Oglethorpe Square is one of the 22 Squares of Savannah. Compared to the other squares, this one is…read morefairly "unremarkable." For example, it doesn't have an obelisk commemorating an American Revolutionary War general like Johnson Square ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/johnson-square-savannah ) nor does it have a monument like the Haitian Monument in Franklin Square ( https://www.yelp.com/biz/franklin-square-savannah ). In this sense, Oglethorpe Square is rather plain and boring. However, from our visit, I still found it to be a charming, nice-looking, and well-maintained square; hence, the Yelp four stars ("Good"). Oglethorpe Square is located in the North Historic District, only a couple blocks north of Colonial Park Cemetery. If you're in the area, I recommend visiting the cemetery: https://www.yelp.com/biz/colonial-park-cemetery-savannah Oglethorpe Square was one of two squares built after the original four. Overall, it was the sixth to be laid out, in 1742. For reference, Colonial Cemetery opened in 1750 and nearby Columbia Square, two blocks east, was laid out in 1799. Oglethorpe Square was named after General James Oglethorpe (1696-1785). Oglethorpe founded Georgia, then one of the Thirteen Colonies, in 1732. Oglethorpe County and Oglethorpe University are also named after the general, as well as, presumably, Oglethorpe Power. Anyway, back to the square. It consists of nine roughly equally-sized sections (mini squares, almost) divided by brick walkways. It's like a public park with lots of grass, a variety of trees, bushes, and flowers, and benches and trash cans. The center square is all grass with a classic lamppost at each of the four corners. During our visit, the grounds appeared well kept. A sign on a pedestal in the northeast corner of the square read: "In memory of the Moravian colonists in Savannah, 1735-1740, who maintained a mission to the Indians. This memorial is presented to the City of Savannah by the Wachovia Historical Society of Winston-Salem, NC." I think that's cool because I'm originally from the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina and I'm familiar with Old Salem and the Moravians: https://www.yelp.com/biz/old-salem-museums-and-gardens-winston-salem-3 I didn't know about their connection with Savannah until after visiting Oglethorpe Square.

This is one of the six original squares laid out in 1742 by city founder General James Oglethorpe…read more Originally named Upper New Square, the name was changed in Oglethorpe's honor although his statue is located in Chippewa Square. Oglethorpe Square is located one block north of Colonial Park Cemetery. There are no monuments in this square making it unusual but it is lined by historical buildings and contains historic markers. Located on the square at 124 Abercorn Street is one of the most architecturally significant homes in Savannah, the Owens-Thomas House. It was built in 1816 by British architect William Jay in a Regency style. In 1951 the house was given to Telfair Museums and today it is open for tours. Renovations in the 1990's uncovered one of the most intact slave quarters in the urban south. Other buildings along the square include the Presidents' Quarters Inn (1855) which is two 19th century Federalists style homes. Where the inn's parking lot now stands used to be the house of John Reynolds (1752), Georgia's first governor. At 127-131 Lincoln Street is a Greek Revival style house (1855). The Confederacy's second Quarter Master General lived in the house but it is more famous for being the place Robert E. Lee stayed during his final visit to Savannah. Although there are no large monuments here like in other squares, Oglethorpe Square contains the Moravian Pedestal in the northeast corner of the square which is a marker commemorating Moravian missionaries in 1735. They provided aid to orphans and Native Americans before moving to Pennsylvania in 1740. At the intersection of Abercorn and East State Street is a plaque placed by the Savannah chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution honoring Major General James Jackson, a Revolutionary War Hero. Like all of the squares in Savannah this is the perfect place to sit down, take a break, and soak in the history surrounding you.

This is one of those places that instantly pulls you in and makes you feel like you are part of the…read morehistory. Walking along the cobblestone street with the river right beside you is such a cool experience. You get amazing views of the water, big ships passing by, and that classic Savannah charm everywhere you look. There is always something going on here. Street performers, little shops, and great places to grab food or a drink all along the way. It is easy to spend a few hours just wandering in and out of spots and taking it all in. The mix of old brick buildings and lively atmosphere makes it feel unique compared to a lot of other places. The vibe really stands out. It is busy but in a fun way, not overwhelming. You see families, couples, and groups all enjoying the area, and it just has that welcoming energy. Whether you are there during the day or at night, it feels like there is always something to see. Overall this is a must visit if you are in Savannah. Great views, great atmosphere, and a lot to explore packed into one area. Definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

This is such a beautiful walk. The buildings are amazing and the view of the river is excellent. My…read morelittle cousin was so excited to watch a barge come through! And the bridge looks terrifying from the ground. There are so many shops and restaurants that you could walk down this street every day for a week and always find something new. Is it catered towards tourists? Yes, but I really think that you'll enjoy it.

