3 Little Facts About Savannah That You Might Not Know
One: Savannah Was America's First Planned City
Upon setting foot on the land that is present day Savannah, the foundations for the city were laid down by General James Oglethorpe and his 120 shipmates, who named the city after King George the Second, of England.
The City Market has since been the center of both the social and commercial spheres of life in Savannah, growing into the assortment of art galleries, restaurants, and boutique stores that it is presently. If you decide to visit Savannah today, you can walk through the historic Ellis and Franklin Squares, as you prepare to take a trolley into the heart of the city.
Two: Savannah is Home to the Oldest Historical Society
Founded in 1839, the Georgia Historical Society maintains the historic identity of this city that has seen much destruction and preservation efforts. During the War, much of the city's cultural identity and aesthetic beauty was broken down. In the post-war years, it was left to Anna Colquitt Hunter, who took it upon herself to lead the movement that would consequently allow the preservation movement to gain steam. She founded the Historic Savannah Foundation, which took upon itself the gargantuan task of maintaining the city's numerous historic landmarks. The work by the HSF continues in full swing to this day, evidenced by the 400 buildings that it have been restored and managed. Working together with the Savannah community and government, the HSF keeps the spirit and ambition of Anna Hunter strong and alive.
Three: Savannah Has a Lot of Museums
Stemming from its rich and long history, the city has plenty of museums to keep you busy for a long time.
The Telfair Museum of Art. Built in 1819 as a house for Alexander Telfair, it was donated by his sister Mary to the Georgia Historical Society in 1875. From then on, the Telfair was Savannah's first public art museum, and is home to a yearly art exhibition held in its more recently constructed Jepson Center.
If you're getting a little overloaded with all the art around you, the Georgia State Railroad Museum might be more up your alley. Home to the world's largest and most complete Antebellum railroad repair facility, the museum was close to being shut down until the City of Savannah and the Coastal Heritage Society stepped in. Today, you can take a ride in one of the locomotive cabs for a true experience of what it was like to travel during the era of the railroad.
If neither of these caught your eye, than the American Prohibition Museum, the first and only Prohibition Museum in the world, might interest you. Unlike its name suggests, the museum houses a speakeasy. However, entry is slightly trickier than just pulling out your ID - whisper the secret password at the door to be allowed in. If the American Prohibition Museum caught your eye, the Pirate's Inn might also serve you well. Inspiring Robert Louis Stevenson's Pirate Inn from Treasure Island, it was built in 1753 and its taps still flow freely to this day.
The streets of Savannah are a pleasant reminder that the past and present can co-exist to a great degree of success. Known as the "Hostess City of the South", Savannah is a compelling city to learn more about.
If you are looking to buy, sell, or relocate to this beautiful, rapidly growing city, contact us today at
(912) 737-2935!
