The Squares of Historic Savannah

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

The fountain in Forsyth Square stands as the jewel in the crown of historic Savannah Squares. Historic Savannah was designed by Admiral Oglethorpe, a British Naval officer, who returned to England without ever seeing the results. I think he would have been proud of his efforts.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Orleans Square is one of 24 original squares, of which 23 remain today. The historic district was laid out so every house faced a square. Carriage houses were placed on rear alley ways.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

This view of Telfair Square shows the benches along the perimeter. Most squares have statues, monuments or small statues in the center, some do not.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

This view of Franklin Square sits just outside of the City Market, and is a monument to African Americans.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Johnson Square was laid out by both Admiral Olgethorpe and Col. William Bull in 1733 and is the first square built. It sits appropriately at the intersection of Bull Street and Congress in front of City Hall.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Wright square shows a beautiful monument.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

A view of Pulaski Square and Spanish Moss covered trees.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Chatham Square and beautiful historic home.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Monterey Square and Mercer-Williams house of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil fame. If you have not read the book or seen the movie, you are missing out on the best story written in the truth is stranger than fiction genre. Yes, it is a true story. Bonus for watching movie: director Clint Eastwood used all Johnny Mercer music!

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Beautiful Madison Square. Note the horse and carriage in the background.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Lafayette Square with another horse and carriage.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Calhoun Square and more amazing trees.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Whitfield or Whitefield Square (I found both spellings in the city printouts) with a charming gazebo.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Crawford Square sits about half way on the east boundary and is not far from the Colonial Park Cemetery. Note the size of this gazebo!

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Green Square is north of Crawford between State and York Streets.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Washington Square is in the NW corner of historic Savannah, not far from the cobblestone pathway to the Savannah River.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Warren Square lies to the west, also between Bryan and Congress Streets.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Columbia Square and its small fountain.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Reynolds Square with a statue of John Wesley.

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

From Savannah - The Historic Squares

Finally we end fittingly, I hope, with Oglethorpe Square and the plaque that tells some of the history. I know we missed a few squares, pictures taken without identification, but when I fill in with prior visits (yes, I will need to go back in time to before learning to blog) hopefully I can get them right!

For further information: Historic Savannah

Fort Morris Historic Site, Midway Georgia

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

Also known as the "Come and Take it!" Revolutionary War Encampment, the site commemorates Col. John McIntosh's answer to the British demand for surrender on November 25, 1778.

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

Well, the Brits refused to "come and take it," and returned to Florida; at least temporarily.

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

Built shortly after the Continental Congress convened in 1776, the location was considered a strategic location to protect this growing port from British attack.

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

Located on the Medway River, the fort was originally fortified and garrisoned by 200 patriots.

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

During the British War of 1812, it was known as Fort Defiance.

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

A small site, now open only Thursdays through Saturdays, there is a small museum, visitor center, and some recreated buildings showing how the site may have looked.

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

Today the site is on 67 acres and is worth a visit.

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

From A Visit to Fort Morris, Georgia

For further information: Fort Morris Historic Site

The Wormsloe Plantation

From Wormsloe Historic Site

Located on Skidaway Road, not far from where we are parked, is the historic Wormsloe Plantation. Built after acquiring a lease in around 1736, Noble Jones built this now historic plantation consisting of 500 acres.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

The house was built between 1739 and 1749 of wood, and what is called Tabby, a crude mixture of oyster shells and lime. Now long gone, only part of the foundation and a few partial walls remain.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

It is believed the name refers to Wormsloe Hundred, Herefordshire, the Welsh border country where the family originated. Others thought the attempted cultivation of silkworms may have played a part.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

The house was fortified due to the threat from the Spanish, and somewhat isolated for the same reason. Originally corn, rice, fruit and vegetables were grown along with the possibility of indigo. The attempt to produce silk failed.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

Passed down throughout the generations, Wimberley Jones De Renne improved the gardens and planted approximately 400 Oak Trees creating a mile and half entrance into the estate - magnificent!

From Wormsloe Historic Site

Eventually the Wormsloe Foundation was created, but the plantation was transferred to the Nature Conservancy in 1972, and in 1979 became a property of the state of Georgia as a Historic Site.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

It's an interesting side note that the Jones Family still control Wormsloe House and the surrounding acreage.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

The state maintains the walking trail and grounds for public viewing.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

The above map shows the location in relation to the Savannah River and surroundings.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

From Wormsloe Historic Site

The above is the family burial grounds. As there were no markers that I recall, I believe this is the resting place of Noble Jones.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

From Wormsloe Historic Site

From Wormsloe Historic Site

Pictures of the grounds and remains of the house and fort.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

From Wormsloe Historic Site

From Wormsloe Historic Site

The little building above is replica of a colonial waddle and daub hut, used for I don't know what, but the term refers to the building materials: a woven lattice of wooden strips called the waddle, along with wet sand, clay, straw and animal dung. Today we would call this a "green" building.

From Wormsloe Historic Site

From Wormsloe Historic Site

The last picture is our final look of the magnificent "avenue of oaks" as we called it. Trust me, it is very impressive. The next time you visit Savannah, please put this on your "bucket" list.

For further information: Wormsloe State Historic Site