Savannah history

Foundation and First Mentions

The city of Savannah was founded on 12 February 1733 by the British general and social reformer James Oglethorpe. He arrived at the banks of the Savannah River on the ship "Ann" with approximately 120 colonists. Oglethorpe established Savannah as the capital of the new, thirteenth American colony—Georgia, named in honour of King George II. Initially, the colony was conceived as a place for the resettlement of the "worthy poor" from England's debtors' prisons and as a buffer zone for the defence of British possessions against the Spanish in Florida.

Key Factors of Development

Its geographic location on the high bank of the navigable Savannah River provided the city with a strategic advantage and contributed to its development as an important port centre. A unique feature of Savannah was its urban plan, developed by Oglethorpe. The city was designed as a grid of several identical neighbourhoods, with a public square located in the centre of each. This structure, known as the "Oglethorpe Plan," still defines the appearance of the city's historic centre and is recognised as a U.S. national treasure. Savannah became the first capital of colonial Georgia.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the early years of the colony, strict rules were in place reflecting the utopian ideals of its founders: slavery, strong alcoholic beverages, and the practice of law were prohibited. However, these bans were eventually lifted. The economy was initially focused on agriculture. Later, Savannah transformed into one of the key ports of the American South, and its economic prosperity was largely linked to the cotton trade. The Cotton Exchange building remains one of the symbols of the city to this day.

Timeline of Savannah's History

Savannah, the oldest city in the state of Georgia, possesses a rich and multi-layered history reflecting the key stages of the development of the American South. From its foundation as a utopian colony to its transformation into an important port and centre of cultural heritage, the city has witnessed many significant events.

• 1733 — General James Oglethorpe founds Savannah, which becomes the first capital of the new British colony of Georgia.
• 1751 — The initial ban on slavery is repealed, radically changing the economic and social structure of the colony.
• 1778 — During the Revolutionary War, the city is captured by British troops.
• 1779 — The failed Siege of Savannah by the combined forces of American and French troops takes place, during which the war hero Casimir Pulaski is mortally wounded.
• 1793 — The invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney near Savannah, leading to a cotton boom and strengthening the city's position as a major export port.
• 1796 — A major fire destroys a significant part of the city, leading to its subsequent rebuilding.
• 1819 — The steamship "Savannah" departs from the city port on the first transatlantic voyage in history, marking a new era in shipping.
• 1820 — A yellow fever epidemic claims the lives of one-tenth of the city's population.
• 1864 — During the Civil War, General William Sherman completes his "March to the Sea" and occupies Savannah, presenting it as a "Christmas gift" to President Abraham Lincoln and saving the city from destruction.
• 1955 — The Historic Savannah Foundation is established to save the city's unique architecture from demolition, launching a massive heritage preservation movement.
• 1966 — The Savannah Historic District, including the unique Oglethorpe Plan with 22 squares, is designated a National Historic Landmark.

Key Milestones in Savannah's History

Savannah's development is a story of unique urban planning, economic transformation, and a careful regard for its heritage. From a utopian colonial project to a modern logistics and cultural hub, the city has passed through several key stages that have defined its current appearance.

• The Unique Oglethorpe Plan (1733): At the heart of the city lies the ingenious urban plan of its founder, James Oglethorpe. Savannah was designed as a grid of neighbourhoods, with a public square in the centre of each. This system not only created pleasant green zones throughout the city but also ensured its orderly growth. Today, 22 of the original squares have been preserved and are the hallmark of the historic centre.
• Centre of Cotton Trade (Late 18th – 19th Centuries): After the invention of the cotton gin, Savannah's economy experienced a true boom. The city became one of the main ports on the Atlantic coast for cotton exports. The majestic Cotton Exchange building on the waterfront still serves as a reminder of this period of prosperity when Savannah was one of the key economic centres of the American South.
• Preservation During the Civil War (1864): Unlike many other Southern cities, Savannah avoided destruction during the Civil War. General William Sherman of the Northern army, having completed his famous "March to the Sea" here, was so charmed by the beauty of the city that he presented it as a "Christmas gift" to President Abraham Lincoln, preserving its unique architecture.
• Heritage Preservation Movement (from 1955): By the mid-20th century, many historic buildings were threatened with demolition. In 1955, a group of concerned citizens founded the Historic Savannah Foundation to save the city's architectural heritage. The foundation's efforts launched a massive movement, thanks to which Savannah's historic district is today one of the largest National Historic Landmarks in the USA.
• Cultural Renaissance and SCAD (from 1978): The founding of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) breathed new life into the city. Students and faculty began actively restoring and using abandoned historic buildings as galleries, studios, and academic buildings. This not only contributed to the preservation of architecture but also turned Savannah into a vibrant creative and educational hub.
• Port Growth and Logistics (20th-21st Centuries): The Port of Savannah, historically important to the city, has transformed in recent decades into one of the fastest-growing and busiest container ports in the USA. Constant modernisation, including the expansion of railway infrastructure and dredging works, strengthens its status as a key node in international trade.

