Squares of Savannah, Georgia facts for kids
The city of Savannah was planned in 1733, during the time of colonial America. It was built around four open squares. Each square was surrounded by blocks for homes and public buildings. A square and its eight surrounding blocks were called a "ward." This original plan, known as the Oglethorpe Plan, was part of a bigger idea that included gardens, farms, and small villages nearby.
After the first four wards were built in the mid-1730s, two more were added. Over time, more squares were created, and by 1851, Savannah had 24 squares. In the 1900s, three squares were removed or changed a lot, leaving 21. But in 2010, one of the "lost" squares, Ellis, was brought back, making a total of 22 squares today.
Most of Savannah's squares are named to honor people or historical events. Many have monuments, statues, and plaques. These statues and monuments were placed in the squares partly to help protect them from being torn down.
Today, this area is part of a large historic preservation district called the Savannah Historic District.
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Discovering Savannah's Squares
The city of Savannah was started in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe. While we admire the squares for their beauty today, they were first meant for practical things. For example, colonists used them for military training. The city's layout looks like military camps, which General Oglethorpe knew well. The design also helped avoid crowded conditions, like those that caused the Great Fire of London in 1666.
Each new ward in the city had a square. The first four were Johnson, Perceval (now Wright), Ellis, and St. James (now Telfair) Squares. These four formed a larger square overlooking the Savannah River. The original plan actually called for six squares. As the city grew, the grid of wards and squares expanded. Eventually, 33 squares were planned, but some were never built. When the city started growing south of Gaston Street, the square grid stopped. Instead, Forsyth Park became a large central park for that area.
All the squares are about 200 feet (61 meters) wide from east to west. But they vary in length from north to south, from about 100 to 300 feet (30 to 91 meters). Usually, wide, two-way streets cross each square. Smaller one-way streets run around the edges. This means traffic flows one way, counterclockwise, around the squares, like traffic circles.
Each square is in the center of a ward, which often has the same name. The areas next to the squares were called "trust lots" in the original plan. These were for large public buildings like churches or schools. The rest of the ward was split into four areas called tithings, each with ten home lots. This layout is clear in the 1770 Plan of Savannah map. Even today, you can see this design from above. Sometimes, grand homes are on trust lots, and businesses are on home lots.
All the squares are part of the Savannah Historic District. This area is less than half a square mile. The five squares along Bull Street—Monterey, Madison, Chippewa, Wright, and Johnson—were meant to be grand spaces for monuments. They are sometimes called Savannah's "Crown Jewels." Many other squares were designed as simple parks, but most also serve as memorials.
Experts have praised Savannah's city plan. The American Society of Civil Engineers recognized Oglethorpe's plan as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. In 1994, it was even suggested for the UNESCO World Heritage List. The squares are a big attraction for tourists. They have helped improve neighborhoods and bring life back to Savannah's downtown area.
The First Four Squares: 1733
The first four squares were designed by James Oglethorpe in 1733. This was the same year he started the Georgia colony and the city of Savannah.
Johnson Square
Johnson Square was Savannah's very first square. It is still the largest of the 22 squares. It was named after Robert Johnson, who was the colonial governor of South Carolina and a friend of General Oglethorpe. Under the Nathanael Greene Monument in the square is the burial site of Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene. Nearby Greene Square is named after him.
Johnson Square has two fountains and a sundial. The sundial honors Colonel William Bull, who is the namesake of Savannah's Bull Street.
Another important building in Johnson Square is the Johnson Square Business Center. This building, once called the Savannah Bank Building, was the city's first "skyscraper," built in 1911. Johnson Square is known as the financial area. Many of the city's financial companies are located here.
Johnson Square is also home to Christ Church. This church, known as the "Mother Church of Georgia," was started in 1733. Early leaders of the church included John Wesley and George Whitefield.
Wright Square
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Perceval Square was the second square in Savannah. It was named for John Perceval, 1st Earl of Egmont, who is thought to have given Georgia its name. In 1763, it was renamed to honor James Wright, the last royal governor of Georgia. It has also been called Court House Square and Post Office Square. The Tomochichi Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse is next to it.
The square is the burial site of Tomochichi. He was a leader of the Creek Native American nation. Tomochichi was a trusted friend of James Oglethorpe and helped him start the colony.
