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Savannah, Georgia Area Guide

Savannah, Georgia is the largest city in Chatham County, and it is also the county seat. Each year millions of visitors flock to Savannah to enjoy the city’s beautiful architecture and historic buildings. In addition to being a top tourist destination, the city has a strong economy which caters to several industries such as manufacturing, military, healthcare, retail, distribution and more. These factors make Savannah an excellent place to work, play, and live.

History

Savannah’s rich history begins in 1733 when General James Oglethorpe sailed his ship “Anne” into a bluff along the Savannah River. With his crew of 120 passengers he named the last American colony “Georgia”, a name taken from King George II of England. Savannah became the first city in the 13th American colony.

The Georgia colony was created to give England’s poor a new start in America by increasing trade and protecting the other colonies from the Spanish in Florida. Originally people enjoyed many religious freedoms and rum, lawyers and slavery were forbidden. Since Oglethorpe quickly befriended Tomochichi, the local Yamacraw Indian chief, he was able to settle on the bluff without any warfare with the Indian tribes (war with the Indians was a major burden for the earlier American colonies). Savannah was the first American city that was planned ahead of time; Oglethorpe divided the city into a series of grids with wide roads and shady public areas for town meetings and business centers throughout. Twenty-one of the original twenty-four shady squares are still in existence today.

The British took over Savannah during the American Revolution and the city remained in their possession until American independence was secured. After the war the city prospered due to rich soil, but the increase in agriculture led to large plantations and legalized slavery. Many of the African-Americans coming in to Savannah via the Trans-Atlantic slave trade formed the Gullah culture of Georgia and South Carolina’s coastal areas. Savannah became a wealthy commercial port with the invention of the cotton gin, and people began building exquisite homes and buildings throughout the city. Later the city’s luck turned and residents were forced to rebuild after two devastating fires in 1796 and 1820. The year 1820 also brought an outbreak of yellow fever that killed 10% of town’s population, but Savannah continued to prosper.

Before the Civil War, Savannah was known as one of the most scenic and picturesque cities in America, known for its oak trees, architecture, and Spanish moss. During the war the sea blockades protecting the Savannah River became so strict that the economy began to break down, and eventually the city fell to Union General William Tecumseh in 1864. Tecumseh arrived on the scene after burning the city of Atlanta, but after seeing the beauty of Savannah he could not bring himself to burn it down. On December 22, 1864 Tecumseh sent a telegram to President Abraham Lincoln offering Savannah to him as a Christmas present.

Since the war the city of Savannah has faced numerous challenges to remain successful including Reconstruction, swarms of boll weevils that devastated crops, and the Great Depression. Through all of this, the freed slaves here managed to build thriving communities complete with churches and schools. In the 1950s the Historic Savannah Foundation was created by a group of women who fought to preserve the historic structures of the city. Due to their efforts, Savannah’s Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966; it is one of the largest historic landmarks in the nation today. The city’s beautiful architecture, scenic landscaping, and reputation for hospitality make it an ideal spot to work and raise a family.

Savannah Events

You will never run out of things to do in Savannah! There are over 200 festivals each year, not to mention historic tours, museums and local sporting events. Savannah has mild temperatures year-round making outdoor activities like hiking and cycling very pleasant all year long.

Savannah Jazz Festival – September
This festival has been held every year since its inception in 1983 and is sponsored by the Coastal Jazz Association. The Association hopes the event will continue to grow as we celebrate the strong Jazz tradition here in Savannah. The festival is held the last full week of September each year.

Savannah Greek Festival – October
Every year residents get together to celebrate Mediterranean culture. Visitors can expect traditional Greek food, music, musical, and dance performances during the festival.

Christmas on the River – December
The Christmas on the River celebration includes endless holiday decorations, arts and crafts displays, a parade, and other Christmas festivities. There is something for the whole family here!

For a complete list of events in the area visit: http://www.savannahvisit.com/events_other.asp

Savannah Attractions

Telfair Museum of Art
The Telfair Museum is one of the most visited attractions in the city due to its brilliant collection of art, culture, and history exhibits. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the facility is 64,000-sqft and includes expanded gallery spaces, educational resources, sculpture gardens, an auditorium, a museum store and a café.

City Market
Come to the City Market to discover and explore art, history, dining, shopping and entertainment here in Savannah! Located in the Historic District downtown, City market has artist studios, restaurants, and restaurants all in this restored four-block area of town.