Savannah History 101

How about a bit of history and information?  Savannah, Georgia's First City, sits like a jewel just across the broad Savannah River. Historic 18th century garden squares, gourmet restaurants, antique shops and boutiques beckon by day and night. Just a few minutes away, the wide beaches of Tybee Island vie for attention with the world-famous attractions of Hilton Head Island. Savannah. The name conjures images of nights redolent with honeysuckle, warm breezes and the glint of moonlight over the sweeping river and marsh. History, tradition, courtesy and hospitality are at the heart of our Southern culture.

The first to be seduced by this saucy siren was her founder General James Edward Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe and the 120 travelers of the good ship "Anne" landed on a bluff high along the Savannah River in February 1733, Oglethorpe named the Thirteenth and final American colony Georgia, after England's King George II and Savannah became its first city. Oglethorpe laid the city out in a series of grids that allowed for wide open streets intertwined with shady public squares and parks. Today, the Historic District is a 2.5 mile walking district full of bistros, quaint shops, green squares and grand architecture. General Oglethorpe's vision of southern hospitality and a genteel way of life is still alive in the faces of those who call Savannah home.

In the Historic District, the cobblestones that line River Street are ready for visitors to explore the candy shops, art galleries and a number of nautical-themed apparel and gift stores. Move a couple of blocks south from River Street to City Market where art studios, galleries and specialty shops fill the two-block space. Discover Broughton and Bull streets, the heart of Savannah's antique district, where treasures of old are awaiting your unearthing.

Visitors will fall in love with Savannah and will be anxious to tell their friends about our unique hidden gem of the Southeastern coast. Come and fall in love with the city's hospitality and savor its quirky personality. Our city allows to experience the history, wonder, elegance and mannerisms of the Old South and the beauty and grace it reveals today.

Savannah's historic waterfront is lined with more than 100 unique shops and galleries, fabulous restaurants, seductive nightspots, and elegant inns and hotels. Our site includes a schedule of events, and a list of shops and services.

Thank you for visiting us on the web and we look forward to seeing you on River Street soon!

Kenny Hill, Interim Executive Director

Please follow the link above for Public Parking and other valuable City of Savannah information.