Ellis Square
This square was first called Decker Square. It was laid out in 1733 as part of Decker Ward, the third ward in Savannah. The square was named for Sir Matthew Decker, who helped manage the Georgia colony. Later, it was renamed for Sir Henry Ellis, the second Royal Governor of Georgia.
It was also known as Marketplace Square because it was a busy center for trade from the 1730s to the 1950s. It had four market houses over the years.
In 1954, the city allowed a group to build a parking garage here for the City Market. People were upset when the old market house was torn down. This anger helped start the historic preservation movement in Savannah.
When the garage's lease ended in 2004, the city planned to bring Ellis Square back. It officially reopened on March 11, 2010. A bronze statue of songwriter Johnny Mercer, who was from Savannah, was placed in Ellis Square in 2009.
Telfair Square
St. James Square was named after a green space in London, England. It was one of the most fashionable areas in early Savannah. In 1883, it was renamed to honor the Telfair family. It is the only square named after a whole family. The Telfairs included former Governor Edward Telfair, Congressman Thomas Telfair, and Mary Telfair (1791–1875). Mary Telfair helped create Savannah's Telfair Museum of Art. The Telfair Academy building overlooks the western side of the square. The square also has tributes to the Girl Scouts of the USA, which was founded by Savannahian Juliette Gordon Low, and to the chambered nautilus. Telfair Square is located on Barnard Street, between State and York Streets.
Two More Squares
Oglethorpe's plan included six wards and squares. Lower New Square and Upper New Square, now called Reynolds and Oglethorpe Squares, completed his original idea.
Reynolds Square
This square was first known as Lower New Square and was laid out in 1734. It was later renamed for Captain John Reynolds, who was governor of Georgia in the mid-1750s.
The square has a bronze statue honoring John Wesley, who started Methodism. Wesley lived mostly in England but came to Savannah from 1735 to 1738. During this time, he started the first Sunday school in America. The statue was placed in 1969 where Wesley's home is thought to have been. The statue shows Wesley preaching outdoors, as he did when leading services.
Reynolds Square was also the site of the Filature. This building housed silkworms as part of an early attempt to start a silk industry in Georgia. It is located on Abercorn Street, between Bryan and Congress Streets.
The Olde Pink House (also known as Habersham House) stands near the square. The Oliver Sturges House is also nearby.
Oglethorpe Square
Upper New Square was laid out in 1742. It was later renamed to honor Georgia's founder, General James Oglethorpe. His statue, however, is in Chippewa Square, to the southwest.
The home of Georgia's first Royal Governor, John Reynolds, was located on the southeastern side of the square. Reynolds arrived in Savannah on October 29, 1754.
The homes of the Royal Surveyors of Georgia and South Carolina were on the northeastern side. This is where today's Owens–Thomas House stands. The Presidents' Quarters Inn, a historic bed and breakfast, is on the southeastern side.
The square has a pedestal honoring Moravian missionaries. They arrived at the same time as John Wesley and lived in Savannah from 1735 to 1740 before moving to Pennsylvania.
A group of Savannah veterans once wanted to put a memorial for World War II veterans in Oglethorpe Square. It was later placed on River Street.
The Unitarian Universalist Church was originally based on this square. It moved to Troup Square in 1860.
Squares from the 1790s
Savannah grew quickly in the late 1700s. Six new wards were added just in the 1790s. These included four that are now in the northeastern part of the Historic District. These new wards are a bit narrower than the first six.
Washington Square
Built in 1790, Washington Square was named in 1791 for the first President of the United States. He visited Savannah that year. It was one of only two squares named for a person who was still alive at the time. Troup Square was the other.
Washington Square was once the site of the Trustees' Garden.
The square used to have huge New Year's Eve bonfires. These stopped in the 1950s.
In 1964, Savannah Landscape Architect Clermont Huger Lee and Mills B Lane worked on a project to improve the square. They added new paths, benches, lighting, and plants.
Franklin Square
Franklin Square was designed in 1790. It is on the western side of town. It was named in 1791 for Benjamin Franklin, who helped the Georgia colony from 1768 to 1778. He passed away in 1790.
The square was removed in 1935 but was brought back in the mid-1980s. It has a memorial sculpture that includes a depiction of 12-year-old Henri Christophe. He later became a commander in the Haitian army and King of Haiti.