A rather quiet square in the southwest corner of the Historic District canopied by about 20…read morebeautiful Live Oaks - the state tree. It's not uncommon to spot a wedding taking place in Chatham Square or SCAD textile design students studying. Some interesting facts about Chatham Square and surrounding buildings: *Chatham Square was laid out, along with neighboring Monterey Square, in 1847. Chatham Square is one of the last four in the expanding "Oglethorpe Plan" by city and Georgia colony founder General James Oglethorpe. *Chatham Square is named after Englishman William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham, who was an early supporter of the Georgia colony. *in the center of the square you'll find a sundial dedicated to African American, Savannah native, Louis Burke Toomer. Additionally, a historical marker placed in his honor highlights Toomer's contributions as a leader, local bank founder and realtor. Toomer established what is now the Carver State Bank. *In 1854, Barnard Street Elementary School, a boys school, was built on the northwest corner of Chatham Square. *General Sherman's Union forces used Barnard Street Elementary as a military hospital during the Civil War. *In 1906, Mediterranean revival style Barnard Street School was constructed on the same site as the old Barnard Street Elementary School. It was designed by Swedish immigrant, architect Gottfrid L. Norman. *The Northwest corner of Chatham Square continues to serve academically. SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) purchased Barnard Street School in 1988. The renovated school is now Pepe Hall and houses SCAD's Textile design school. *Gordon Row, on the southeast corner, was one of Savannah's first housing developments. These Federalist or Regency style homes line the 100 block of Gordon Street and were built in phases between 1852 and 1854. Cost per home was $3,500-$4,000 and marketed to country planters or farmers who wanted a house in town during visits.

Chatham Square is unique in that it's a little out of the way of your main Squares and houses no…read moremonuments or statues. It makes up for that with beautiful floral gardens, large oaks covered in Spanish moss and a lovely sundial. It's a short walk from Liberty Street, full of hotels and restaurants within the historic district. Interesting fact: Chatham Square is one of the least visited squares and was one of the last of Savannah's squares to be laid out. It's named after William Pitt, the first Earl of Chatham, the county Savannah resides in, and oddly enough, Chatham county was also named after William Pitt (but which was named first, I couldn't tell you. What you should look for when you visit: Barnard Street School, which used Chatham Square as their school playground for many years (the building is now part of SCAD). And "Gordon Row", a series of fifteen 4-story homes in a row. Square Review 2:22

On a recent trip to Savannah, one of my favorite things to do has been to learn the history of the…read moremonuments and squares that are all over this beautiful city. This monument has a very interesting story, both about the man it is dedicated to and who might possibly be buried at its base. The Pulaski Monument is located in the center of Monterey Square in Savannah. The monument is dedicated to one of our country's favorite military figures, Brigadier General Count Casimir Pulaski. Kazimierz Pułaski (1745-1779) was born into a noble family in Warsaw, Poland. He developed a passion for politics and came to the notice of the Continental Army while fighting against Russia. He was then issued an invitation to come to the colonies to aid them in their fight for independence. During the Revolutionary War he fought with honor at the battle of Brandywine despite not having fully enlisted and he became famous for organizing the American calvary. Pulaski was fatally injured at the Siege of Savannah. During the war, the British captured Savannah. Pulaski launched an attempt to take it back but was forced to retreat. As he attempted to inspect the battlefield he was mortally wounded by grape shot. To this day Pulaski remains a popular figure in American history and many parks and monuments throughout the country are named for him. After the war Savannah wanted to honor two war heroes, Pulaski and Nathanael Greene but the cost was prohibitive to the young nation saddled with war debt. Prior to 1823, both men were honored with an obelisk in Johnson Square. The monument to Pulaski was originally slated for Chippewa Square where a cornerstone was laid in 1823, but there wasn't enough money to build it and the location was changed to Monterey Square where a new cornerstone was laid in 1853. Russian born, New York artist Robert Eberhard Launitz created the 55 foot Italian marble monument. About the monument he designed, Mr. Launitz has said, "The monument is surmounted by a statue of Liberty, embracing with her left arm the banner of the Stars and Stripes, while in her right hand is extended the Laurel Wreath. The love of liberty brought Pulaski to America; for love of liberty he fought, and for liberty he lost his life. Thus, I thought that Liberty should crown his monument, and share with him the homage of the free." Once the Pulaski monument was built the obelisk in Johnson Square became the Nathanael Greene monument. A 241 year old mystery haunts Savannah involving Pulaski's final resting place. Some people believe General Pulaski was buried at the base of his monument while others are not so sure. After Pulaski was mortally injured at the Siege of Savannah, he was taken by boat up the coast to Charlestown. Some records say he was buried at sea while others say he made it to the Bowen Plantation where he was buried in an unmarked grave. In 1854 the body was dug up and interred at the base of the memorial despite that it might not actually be Pulaski. After eight years of testing and tracking down Pulaski's relatives in Poland, DNA testing has failed to settle the matter conclusively. Perhaps the general is not at rest as people have reported that this square is haunted by the sound of dying Revolutionary War soldiers.

