Today's square in our ongoing series of Savannah squares is Oglethorpe Square. The first four squares laid out were Johnson, Wright, Ellis and Telfair. The "New Squares" were Reynolds and Oglethorpe. It was originally named Upper New Square and was laid out in 1742. It was later renamed in honor of Georgia founder General James Oglethorpe. The home of Georgia's first Royal Governor John Reynolds was located on the southeast trust lot in what is now the parking lot for the President's Quarters Inn. The residences of the Royal Surveyors of Georgia and South Carolina were located in the northeast trust lots site of the Owens-Thomas House. The square has a pedestal honoring Moravian missionaries who arrived at the same time as John Wesley and settled in Savannah from 1735 to 1740 before resettling in Pennsylvania. A veterans group proposted erecting a memorial to World War II veterans in Oglethorpe Square but they were unsuccessful and it was placed on River Street.
This picture is included simply to show you the tourist industry is alive and well in Savannah. You may choose a horse drawn tour of the historic area or one of the many tour buses. There are also bicycle and walking tours available. It is a great way to get acquainted with the area before setting out on your own. The guides are very well informed and provide great background information.
The squares are very park like and cooler than the surrounding urban area. It is not unusual to walk into a square and feel 10 degrees cooler and enjoy a respite from the intense southern heat and sun. Come back tomorrow for a post about buildings around the square.
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