Savannah Historic District | Savannah

The Savannah Historic District is a 2.2 square mile area in Savannah, Georgia, USA, characterized by its preserved architecture and urban planning.

Visual Characteristics

The district features a grid layout of 22 historic squares, each measuring approximately 2 acres. Buildings are predominantly constructed from brick and stucco, with architectural styles ranging from Georgian and Federal to Greek Revival and Victorian. Colors vary, but common palettes include pastel shades, white, and earth tones. Structures typically range from two to four stories in height.

Location & Access Logistics

The district is located in the heart of Savannah, bordered by the Savannah River to the north, Gwinnett Street to the south, East Broad Street to the east, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the west. It is approximately 15 miles (24 km) from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV). Parking is available in several public garages, including the Bryan Street Garage and the Whitaker Street Garage. Street parking is metered and often limited. Public transport options include the Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus system, with routes serving the perimeter and interior of the district. The free DOT Express Shuttle also operates within the district.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established in 1733 by James Oglethorpe, the district was designed as a series of planned residential and public squares. The original purpose was to create a defensible and organized colonial settlement. The district's layout is a direct implementation of Oglethorpe's urban plan, which has remained largely intact.

Key Highlights & Activities

Walking tours of the squares are available. Architectural tours focusing on specific periods or styles can be booked. Visits to historic house museums such as the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters and the Mercer Williams House Museum are possible. Boat tours depart from River Street, offering views of the district from the water. Photography of the squares and architecture is a common activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in public squares and at various attractions. Shade is provided by mature oak trees within the squares. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the district. Food vendors and restaurants are abundant along River Street, Broughton Street, and within the squares.

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. The best months for weather are typically March through May and September through November, with average temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Summer months (June-August) are hot and humid.

Facts & Legends

The district is known for its ghost stories, with many tours focusing on alleged hauntings. A specific historical oddity is the preservation of the original grid plan, which was a radical concept for colonial urban design and has influenced city planning elsewhere.

Nearby Landmarks

• River Street (0.1km North)
• Forsyth Park (1.5km South)
• Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (0.8km West)
• City Market (0.5km Northwest)
• Telfair Museums (0.7km West)