Warren Square
Warren Square was laid out in 1791. It was named for General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero. He was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill. British gunpowder taken by Savannahians was sent to help the Americans at Bunker Hill. Savannah and Boston have a "sister city" relationship. Bostonians sent supplies to Savannah after the city surrendered in 1864. Warren Square is on Habersham Street, between Bryan and Congress Streets.
In 1963, Savannah Landscape Architect Clermont Huger Lee and Mills B Lane worked to improve the square. They added new paths, benches, lighting, and plants. They also added barriers to stop cars from driving through.
Columbia Square
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Columbia Square was laid out in 1799. It is named for Columbia, a poetic symbol of the United States. It is on Habersham Street, between State and York Streets. In the middle of the square is a fountain. This fountain used to be at Wormsloe, the home of Noble Jones, one of Georgia's first settlers. It was moved to Columbia Square in 1970 to honor Augusta and Wymberly DeRenne, who were descendants of Jones. It is sometimes called the "rustic fountain" because it has decorations of vines, leaves, and flowers.
Greene Square
Greene Square was laid out in 1799. It is named for Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene. He was one of George Washington's most effective generals.
Liberty Square
Liberty Square was laid out in 1799. It was named to honor the Sons of Liberty and the American victory in the Revolutionary War. It was located on Montgomery Street between State and York Streets. It was paved over to make way for road improvements. A small part of it remains and has the "Flame of Freedom" sculpture.
Squares from the 1800s
The expansion of Oglethorpe's grid of wards and squares continued through the first half of the 1800s. Eventually, there were 24 squares in downtown Savannah.
Elbert Square
Elbert Square was laid out in 1801. It was named for Samuel Elbert, a Revolutionary soldier, sheriff of Chatham County, and Governor of Georgia. It was located on Montgomery Street between Hull and Perry streets. It was paved over for road improvements. Today, it is a small grassy area across Montgomery Street from the Civic Center.
Chippewa Square
Chippewa Square was laid out in 1815. It was named to honor American soldiers who died in the Battle of Chippawa during the War of 1812.
In the center of the square is the James Oglethorpe Monument. It was created by sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon and unveiled in 1910. Oglethorpe faces south, toward where Spanish Florida used to be, and his sword is drawn. Because of this monument, people in Savannah sometimes call this Oglethorpe Square, even though the actual Oglethorpe Square is to the northeast.
The famous "park bench" scene at the start of the 1994 movie Forrest Gump was filmed on the north side of Chippewa Square.
Chippewa Square is also home to First Baptist Church (1833), the Philbrick-Eastman House (1844), and The Savannah Theatre (1818).
Orleans Square
Orleans Square was laid out in 1815. It celebrates General Andrew Jackson's victory at the Battle of New Orleans in January of that year. In the center of the square, the German Memorial Fountain honors early German immigrants to Savannah. It was put in place in 1989 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Georgia and Savannah. Orleans Square is on Barnard Street, between Hull and Perry Streets, and is next to the Savannah Civic Center.
Lafayette Square
The square has a fountain that celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Georgia colony's founding. It was given by the Colonial Dames of Georgia in 1984. The square also has cobblestone sidewalks.
Next to the square is the Roman Catholic Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. Because it's so close, Lafayette Square is a big part of Savannah's large Saint Patrick's Day celebrations. The water in the fountain is dyed green for the event.
The Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home museum is in this area and is open to the public.
Marist Place, which was once the Marist School for Boys, is also in the square.
Pulaski Square
Pulaski Square was laid out in 1837. It is named for General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-born Revolutionary War hero. He died from injuries received during the siege of Savannah (1779). It is one of the few squares without a monument. General Pulaski's statue is actually in nearby Monterey Square.
Before the historic preservation movement, Pulaski Square was one of several squares that had been paved over to allow traffic to drive straight through its center.
Pulaski Square is on Barnard Street, between Harris and Charlton Streets. It is known for its beautiful live oak trees.
Madison Square
Madison Square was laid out in 1837. It was named for James Madison, the fourth President of the United States.
In the center of the square is the William Jasper Monument. This 1888 work honors Sergeant William Jasper. He was a soldier in the siege of Savannah who, even though he was badly hurt, bravely got his company's flag back. People in Savannah sometimes call this Jasper Square, after Jasper's statue.
Madison Square has an old cannon from the Savannah Armory. These cannons now mark the starting points of Georgia's first highways.
The square also has a monument marking where the British forces were during the siege.
