Johnson Square | Savannah

Information

Landmark: Johnson Square
City: Savannah
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America

Johnson Square, Savannah, USA Georgia, North America

Johnson Square is a historic public square located in Savannah, Georgia, USA. It is one of the city's original planned squares.

Visual Characteristics

The square is a 2-acre rectangular area. It is characterized by mature live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, providing significant canopy cover. A central monument, the Johnson Square Fountain, is a focal point. Paved walkways traverse the square, connecting its perimeter to the central feature. Surrounding buildings are primarily brick, reflecting early 18th and 19th-century architectural styles.

Location & Access Logistics

Johnson Square is situated in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, at the intersection of Bull Street and Bryan Street. It is approximately 0.2 miles (0.3 km) east of the Savannah Riverfront. Limited street parking is available on surrounding streets, with several paid parking garages within a 0.5-mile radius, including the Bryan Street Garage. Public transport routes, such as Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus lines 14 and 25, stop within a 2-block radius.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1733 by James Oglethorpe as part of his original city plan, Johnson Square was named after Robert Johnson, the colonial governor of South Carolina. It served as a central gathering place and market area for the early Savannah settlement. The square's ecological setting is a temperate coastal plain, with the live oaks being native species adapted to the humid subtropical climate.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the Johnson Square Fountain, a cast-iron structure installed in 1853. The square is a common point for guided walking tours of Savannah's historic sites. Photography of the architecture and natural elements is possible. Seating is available on benches throughout the square.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Public restrooms are located approximately 0.1 miles (0.16 km) north of the square. Shade is provided by the mature oak trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the square. Food vendors and cafes are present on the perimeter streets, particularly along Bull Street.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) offers softer light and fewer crowds. Midday provides the most direct sunlight on the fountain. The best months for comfortable outdoor activity are March through May and September through November, avoiding the peak summer heat and humidity. No tide-dependent activities are associated with this inland square.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical event occurred in Johnson Square on February 12, 1733, when General James Oglethorpe officially landed his colonists and established the Georgia colony. A local legend suggests that the square was once the site of public hangings, though historical records primarily document its use as a marketplace and civic center.