This area is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, galleries, boutiques, inns and hotels. A good part…read moreof these businesses are located in restored passageways and nineteenth-century cotton warehouses. Everyone seems to enjoy this area when visiting Savannah. But what is Factor's Walk...and how did it get its name? Why is it here? Factor means to "sell" or "factorize". In these same buildings that now house various businesses...men used to bale, factor and sell cotton. The iron bridges and walkways led to the office entrances...often on the 3rd, 4th & 5th floors of the buildings. Here, brokers worked on sales and managed exports. "Factors" determined the amount(s) of cotton that would be sold to any merchant. Factors Walk was named after these cotton factors. Although the cotton trade is no longer here, it is still very much a business district...just in a different way. Today it is more of a promenade for all to enjoy instead of just doing business. The walkways & bridges are beautiful and remain nearly the same. There are historic steps that are rather steep still in existence as well that lead below to the river front...use them at your own risk. The architecture in this entire area is amazing...and cost nothing to take it all in except a little time...and this is time that I highly recommend.

Great place to visit , great view a good spot to take great pics . Historic steps is beautiful…read moreloved it . The only thing I hated was a lot of mosquitoes but other than that it was a great place to walk by and get to know

Johnson Square was a nice place to visit while we were in town. We really like taking photos and…read morelooking around the sites and seeing everything that had to offer.

Johnson Square is one of the 22 squares of Savannah. Located in the northernmost row of the city's…read morefive rows of squares, it was the first of the squares to be laid out, in 1733, and remains the largest of the 22. We loved walking around the square as well as sitting around, watching people go by....there's plenty of street parking around....some free, some metered, some inside parking garages Johnson Square is east of Ellis Square, west of Reynolds Square and north of Wright Square. Situated on Bull Street and St. Julian Street, it is named for Robert Johnson, colonial governor of South Carolina and a friend of General James Oglethorpe. Interred under his monument in the square is Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene, the namesake of nearby Greene Square. Greene was a Rhode Island native who died in the South.....us being from RI, found this very interesting and eye opening. An obelisk in the center of the square serves as a memorial to General Greene. Johnson Square contains two fountains, as well as a sundial.

Quick stop while I was visiting Tybee Island last year. It is one of the smallest lighthouses in…read moreGeorgia, located on a tiny island in the south channel of the Savannah River. Its part of Fort Pulaski National Monument. Its not open to the public for visiting. You can get close if your kayaking. The national park service does operate Cockspur Lighthouse, see website for the interesting facts about Cockspur. If you love lighthouses its a great stop for the history and views.

Decided to stop in here as we were headed to Tybee Island and we ended up spending so much time we…read moredidn't even go to the island! Fort Pulaski is in amazing condition and you get to walk through the tunnels as well as on top of the fort! They give you a paper with a map explaining history, and another one that tells you about all the canons. They have many original canons that you can see, and the information signs throughout the fort do a great job of just hitting the cool highlights without overwhelming you with information. The walk to the lighthouse is beautiful and you get some great views of the Savannah River.

Interesting Plaza, with history, nice building, sculptures and beautiful waterfront. Great…read morerestaurants with high reviews around it. It's worth to stop by and learn about the history, enjoy beautiful view and good food.

A nice historic area of Savannah that's easy to walk around. The Georgia Queen is pretty and a…read moredefinite photo opp. Was able to walk along the riverfront and stretch the legs out after a long drive. Mostly everything one way for driving and can be a bit tricky. Make sure you have your location set before driving around.