Savannah has a rich history to say the least. Officially, Savannah’s recorded history is said to have begun in 1733, which is when General James Oglethorpe and his 120 passengers landed along the Savannah River. Oglethorpe decided to name the 13th and final American colony “Georgia” after King George II of England. Savannah would become the first city of Georgia.
When Oglethorpe settled the area, he developed a relationship with the local Yamacraw Indians. Oglethorpe and the Yamacraw chief promised mutual goodwill, and the English settlers were granted permission to settle area presently known as Savannah.
In addition to being Georgia’s first city, Savannah is known as America’s first “planned city” as Oglethorpe specifically laid the city out in a series of grids that allowed for wide open streets intertwined with shady public squares and parks. These squares and parks that can still be found in the city today would function as town meeting places and centers of business.
With the onset of the American Revolution came the occupation of Savannah by the British from 1778 to 1782. After independence was secured, the riverside city once again began to flourish. Not long after, many of the area farmers found that the soil was ripe for planting cotton and rice, which became two main cash crops and heavy drivers for the economy. These farms were organized into plantations and Georgia decided to legalize slavery to support its agrarian economy. The ensuing trans-Atlantic slave trade brought many African-Americans through the port of Savannah. Many of the slaves who stayed in the region preserved some of their traditions and shaped the unique Gullah culture of the coastal communities that can be found in both Georgia and South Carolina.
Over the course of the Civil War, the city suffered from sea blockades so strict that the economy crumbled. However, after the Civil War, the Reconstruction period began in Savannah, although the economy remained stagnant. At the turn of the 20th century, cotton as a crop witnessed a resurgence and the city of Savannah thrived again.
Savannah’s Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966. It is one of the largest historic landmarks in the country. Savannah is still a major port city, but much of the economy is now driven by tourism. Visitors to Savannah are drawn to the city to experience its beautiful architecture and history. When you visit the city of Savannah, you’ll find that the natural beauty, the culture, and the hospitality make it a unique American city that will inspire memories to last a lifetime.
Savannah is a planned city and in the historic area there are many interesting things to see and do.
The City Market is a good place to sit and watch the world go by. The liquor law in Savannah allows for an open policy regarding alcohol. This means you can buy a beer or whatever liquor you choose and walk around the city with this.
There are many memorials throughout the area and this one is dedicated to the largest unit of soldiers of African descent who fought in the American revolution. They came from Haiti. One of the youngest of this group was named Henry Christophe who went onto fight for the independence of Haiti from France. He later became King Henry of Haiti.
Christ Church was the first house of worship established in 1733. It had many prominent members including Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts of America.
On the day we were in this area a movie set was being put together for a night shoot . The movie Gemini Man, starring Will Smith is to be released in mid 2019.
The movie was going to have a rain scene in it and the following photos give some perspective of the equipment used to create a Hollywood movie. In reality they are huge water sprinklers set up and hoisted into the air via huge cranes.
To provide the moon aspect for the shot this small tent was wired up to provide the electronic aspects of the event.
Historic Savannah was a planned city and it is made up of squares. This square is named Johnson Square. It was named for Governor Robert Johnson of South Carolina who befriended the Colonialist when Georgia was first settled. The Governor's body is buried under the monument. The square was the point for many important events during this period among them being the delivery of The Declaration of Independence in 1776.
After a walking around it was time for lunch so we decided to dine at Lady and her Son's restaurant. This restaurant is owned by Paula Deen and her two sons, both of whom are chefs as well.
Very often Paula and or her sons come into the restaurant and to the gift shop which joins the restaurant. On this day Jamie was in the store and was most obliging reading making time for photographs with folks who wanted "that picture". He seemed very friendly and most respectful.
Ross enjoyed the gumbo.
There are many ways to see the sights of Savannah and the horse drawn carriage is a popular way to see the sights. We decided on the hop on hop off trolley and were were not disappointed.
There is so much history here and around almost around every corner there is something of interest to see. The site of the Battle Of Savannah is one such place. We just happened upon this site while waiting to catch our bus ride home.
The 1779 Battle of Savannah was one of the deadliest of the entire American Revolution. The overwhelming defeat of French and American forces resulted in an allied withdrawal and in approximately 800 wounded or killed , with British losses totaling 55 wounded or dead.
For most of the Revolutionary War, Savannah was an armed camp. With the approach of an allied French and American army in the fall of 1779, the British defenders of Savannah began improving and constructing a series of 14 redoubts outside the town and a similar number of cannon emplacements.
We even got to meet a person in a uniform of this time.
It was a great day and more to come.
Cheers,
Beverley and Ross
