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Savannah's History

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In November of 1732, James Oglethorpe set sail from England with 114 other intrepid travelers. Some three months later he landed on the shores of the Savannah River and discovered what would become America’s thirteenth colony. Though Yamacraw Indians occupied the area, Oglethorpe’s band of would-be colonists were welcomed and allowed to settle peacefully. Inspired by the town plans of London, Oglethorpe immediately designed a city built around central “squares.” His vision is responsible for the tranquil and verdant gathering places that dot Savannah’s Historic District today.

Savannah’s position as Georgia’s port allowed it to flourish quickly, and cotton became its thriving industry. Years of prosperity were cut short by major fires in 1796 and 1820, which left over half the city in ruins. Followed by a yellow fever epidemic, Savannah’s future was in jeopardy - especially with the onset of the Civil War. After Sherman’s raid through Atlanta, he headed south toward Savannah. In a gracious gesture, however, he opted not to burn the city. Instead he delivered it to President Lincoln as a Christmas gift in December 1864.

Post war reconstruction provided challenges for Savannah, but its prime location and spirited residents caused it to thrive once more. Eventually, time began to wear away Savannah’s façade, and the city was literally falling apart by the mid-1950s. A group of determined ladies rescued many of the historic buildings from destruction, sparking a ferocious movement to save Savannah’s numerous important structures.

With its celebrated architecture intact, Savannah became a popular place for sightseeing. But it was John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil that vaulted Savannah from a sleepy Southern town to a national tourist destination. The city’s charm and history has fascinated millions, and its stories continue to unfold.

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