We didn’t know what to expect when we started our trip in Savannah, Georgia. From the moment we arrived, Savannah embraced us with its history, tempting us to explore its secrets and its charm.
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1. River Street’s Cobblestone Legacy
Our first stop began in the Historic River District, where the hand-laid cobblestones of Savannah’s iconic River Street revealed a history as diverse as the stones themselves.
Originally used as ballast material on ships sailed into Savannah’s harbor, these cobblestones have traveled from afar, such as Madeira Island, Spain, Canada, France, and the British Isles.
Desposited upon unloading the ship, the settlers of Savannah found these stones as an affordable and abundant building material, therefore using them extensively throughout the city.
Echoes of a Dark Past
However, beneath the surface of this picturesque scene lies a darker reality—a history stained by the horrors of slavery.
River Street is not just a charming neighborhood; it’s one of the most haunted areas in Savannah.
The reasons behind this phenomenon may not be immediately apparent, but the land upon which General James Oglethorpe founded the city held a dark history long before its inception.
It served as a burial ground for Native American tribes in the surrounding area.
Their restless spirits contribute to the mysterious aura that lives in the district.
Labor and Tragedy
Furthermore, River Street served as the epicenter of arduous and often deadly labor during Savannah’s early days.
Servants under contract from Europe and enslaved Africans were forced to toil under grueling conditions, loading and unloading cumbersome freight from harboring ships.
Many tragically died under the weight of their work due to their masters’ relentless demands.
The souls of those who perished in such harrowing circumstances are said to still roam the historic roadway.
Reminders of Slavery
Moreover, many enslaved people who survived the treacherous Middle Passage arrived in Savannah only to be confined in warehouses that lined the bustling waterfront.
Today, some of these structures remain, serving as silent witnesses to the atrocities of the past.
Tours of these buildings offer participants a glimpse into the grim reality of slavery in America, with visible remnants of shackles and chains etched into the walls-a haunting reminder of the inhumanity endured by countless souls.
Resilience and Reflection
Walking through these antiquated holding cells, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of history bearing down upon you.
As we traced the footsteps of those who suffered within these walls, we were reminded of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of bearing witness to the darker chapters of our collective history.
2. Industrial Transformation: The Plant Riverside District
In the middle of the charming streets and bustling riverfront, we discovered a former power plant that had been transformed into the Plant Riverside District, now an upscale JW Marriott Hotel.
Savannah’s ability to preserve its heritage while embracing modernity seems to be it’s theme.
3. Savannah’s Park Squares
Venturing further into the city, we encountered Savannah’s 24 park squares, verdant oases nestled amidst the urban landscape.
These tranquil spaces provided a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing us to pause and reflect amidst the beauty of nature.
We learned that these squares were not just havens of greenery but also integral parts of Savannah’s urban design, meticulously planned and laid out in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe, who had previously founded the colony of Georgia.
Oglethorpe envisioned a city with a grid-like layout featuring numerous squares to provide open spaces for public use and to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal.
This visionary urban design has endured through the centuries, contributing to Savannah’s reputation as one of America’s most beautiful and walkable cities.
Forrest Gump Famous Bench Scene
One of the most notable squares we visited was Chippewa Square, famous for its starring role in the film “Forrest Gump.”
The famous bench scene from Forrest Gump was filmed in Chippewa Square in Savannah, Georgia.
The bench itself was a movie prop and has since been moved to the Savannah History Museum, but Chippewa Square remains a popular tourist spot for fans of the film.
4. Broughton Street for Your Shopping Pleasure
Broughton Street, another of Savannah’s gems, offers the city’s best shopping.
As we wandered along its busy sidewalks, we found a mix of local boutiques and national retailers, offering everything from trendy clothing to unique souvenirs.
The street was busy with locals and tourists shopping and browsing.
5. Jones Street: Travel Through History
One of the highlights of our exploration was wandering through Savannah’s charming residential streets.
Each street had its own unique character, but one in particular captured our hearts with its picturesque homes and tree-lined sidewalks.
Jones Street, often referred to as one of the prettiest streets in Savannah, if not all of America, is an iconic Georgia landmark.
Its mid-19th-century style gives the street a unique feel, with cobblestone streets, brick sidewalks, and vines on some homes.
Visiting it is like taking a step back into the past.
Evenings can be an especially romantic time to take a scroll, as the street is warmly lit by gas-flame lanterns.
6. Architectural Beauty
Of course, no journey through Savannah would be complete without marveling at its stunning churches and architectural wonders.
From the intricate marble details to the soaring spires, each building showcases its craftsmanship and devotion.
We were awestruck by the architectural beauty that surrounded us, feeling as though we were walking through a living architectural museum.
7. Central Public Garden
During our travel exploration, we also made sure to visit Forsyth Park, the largest green space in Savannah’s Historic District, spanning 30 acres.
The park’s lush greenery and iconic fountain provided a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Fun Facts About the Iconic Fountain
- Forsyth Park Fountain was erected in 1858. That’s over 150 years old!
- However beautiful the fountain is, it is not unique. It was ordered from a catalogue!
Park Events
We were fortunate to experience the vibrant farmer’s market held every Saturday, where locals and tourists gathered to browse fresh produce and artisanal goods.
And if you happen to visit in September, don’t miss the annual Savannah Jazz Festival, a celebration of music and culture that fills the park with rhythm and joy.
Our Overnight Stays
We stayed right by Forsyth Park in our van. This is a perfect spot for visiting the whole historic district just by walking. We found this boondocking spot by using the iOverlander app, one of the free must-have apps.
Final Thought
As our travel exploration in Savannah came to a close, we couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity to discover such a captivating city.
Savannah’s dark history, charming streets, and beautiful architecture made a lasting impression on us—a reminder of the enduring power of beauty, history, and the simple bliss found in savoring each moment of our experiences.
In the end, our journey through Savannah was not just a trip—it was a journey of discovery, reflection, and appreciation.
Have you been to Savannah? What’s your favorite part about Savannah? Please share in the comment section below; I would love to hear from you.
Why do I see SCAD logos everywhere in Savannah, Georgia?
The SCAD logos you see around Savannah, Georgia belong to the Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD is a prominent art and design school in the city, and its students, faculty, and alumni often wear SCAD apparel. Additionally, the school’s presence is visible on buildings and public transportation throughout Savannah.
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- photo credit: Zemeckis, Robert. 1994. Forrest Gump. United States: Paramount Pictures. ↩︎
- photo credit: “318-320 West Broughton Street” by JeffersonLH is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 ↩︎
- photo credit: “Forsyth Park Fountain” by Scott Kublin is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 ↩︎
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