In 1971, Savannah Landscape Architect Clermont Huger Lee and Mills B. Lane worked on a project to add new paths, benches, lighting, and plants to the square.
Crawford Square
Crawford Square was laid out in 1841. It was named to honor Secretary of the Treasury William Harris Crawford. Crawford ran for president in 1824.
Although Crawford is the smallest of the squares, it is part of the largest ward. Crawford Ward includes the area of Colonial Park Cemetery.
In the past, this was a square where African-Americans were allowed to gather.
While all squares once had fences, this is the only one that still does. Crawford Square also has its original cistern. This was a water storage tank used for fighting fires long ago. After a big fire in 1820, firefighters had stations in the squares, and each had a cistern.
Chatham Square
Chatham Square was laid out in 1847 and named in 1851 for William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. Even though Pitt never visited Savannah, he supported the Georgia colony early on. Both Chatham Square and Chatham County are named after him.
The square is sometimes called Barnard Square by locals. This is because of the Barnard Street School, built in 1901. This building has been used by the Savannah College of Art and Design since 1988. The college renamed it Pepe Hall.
Monterey Square
Monterey Square was laid out in 1847. It remembers the Battle of Monterrey (1846), where American forces captured the city of Monterrey during the Mexican–American War.
In the center of the square is an 1853 monument honoring General Casimir Pulaski.
Monterey Square is where Mercer House is located. This house was built by Hugh Weedon Mercer. The house and the square were featured in the 1994 book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Monterey Square has also been used in several movies, including the 1997 film version of the book. The Comer House is also in the movie.
The square is also home to Congregation Mickve Israel. This synagogue, built in 1878, is one of the few Gothic-style synagogues in America.
Almost all the buildings around the square are original. The only exception is the United Way Building.
Troup Square
Troup Square was laid out in 1851. It is named for former Georgia Governor, Congressman, and Senator George Troup. It is one of only two squares named for a person who was alive at the time (the other being Washington Square). A large iron armillary sphere stands in the center of the square. It is held up by six small metal turtles.
A special dog fountain is on the west side of the square. The Myers Drinking Fountain was a gift from Savannah mayor Herman Myers in 1897. It was first placed in Forsyth Park. When it was moved to Troup Square, its height was changed for dogs to use. It is now the site of an annual Blessing of the Animals.
The Unitarian Universalist Church is on the western side of the square. It is believed that James Lord Pierpont wrote the tune to "Jingle Bells" while he was the church's music director.
In 1969, Savannah Landscape Architect Clermont Huger Lee and Mills B Lane worked on a project to improve the square. They added the armillary sundial and new walls, benches, lighting, and plants.
Taylor Square
Taylor Square was laid out in 1851. It was originally named for South Carolina statesman John C. Calhoun. In 2023, it was renamed Taylor Square. This was to honor Susie King Taylor, who was the first African-American nurse in the American Civil War, an educator, and a writer.
The square is sometimes called Massie Square because of the Massie School nearby.
The square is also home to Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, founded in 1868.
It is the only square that still has all of its original buildings.
The square is believed to have been built over a burial ground.
Whitefield Square
Whitefield Square was laid out in 1851. It was the last square to be built.
It is named for the Rev. George Whitefield. He founded Bethesda Home for Boys, which is still helping young people today.
The square has a gazebo in its center.
Andrew Bryan, who started the First African Baptist Church, is buried in the square. Henry Cunningham, a minister of the Second African Baptist Church, is also buried there.
Forsyth Park
After 1851, as the city grew south of Gaston Street, the plan of wards and squares was no longer used. Forsyth Park, located just south of Monterey Ward, was meant to be a single large park. It would serve the growing southern part of the city, just as the squares had served their individual wards. The original northern part of the park, around the famous fountain, was as big as an entire ward from the old city. The park more than doubled in size later on. Other smaller parks have been created in the southern parts of the city.
