Key Moments in Savannah's History
From James Oglethorpe's visionary city plan to modern literary fame, Savannah's timeline reveals the remarkable story of America's first planned city and its enduring impact on the nation's history.
James Oglethorpe establishes Savannah as Georgia's first city on February 12, landing with 120 colonists aboard the ship Anne.
1734-1736
John Wesley arrives as Christ Church rector, later founding Methodism. George Whitfield establishes Bethesda Orphanage.
1752
Georgia becomes a royal colony under Captain John Reynolds as the first Royal Governor.
Learn about Captain John Reynolds
The Declaration of Independence is read publicly in Savannah at Reynolds Square, marking Georgia's entry into the Revolution.
1779
American and French forces attempt to retake Savannah from the British. Casimir Pulaski dies heroically in the failed assault.
1793
Eli Whitney's cotton gin transforms Savannah into a major cotton port, bringing unprecedented prosperity.
SS Savannah becomes the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, completing a 29-day voyage to Liverpool, England.
1817-1821
English architect William Jay arrives and designs Savannah's most iconic buildings, including the Owens-Thomas House.
1847
Monterey Square is established, commemorating the Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War.
1864
Union General Sherman spares Savannah from destruction during his March to the Sea, presenting the city to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift.
Learn about Sherman's March to the Sea
Juliette Gordon Low founds the Girl Scouts of the USA in Savannah, launching a movement that would spread worldwide.
Learn about Juliette Gordon Low
The Historic Savannah Foundation is established, saving countless historic buildings from demolition.
Learn about Preservation Movement
Savannah's Historic District is designated as a National Historic Landmark, encompassing 2.5 square miles and over 1,000 historic buildings.
The Savannah College of Art and Design is established, transforming the city into a major arts education center and revitalizing numerous historic buildings.
The historic River Street waterfront is transformed from deteriorating warehouses into a vibrant entertainment and shopping district.
1988
The Victorian Historic District is added to the National Register, preserving hundreds of late 19th-century homes and buildings.
1994
Publication of 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' by John Berendt sparks a tourism renaissance.
1996
Savannah hosts yachting events for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, bringing international attention and major infrastructure improvements.
Paula Deen Opens The Lady & Sons
1996
Celebrity chef Paula Deen opens The Lady & Sons restaurant in downtown Savannah, launching her rise to culinary fame.
2008
Major film productions begin choosing Savannah as a filming location, earning it the nickname 'Hollywood of the South'.
Savannah reaches 13 million annual visitors, establishing itself as one of America's top tourist destinations.
Savannah metro area population exceeds 400,000, marking the fastest growth period in the city's modern history.
End of an Era: Paula Deen Restaurants Close
2025
Paula Deen closes her two iconic Savannah restaurants, The Lady & Sons and The Chicken Box, on July 31st, marking the end of nearly three decades of culinary presence in the city.
Colonial Era (1733-1776)
Foundation as a British colony, establishment of the famous Oglethorpe Plan, and early settlement by diverse religious groups creating America's first planned city.
Revolutionary Period (1776-1782)
Strategic importance during the Revolution, British occupation, the heroic Siege of Savannah, and emergence as an independent American city.
Cotton Kingdom (1793-1860)
Transformation into a major cotton port, architectural golden age with William Jay's designs, and establishment as a wealthy antebellum city.
Modern Renaissance (1955-Present)
Historic preservation movement, literary fame through "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," and emergence as a premier tourist destination.