Savannah’s Historic Squares: A Guide to the City’s Most Beautiful Public Spaces
Savannah is renowned for its rich history and stunning architecture, and its historic squares are a testament to the city’s enduring beauty. In this guide, we’ll explore the 22 squares located throughout Savannah, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s history and character.
A Brief History of Savannah’s Squares
Savannah was founded in 1733 and was designed with a unique grid system featuring 24 public squares spaced evenly throughout the city. The squares were originally intended to serve as parks and gathering places for the community, and many of them have been preserved to this day, providing a glimpse into the city’s past.
The Squares of Savannah
Here are just a few of the 22 squares that you can visit in Savannah:
Wright Square
Wright Square is one of Savannah’s historic squares in the city’s heart. It is named after James Oglethorpe’s attorney, James Wright, and was one of the original four squares planned in the city. Today, it is surrounded by historic buildings and is a popular spot for visitors to rest and take in the sights and sounds of the city. There are plenty of things to do around Wright Square, including shopping and restaurants.
Johnson Square
Johnson Square is the largest of Savannah’s squares and was named after Robert Johnson, the colonial governor of South Carolina. It’s a popular gathering place for locals and visitors and is surrounded by historic buildings, including the city’s oldest church, the First Baptist Church of Savannah.
Chippewa Square
Chippewa Square is one of Savannah’s most iconic squares and is perhaps best known as the location where Tom Hanks stood while playing Forrest Gump in the movie of the same name. Historic buildings surround the square and feature a statue of James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah.
Madison Square
Madison Square is one of the smallest squares in Savannah and is located in the heart of the city’s Historic District. It’s a popular place for locals to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, and it’s also a great spot for people-watching.
Celebrating Savannah’s Squares
One of the best ways to experience Savannah’s squares is to attend one of the many events throughout the year. For example, the Savannah Art Walk takes place every month, allowing visitors to explore the city’s galleries and public art installations.
Another popular event is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which takes place in Oglethorpe Square. This annual parade features live music, floats, and plenty of green-clad revelers, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting Savannah in March.
