Columbia Square Area
Quiet residential blocks with Greek Revival homes and tucked-away gardens define this peaceful, residential square just south of the Historic District’s core.
Columbia Square, laid out in 1799, sits in the second row of Oglethorpe’s plan between Habersham and President Streets—away from main traffic but close enough to feel part of the city’s pulse. The square itself features a rustic fountain relocated from the Wormsloe estate, a nod to colonial settlers like Noble Jones. Surrounding homes showcase symmetrical facades, high foundations, and delicate iron railings—hallmarks of Greek Revival influence in the antebellum era.
Unlike the bustling squares near Abercorn or Bay Street, Columbia Square remains largely residential, where locals tend gardens and sit on shaded porches. Walking down East President Street reveals narrow lots with side yards leading to private courtyards and rare green lanes—spaces that feel like time Capsules. These blocks avoid commercial intrusion and maintain a sense of continuity in street edge and scale, offering a contrast to the more densely visited districts.
The area is particularly rich in architectural detail worth noting up close: interior staircases with turned balusters, transom windows above doors, and original heart-pine flooring. While few properties are open for public tours, the exteriors and street alignment still convey aspects of 19th-century neighborhood life. Strolling here invites a slower pace and the chance to notice craftsmanship and craftsmanship’s legacy in Savannah’s residential core.
