city.

Following the Revolutionary War, Savannah flourished by producing cotton and rice. Georgia, the once free colony, legalized slavery when they saw how profitable plantations and slavery were for whites in the neighboring South Carolina. With this new wealth, white Savannah residents began to build lavish houses and churches.

Civil War and Reconstruction

During the Civil War, Savannah was blockaded from its seaward side. As a result, the city suffered, and its economy crumbled. In 1862, Union soldiers took Fort Pulaski at the mouth of the Savannah River. The entire city of Savannah was captured in mid-December of that year. When Union General William Tecumseh Sherman entered the city, he was taken by its beauty and decided to preserve it.

By the end of the Civil War, Savannah’s economy was in ruins, and reconstruction began. The newly freed slaves became an integral part of Savannah’s culture. They built their own thriving community with churches, schools, and a strong economy. Today, Savannah is one of the nation’s most historically significant African-American cities.

The Twentieth Century and Modern Day

At the turn of the 20th century, Savannah and its industries were thriving once again. When the cotton industry was devasted by the boll weevil in the 1920s, the city turned to new industries such as paper pulp and food processing. During World War II, Savannah’s port facilities played a prominent role in the U.S. war effort. It had one of the nation’s most active Atlantic shipyards for the construction of Liberty Ships.

Starting in the 1950s, Savannah entered a restoration period. A group of local women prevented historic buildings from being demolished. These efforts started the Historic Savannah Foundation, and many of the structures still standing in modern-day Savannah were saved and restored.

Today, about 14 million people visit Savannah each year. The historic buildings, parks, and cobblestone streets make it a very popular tourist destination.

Wildlife in Savannah

Savannah is home to a variety of wildlife. The best way to view the diverse animals in the area is to visit the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge or the Oatland Island Wildlife Center of Savannah.

Here are some of the animals found in Savannah:

• American alligator
• Bald eagle
• Bobcat
• Gray wolf
• Great horned owl
• Red fox
• Southern toad
• Turtle
• White-tailed deer

Things to Do in Savannah

If you are visiting Savannah, the historical sites are a must-see. The city is a mecca of historical marvels intertwined with present-day conditions. The culture, cuisine, architecture, and tradition are a U.S. history lover’s dream.

Captivating Historical Sites in Savannah

• Bonaventure Cemetery: A beautiful example of Southern Gothic architecture, the Bonaventure cemetery is one of the most visited sites in Savannah.
• The Pirates’ House: Established as a refuge for seafarers in 1753, The Pirates’ House is a great place to grab a bite to eat while learning about some of Savannah’s history. It is also the inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island.
• The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum: Visit this museum to learn about African-American history in Savannah. It was built in honor of Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert, the father of Savannah’s Civil Rights Movement.
• Congregation Mickve Isreal: Mickve Isreal was set up just months after Savannah’s founding. It is the third oldest Jewish Congregation in America.

Outdoor Activities

• Tybee Island: Enjoy the beaches and charming cottages of Tybee Island, just 20 minutes from downtown Savannah. You can also explore the Tybee lighthouse and museum, learn about the underwater life at the island’s marine science center, and try some delicious seafood.
• Forsyth Park: It is easy to spend a whole day taking in the stunning sights in Forsyth Park. Some of the sights include historic houses, the Forsyth Fountain, and the enchanted wooded atmosphere.

• Wormsloe State Historic Site: The most photographed spot in Georgia is the Avenue of the Oaks, located in this historical site.

Dining

Savannah offers so many cultural and delicious dining options that there are too many to list. There is everything from wine tastings to seafood shacks. Savannah is best known for southern comfort food such as shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and peach cobbler.

Conclusion

Savannah is a deeply complex and fascinating town. History enthusiasts, food lovers, and those with an appreciation for the arts will love everything Savannah has to offer. The charming southern town is well worth a visit.