Historic District
Savannah’s 2.5-square-mile National Historic Landmark District reveals its layered past through Oglethorpe’s wards, antebellum homes, and 22 historic squares.
Begin at a historic square, where General James Oglethorpe held early town meetings. Walk along facades of historic buildings, many restored after periods of decline or damage. The pattern of trust lots and tythings still guides street layouts—look for churches, schools, or museums on the east side of each square, as originally intended. cobblestone sections remain in parts of the historic district, offering tactile echoes of centuries past.
Use the squares as anchor points to orient yourself:a prominent square hosts the city’s oldest public monument, while another square memorializes Civil War soldiers. Spend mornings at a civic square to absorb civic energy, and evenings in another square, often quieter and lined with historic inns and restaurants. The district’s scale makes it ideal for walking or horse-drawn carriage tours; many intersections still show original brick or granite setts beneath modern paving.
Plan your route around the squares’ annual events—like seasonal festivals and events—but avoid parking near squares on weekdays when street sweeping restricts stops. Check for temporary road closures during festivals like local festivals. The area’s density means most essentials—water fountains, restrooms, and shade—are within five minutes’ walk, though paved sections are uneven in places and may challenge strollers or wheelchairs without planning.