Savannah's architectural appearance is a living encyclopedia of styles reflecting its rich history. General Oglethorpe's unique urban plan with its famous squares became the canvas upon which every era left its unique mark. The city's Historic District, one of the largest in the USA, has beautifully preserved buildings from various periods, creating a harmonious and diverse urban landscape.

Colonial and Federal Styles (18th – Early 19th Centuries)

Savannah's early architecture was defined by British traditions. The Georgian style, popular in the colonial period, is characterised by strict symmetry, balance, and classical proportions. After the Revolutionary War, it was replaced by the Federal style—an American interpretation of Neoclassicism. Typical features include brick facades, gable roofs, and elegant yet restrained decorative elements. A striking example of this period is the Davenport House, built in 1820, the rescue of which in 1955 marked the beginning of the movement to preserve Savannah's historical heritage.

Era of Prosperity: Greek Revival (1830s–1860s)

The period of Savannah's economic prosperity, linked to the cotton trade, was reflected in the monumental Greek Revival style. Inspired by ancient temples, buildings of this style feature majestic columns, porticos, and strict forms. They symbolised the wealth and high status of their owners. Outstanding examples of this style include the Owens-Thomas House and the U.S. Custom House, designed in 1848.

Victorian Era (1860s–1900s)

After the Civil War, architecture became more decorative and eclectic. Victorian era styles are widely represented in Savannah, particularly Italianate and Gothic Revival. They are characterised by asymmetry, richly decorated facades, bay windows, turrets, and intricate cast ironwork. The majestic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a brilliant example of French Gothic architecture. Many of these buildings are concentrated in the Victorian Historic District, located south of Forsyth Park.

Modernity and Adaptive Use

In the 20th century, having survived the threat of demolition for many historic buildings, Savannah became a model for heritage preservation. A key role in this was played by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), founded in 1978. The college breathed new life into dozens of abandoned buildings, restoring them and adapting them for use as academic buildings, galleries, and dormitories. This practice, known as "adaptive reuse," allowed not only for the preservation of the city's unique architectural appearance but also made it a lively and dynamic creative centre.

Notable Personalities of Savannah

Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, has been the birthplace or an important place in the lives of many outstanding individuals who have left a significant mark on the history, culture, and public life of the USA. From founders and military heroes to world-renowned writers and musicians, their legacy continues to live on in the streets and squares of this Southern city.

• James Oglethorpe — A British general, philanthropist, and founder of the colony of Georgia and its first capital, Savannah, in 1733. He developed the unique urban plan for the city with a system of squares, which still defines the appearance of the historic centre.
• Juliette Gordon Low — The founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. She was born in Savannah in 1860, and it was here, on 12 March 1912, that she gathered the first troop of 18 girls, launching a nationwide organisation. Her birthplace and museum is one of the city's main attractions.
• Johnny Mercer — A legendary songwriter, composer, and singer born in Savannah. He penned the lyrics to over one and a half thousand songs, including world-famous hits such as "Moon River" from the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Days of Wine and Roses". Mercer was a four-time Academy Award winner.
• Flannery O'Connor — An outstanding American writer born in Savannah in 1925. She is one of the key figures of the "Southern Gothic" literary genre. Her novels and short stories, exploring themes of religion and morality in the American South, brought her posthumous acclaim and the National Book Award.
• Conrad Aiken — An American poet, novelist, and critic, winner of the Pulitzer Prize (1930) and the National Book Award (1954). He was born in Savannah in 1889, and although tragic childhood events forced him to leave the city, he returned here at the end of his life and was buried in the famous Bonaventure Cemetery.
• Eli Whitney — An inventor whose main creation is closely linked to the history of Savannah. Near the city, at the Mulberry Grove plantation, he invented the cotton gin in 1793. This invention revolutionised the cotton industry and transformed Savannah into one of the largest ports for cotton exports.