Lafayette Square | Savannah

Information

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

Lafayette Square, Savannah, USA Georgia, North America

Lafayette Square is a historic urban park located in Savannah, Georgia, USA.

It is one of Savannah's original twenty-four squares, established in 1837.

Visual Characteristics

The square is rectangular, measuring approximately 210 feet by 410 feet. It is characterized by mature live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, providing significant canopy cover. The perimeter is defined by a low brick wall. In the center, a raised circular platform features a fountain. Surrounding the square are residential and institutional buildings constructed primarily from brick and stucco, exhibiting Federal and Greek Revival architectural styles.

Location & Access Logistics

Lafayette Square is situated in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, bordered by Bull Street to the west and Abercorn Street to the east. It is located 1.2 miles south of the Savannah Riverfront. On-street metered parking is available on surrounding streets, though it can be limited. Several public parking garages are within a 0.5-mile radius, including the Whitaker Street Garage. Savannah's public bus system operates routes along Bull Street and Abercorn Street, with stops adjacent to the square.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Lafayette Square was laid out in 1837 as part of James Oglethorpe's original city plan for Savannah. It was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and military officer who fought in the American Revolutionary War. The square's ecological origin is that of a planned urban green space, designed to provide ventilation and recreation within the city grid. The live oak trees are indigenous to the coastal Georgia region.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the central fountain and the surrounding architecture. The square serves as a pedestrian thoroughfare and a point of rest. Photography of the live oaks and historic buildings is common. Guided walking tours of Savannah's historic squares often include Lafayette Square.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Benches are provided throughout the square. Restroom facilities are not directly within the square but are available at nearby public buildings and restaurants. Shade is provided by the mature tree canopy. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong within the square. Food vendors are not permanently stationed within the square, but numerous restaurants and cafes are located on the adjacent streets.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) offers soft light and fewer crowds. Late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) also provides favorable lighting conditions. The best months for weather are typically March through May and September through November, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. There are no tide-dependent activities associated with Lafayette Square.

Facts & Legends

The Hamilton-Turner House, located on the west side of Lafayette Square, is rumored to be one of the inspirations for the haunted house in the novel "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." The house was built in 1873 and is a prominent example of Victorian architecture.