Savannah Historic District | Savannah

Overview and Historical Context

The Savannah Historic District, located in downtown Savannah, Georgia, is a nationally recognized historic area designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1966. Spanning roughly 1,300 acres, it stands as one of the largest and best-preserved historic urban districts in the United States.

The district’s origins trace back to 1733 when General James Oglethorpe founded Savannah as the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia. Oglethorpe’s city plan was revolutionary for its time, featuring a distinctive, repeated grid layout of wards, each centered around a public square. This innovative urban design aimed to promote social cohesion, security, and public health by distributing civic, religious, and residential functions evenly across the city.

Initially designed with 24 squares, today 22 of these original squares remain, forming a unique open space network that defines Savannah’s charm. Each square has its own character and history, often surrounded by historic buildings and marked by monuments, fountains, and landscaping that reflect different eras of Savannah’s growth.

Urban Design and City Planning

James Oglethorpe’s plan was highly influential and notable for its emphasis on community-oriented living. The grid layout divided the city into wards, with a central square in each ward serving as a communal gathering place. The design allowed for easy navigation, natural airflow, and social interaction. Residential blocks were systematically arranged around these squares, while commercial and public buildings were positioned to support civic functions.

This plan remains largely intact and continues to influence Savannah’s development, providing a sense of historical continuity and urban harmony. The green squares also offer residents and visitors ample public spaces amidst an urban environment, contributing to the district’s high quality of life and aesthetic appeal.

Architectural Significance

The Savannah Historic District is celebrated for its rich architectural heritage, encompassing a variety of styles that chronicle the city’s evolution from the 18th through the 19th centuries. The architectural styles represented include:

Georgian and Colonial: Reflecting the early British colonial influence with symmetrical facades, paneled doors, and classical details.

Federal: Characterized by refined elegance, balanced proportions, and decorative elements such as fanlights and sidelights around doors.

Regency and Greek Revival: These styles emerged during the early to mid-19th century, featuring grand columns, pediments, and a formal, temple-like appearance that reflected Savannah’s growing prosperity.

Gothic Revival: Seen in select residences and churches, this style is marked by pointed arches, ornate tracery, and vertical emphasis.

Many of these buildings have been meticulously preserved or restored, maintaining original materials and craftsmanship. The preservation of these structures has provided an authentic window into Savannah’s mercantile and cultural history, as the city was a major port and commercial center in the southeastern United States.

Notable Landmarks Within the District

Several individual buildings and sites stand out for their historical and architectural importance:

First African Baptist Church: Established in 1777, this church is one of the oldest African American congregations in the country and a symbol of resilience and faith. Its sanctuary served as a sanctuary for runaway slaves during the Civil War, marking it as a site of deep cultural and historical significance.

William Scarbrough House: Built in 1819, this house is an early example of Greek Revival architecture. It was the home of William Scarbrough, a prominent maritime merchant instrumental in developing steamship technology in America. The building now functions as the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, which educates visitors about Savannah’s nautical heritage.

Green–Meldrim House: Completed in 1853, this Gothic Revival mansion is noted for its intricate design and grandeur. During the Civil War, it served as the headquarters of General William Tecumseh Sherman during his occupation of Savannah. Today, it is maintained by St. John’s Episcopal Church and used for special events.

Pirates' House: Dating back to 1734, this building began as an inn and tavern linked with seafaring lore and pirate legends. It remains an operating restaurant, combining historic ambiance with modern hospitality.

City Market: This lively four-block district has served as a commercial and social hub since the 19th century. It features a mix of shops, galleries, and restaurants, continuing its tradition as a focal point of community life and culture.

Preservation Efforts and Cultural Impact

The preservation of the Savannah Historic District has been a pioneering effort in urban conservation in the United States. In the mid-20th century, many historic American cities faced widespread demolition and redevelopment that threatened their architectural heritage. Savannah responded by forming the Historic Savannah Foundation in 1955, an organization dedicated to saving the city’s historic buildings and promoting heritage awareness.

The Foundation, along with the City’s Historic Review Board established in the 1970s, set guidelines and ordinances that protect the district’s buildings from inappropriate alterations or demolition. This regulatory framework ensures that restoration projects retain historical accuracy and architectural integrity.

Economic downturns during parts of the 20th century inadvertently preserved many structures by limiting redevelopment pressures, allowing restoration efforts to revive rather than replace the original buildings.

Today, the Savannah Historic District is not only a living museum of American urban history but also a thriving economic zone powered by heritage tourism. The district attracts millions of visitors annually who come to experience its historic ambiance, cultural festivals, museums, and vibrant community life. Its success serves as a model for balancing modern urban needs with historic preservation.

Summary

The Savannah Historic District stands as a remarkable example of colonial and 19th-century urban planning and architecture. Its 22 remaining public squares, historic buildings, and landmark sites reflect the city’s strategic importance as a colonial outpost, mercantile center, and cultural crossroads in American history.

The district’s thoughtful preservation efforts have safeguarded its character, enabling present and future generations to engage with an authentic urban environment rich in history and architectural beauty. This blend of community-focused design, architectural diversity, and committed stewardship has made the Savannah Historic District a treasured national asset and a premier destination for those interested in American heritage.