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In 1966 Savannah was designated a National Historic Landmark District, the highest district level awarded by the National Park Service, due to its unique, well preserved city plan and historic building stock. Begun in 1733, General Oglethorpe's city plan now extends from the Savannah River to Gwinnett Street, and East Broad Street to Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Oglethorpe's plan began with six wards; at the center of each ward was a public square, flanked on the east and west by trust lots designated for public buildings, and 60' x 90' lots on the north and south sides. Recognizing the brilliance of this plan, city fathers implemented it in the southward expansion of the 1800's, ultimately creating twenty-four squares from the Savannah River to Gaston Street. Savannah's city plan is celebrated because it has been utilized throughout the City's history and remains as valid and effective today as in its inception.



The Landmark District is also lauded for its outstanding variety of architectural styles, including residential, commercial, and institutional buildings. Washington, Warren, and Greene Wards hold examples of Savannah's early architecture. As the city expanded, so did the repertoire of architectural styles among builders and architects. The 1820's witnessed a proliferation of federal style brick townhouses with a sidehall plan, both paired and in rows. Renowned English architect William Jay designed several high style Regency residences during this period, such as the Owens-Thomas House and Scarbrough House, which are distinguished by symmetry and innovative interior effects. Greek Revival, the predominant architectural style in the Landmark District, began its reign in the 1830's. Constructed from Savannah grey brick, these residences are defined by a raised basement, side hall, simple lintel above the door and windows, transom lights, and classical elements such as Doric or Ionic columns and dentils. Greek Revival design was also applied to many institutional buildings such as Christ Church (1838) and the United States Customs House (1848-1852). After 1850, Savannah saw the rise of Italianate, Queen Anne, and Gothic and exotic revival styles. Many of these buildings are high style residences, exhibiting the prosperity of Savannah before the Civil War. Thus, Savannah's Landmark District holds a wealth of historic architecture from simple, vernacular structures to the high style Greek Revival and Italianate houses, many of which have been carefully restored and/or maintained to retain their original grandeur.

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History of Savannah
Savannah, the first city established in the State of Georgia, was founded in 1733 when General James Edward Oglethorpe arrived on Yamacraw Bluff to establish the last of the 13 colonies of England.

Savannah's historic City Hall now sits on the same bluff overlooking the Savannah River where Oglethorpe landed and was greeted by Tomo-chi-chi, leader of the Creek Indians who lived here.

James Edward Oglethorpe: Father of Savannah
More than 250 years ago, General James Edward Oglethorpe left England aboard the ship Ann and sailed across the Atlantic with 114 men, women and children. Landing on what is today the Georgia coast, Oglethorpe chartered the 13th colony in the name of King George II and began the arduous task of carving out an existence in the wilderness of the New World. With the intent of increasing imperial trade and establishing a protective buffer between Spanish Florida and the northern English colonies, particularly South Carolina, Oglethorpe and his charges chose Yamacraw Bluff on the Savannah River as the site for their new home. Upon his arrival, Oglethorpe was greeted by Tomo-chi-chi, leader of the Creek Indians. The two became lifelong friends. Oglethorpe's city plan -- whereby he designed a series of public squares to be central areas of fortification, as well as social areas for gathering.

In large part due to its strategic location, Savannah has played a vital military role throughout its history, from its early days as a buffer to Spanish insurgency, to the Civil War when Union General Tecumseh Sherman took the city and presented it as a Christmas gift to President Lincoln. Even today, the Savannah area serves as home to Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart, the largest U.S. Army Infantry base east of the Mississippi.

Savannah has also been a vibrant seaport since its beginning, frequently shipping agricultural products and other goods back to England and the rest of Europe. In 1820 cotton had become the dominant export crop and, for nearly a century, trading at the Cotton Exchange on Savannah's waterfront helped set world cotton prices.

But perhaps today Savannah is best known for an innate lure that has attracted visitors since shortly after its founding by General Oglethorpe. In fact, modern Savannah has preserved its proud history and built upon its reputation as a destination city. So come explore historic Savannah and discover the legacy of General James Edward Oglethorpe.

Jewel of the East Coast
Savannah now sits as a jewel on the east coast of the United States, a leading tourist center and the most historical city in Georgia. You'll find one of the nation's best-preserved urban historic districts in Savannah. And there's lots to see, including Forsyth Park, the historic squares, and approximately 1,100 homes, churches, and commercial buildings.