Summary of Savannah's Squares
| # | Name | Named for | Year started | Location | Monuments | Nearby Landmarks | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Franklin | Benjamin Franklin | 1790 | Montgomery Street and West St. Julian Street |
Chasseurs volontaires de Saint-Domingue (Haitian memorial) | First African Baptist Church | Almost lost in the 1970s; now restored |
| 2. | Ellis | Henry Ellis, Governor of Georgia |
1733 | Barnard Street and West St. Julian Street |
Johnny Mercer, songwriter |
City Market |
Lost in the 1950s; fully restored in 2010 |
| 3. | Johnson | Robert Johnson, Governor of South Carolina |
1733 | Bull Street and St. Julian Street |
Nathanael Greene, Major General |
Christ Church (Episcopal) | Still here |
| 4. | Reynolds | John Reynolds, Governor of Georgia |
1734 | Abercorn Street and East St. Julian Street |
John Wesley, Methodist leader |
The Olde Pink House Lucas Theater |
Still here |
| 5. | Warren | Dr. Joseph Warren, Major General |
1791 | Habersham Street and East St. Julian Street |
John David Mongin House Spencer House |
Still here | |
| 6. | Washington | George Washington, U.S. President |
1790 | Houston Street and East Saint Julian Street |
Seaman's House | Still here | |
| 7. | Liberty | Sons of Liberty | 1799 | 133 Montgomery Street | Flame of Freedom | County Courthouse | Lost |
| 8. | Telfair | Edward Telfair, Governor of Georgia |
1733 | Barnard Street and West President Street |
Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences Trinity Methodist Church |
Still here | |
| 9. | Wright | James Wright, Governor of Georgia |
1733 | Bull Street and President Street |
William Washington Gordon, Railroad founder, Mayor of Savannah Tomochichi, Creek Indian leader |
Lutheran Church of the Ascension Tomochichi Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse Old County Courthouse |
Still here |
| 10. | Oglethorpe | James Oglethorpe, Founder of Savannah |
1742 | Abercorn Street and East President Street |
Owens-Thomas House, The Presidents' Quarters Inn, Moravian Monument |
Still here | |
| 11. | Columbia | Columbia, American symbol |
1799 | Habersham Street and East President Street |
Wormsloe Fountain | Isaiah Davenport House Kehoe House |
Still here |
| 12. | Greene | Nathanael Greene, Major General |
1799 | Houston Street and East President Street |
Second African Baptist Church | Still here | |
| 13. | Elbert | Samuel Elbert, Governor of Georgia |
1801 | 237 Montgomery Street | Savannah Civic Center | Lost | |
| 14. | Orleans | Battle of New Orleans | 1815 | Barnard Street and West McDonough Street |
German Societies Fountain | Harper Fowlkes House Savannah Civic Center |
Still here |
| 15. | Chippewa | Battle of Chippawa | 1815 | Bull Street and McDonough Street |
James Oglethorpe, Founder of Savannah |
James Oglethorpe Monument First Baptist Church The Savannah Theatre |
Still here |
| 16. | Crawford | William H. Crawford, U.S. Senator |
1841 | Houston Street and East McDonough Street |
Gazebo | Still here | |
| 17. | Pulaski | Casimir Pulaski, Brigadier General |
1837 | Barnard Street and West Macon Street |
Francis Bartow House | Still here | |
| 18. | Madison | James Madison, U.S. President |
1837 | Bull Street and Macon Street |
William Jasper, Sergeant |
Green-Meldrim House St. John's Episcopal Church Scottish Rite Temple Old Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory Sorrel Weed House |
Still here |
| 19. | Lafayette | Marquis de La Fayette, Lieutenant General |
1837 | Abercorn Street and East Macon Street |
Semiquincentenary Fountain | Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist Hamilton-Turner Inn Andrew Low House |
Still here |
| 20. | Troup | George Troup, Governor of Georgia |
1851 | Habersham Street and East Macon Street |
Armillary sphere | McDonough Row Houses Kennedy Row Unitarian Universalist Church |
Still here |
| 21. | Chatham | William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, U.K. Prime Minister |
1847 | Barnard Street and West Wayne Street |
Gordon Row | Still here | |
| 22. | Monterey | Battle of Monterrey | 1847 | Bull Street and Wayne Street |
Kazimierz Pułaski, Brigadier General |
Congregation Mickve Israel Mercer House |
Still here |
| 23. | Taylor | John C. Calhoun, U.S. Senator and U.S. vice-president (originally); renamed for Susie King Taylor in 2024 |
1851 | Abercorn Street and East Wayne Street |
Wesley Monumental Methodist Church Massie School |
Still here | |
| 24. | Whitefield | George Whitefield, Great Awakening leader |
1851 | Habersham Street and East Wayne Street |
Gazebo | First Congregational Church | Still here |
