Journey Through Time

Today's blog will be the first in a series. They will appear on an irregular basis over the next several weeks or months.

The City of Savannah, Georgia was laid out in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe. It was laid out in a grid of 4 open squares each surrounded by 4 residential (tithing) blocks and 4 civic (trust) blocks. It became known as the Oglethorpe Plan and allowed for growth of yah city. Additional squares were added in the 18th and 19th centuries. By 1851 there were 24 squares in the city. In the 20th century 3 squares were demolished or altered beyond recognition leaving 21. Ellis Square was reclaimed in 2010 so there are now 22. This series will be the story of each square. Today is an overview.

Calhoun Square- the southernmost square on Abercorn Street.

Chatham Square- named for William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, an early supporter of the colony.

Chippewa Square- named in honor of the American victory in the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812. It is the square where Forrest Gump's bench was placed during filming of the movie.

Columbia Square- named in honor of the United States.

Crawford Square- located on the eastern edge of the historic district.

Ellis Square- named for Henry Ellis, the second royal governor.

Franklin Square- named for Benjamin Franklin an agent of the colony of Georgia from 1768 to 1778.

Greene Square- named for General Nathaniel Greene aide to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War.

Johnson Square- first square laid out by General James Oglethorpe in 1733. It is the largest square and named for Robert Johnson a friend of James Oglethorpe.

Lafayette Square- named in honor of Marquis de Lafayette.

Madison Square- named for President James Madison and features cannons from the Old Savannah Armory.

Monterey Square- has a statue of Casmir Pulaski at the center and is considered the most picturesque square.

Oglethorpe Square- named for General James Oglethorpe founder of Savannah and the colony of Georgia.

Orleans Square- commemorates General Andrew Jackson's 1815 victory in the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.

Pulaski Square- one of the few squares with no monument. Named for the Polish Count Casmir Pulaski a Revolutionary War hero.

Reynolds Square- once home to the Filature, the place silkworms were housed in an effort to create silk in the Georgia colony.

Tell fair Square- named in honor of the Telfair family.

Group Square- features an armillary, an astronomical centerpiece made of iron that is supported by small metal turtles.

Warren Square- named for General Joseph Warren a Revolutionary War hero.

Washington Square- northernmost square that once bordered the Trustee's Garden.

Whitefield Square- popular place for weddings and features a white gazebo.

Wright Square- originally called Percival Square. It is the final resting place of Tomochichi the Native American leader who helped General James Oglethorpe found the colony of Georgia.

The journey begins. Be prepared for your history lessons.