The Birth of Georgia's Mother City
On February 12, 1733, British General James Edward Oglethorpe landed on the bluffs high along the Savannah River in what is now the state of Georgia. The city of Savannah, Georgia's first city, was born. Established as the first city of the new Georgia Colony, Savannah served as a colonial seaport and a major cotton market.
A View of the Town of Savannah, 1741
This remarkable engraving shows Savannah just eight years after its founding, depicting Oglethorpe's original planned city layout with the distinctive square system, the Savannah River with sailing vessels, and the orderly grid pattern that still defines the Historic District today.
"A View of the Town of Savannah, in the Colony of Georgia, in South-Carolina" - From a Print published at London in 1741
This historic engraving clearly shows Oglethorpe's innovative urban planning with the famous squares system, the strategic location on the bluff above the Savannah River, and the early colonial architecture that established Savannah as America's first planned city.
The Georgia Experiment
Georgia was established as the 13th and last British colony in America. Oglethorpe envisioned it as a place for England's "worthy poor" - debtors and persecuted religious minorities who could start fresh in the New World. The colony initially prohibited slavery, alcohol, and lawyers in its founding charter.
Revolutionary War Era
During the Revolutionary War, Savannah played a crucial role as a strategic port city. The British captured Savannah in 1778, and it remained under British control until 1782. The failed attempt by American and French forces to retake the city in 1779 resulted in the death of Polish hero Casimir Pulaski and marked one of the bloodiest battles of the southern campaign.
Battle & Siege of Savannah
Learn about the dramatic Revolutionary War battles involving British, American, French, and Haitian forces that shaped Savannah's destiny, including the heroic Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Dominique honored in Franklin Square.
Explore Revolutionary War History
The war brought significant figures to Savannah, including John Wesley, who served as Christ Church rector and later founded the Methodist denomination, and George Whitfield, who established Bethesda Orphanage, one of America's oldest charitable institutions.
Antebellum Cotton Kingdom
The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793 transformed Savannah into one of the most important cotton ports in the world. The city's economy boomed as cotton flowed through its port to markets around the globe. This prosperity led to the construction of many of the beautiful mansions and public buildings that define Savannah's historic character today.
Maritime Innovation
In 1819, Savannah made maritime history when the SS Savannah became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. This revolutionary 29-day voyage to Liverpool, England established Savannah as a pioneer in steam-powered ocean navigation and demonstrated American ingenuity to the world.
During this period, renowned architect William Jay arrived from England and designed some of Savannah's most iconic buildings, including the Owens-Thomas House and Telfair Academy.
Civil War and Sherman's March
When Union General William Tecumseh Sherman reached Savannah in December 1864, completing his famous "March to the Sea," he famously presented the city to President Abraham Lincoln as a Christmas gift. Remarkably, Sherman spared Savannah from the destruction he had wrought across Georgia, claiming the city was "too beautiful to burn."
Preservation Legacy
Sherman's decision to preserve Savannah, combined with later conservation efforts by the Historic Savannah Foundation, has left us with one of the largest intact historic districts in the United States. Today, the Historic District encompasses 2.5 square miles and contains one of the largest collections of architecturally significant buildings in North America.
Modern Renaissance
The 20th century brought both challenges and renewal to Savannah. The publication of "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" by John Berendt in 1994 sparked a tourism renaissance that continues today.
Notable figures like landscape architect Clermont Huger Lee and Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low have left lasting legacies that contribute to Savannah's rich cultural tapestry.
Urban Planning Innovation
Oglethorpe's revolutionary city plan featuring the famous 24 historic squares remains one of the finest examples of colonial urban planning in America. This grid system with public squares has been studied and replicated worldwide.
Religious Evolution
Early Georgia colony initially barred Catholics and restricted religious practices, but Savannah gradually evolved into a more tolerant community. By the 19th century, the city welcomed diverse Protestant denominations and Jewish settlers, creating a unique cultural heritage.
Economic Evolution
From colonial trading post to cotton kingdom to modern tourism destination, Savannah has successfully reinvented itself while preserving its historic character.
Architectural Heritage
The city showcases an unparalleled collection of architectural styles spanning three centuries, from Georgian and Federal to Victorian and Modern, creating a living museum of American design.