Savannah Walking Tour: 1853 vs. Present

1. 1

   201 East York Street

   Established 1853 • Residential block within Savannah’s colonial grid • Resident Ghost(s)
   201 East York Street, Savannah, GA

   

   Centrally located in Savannah’s Historic District and set within the city’s original grid of streets and squares, 201 East York sits on a quiet residential block shaped by the port’s prosperity. In 1853, this home was built for the shipping captain and stevedore Henry James Dickerson, at a time when stoops served as social rooms and side yards doubled as work courts. Neighbors were often shipwrights, merchants, carpenters, and farmers—each tied in some way to the bustling Savannah port.
   Today, the same narrow lots, brick and stucco façades, and wrought-iron balconies remain—restored townhomes shaded by graceful live oaks. Visitors are drawn to the tranquility of Oglethorpe Square, the pealing of church bells on the hour, the worn brick sidewalks, and the ease of walking from 201 East York to nearly everything Savannah’s historic district has to offer.

   
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   Forever Waiting — The Echoes of East York. Over time, the house earned a reputation for whispers in empty rooms, the faint trace of perfume in the air, and soft footsteps gliding across wide pine floors. At dusk, when the church bells toll six, some guests swear a figure lingers by the stoop. A woman in shadow. A man in silence. Sometimes—both together.

   But the question lingers in the night air: who will you see?

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2. 2

   Oglethorpe Square

   Established: 1742 • One of the original ward squares
   127 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA

   

   Laid out in 1742 and named for General James Oglethorpe, this square embodied Savannah’s “ward” design—public green at center, flanked by trust and tythings lots. In 1853 it functioned as a shaded civic parlor where residents crossed paths on errands and news traveled faster than the newspapers. The canopies you see today echo that mid-19th-century experience: benches tucked beneath live oaks, crushed-shell paths, and edges defined by tidy façades. While businesses have changed, the rhythm hasn’t; locals note it’s one of the calmest squares downtown, perfect for a reflective pause between busier sights. Consider 1853 neighbors discussing shipping prices and the latest packets in port; now the talk is lunch plans and photo angles. Oglethorpe Square’s enduring role—as a breathable pause in a compact city—reminds you why Savannah’s plan is still studied worldwide.

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3. 3

   The Marshall House

   Established: 1851 • Among Savannah’s oldest hotels
   123 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA

   

   When Mary Marshall opened this hotel in 1851, Broughton Street was the commercial spine of Savannah. In 1853, travelers stepped from coaches into gas-lit halls, reading coastal shipping sheets over supper before retiring to verandas that caught the evening breeze. During the Civil War it served as a Union hospital, a chapter that fuels today’s ghost stories. Restored in the 1990s, the Marshall House blends original heart-pine floors and slender columns with modern comforts; guests praise the welcoming staff, evening wine receptions, and a location that makes walking effortless. The building’s function—hospitality—has stayed constant, but its meaning has expanded: from waystation for merchants and planters to boutique base for history-seekers. As you pass, picture porters whisking trunks upstairs and, in the present, rolling suitcases crossing the same threshold—two centuries of arrivals written in the boards underfoot.

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4. 4

   Lucas Theatre for the Arts

   Established: 1921 • Beaux‑Arts movie palace and performing arts venue
   32 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA

   

   The Lucas arrived decades after our 1853 moment, yet it shows how Savannah layered culture onto commerce. Where mid‑19th‑century storefronts and workshops once stood, the 1921 Lucas unfurled a gilded interior for vaudeville, films, and now concerts and festivals. Visitors rave about the ornate ceiling, gracious balcony sightlines, and intimate acoustics that make even a whisper feel theatrical. If 1853 favored cotton ledgers and warehouse bells, the Lucas speaks to the city’s 20th‑century reinvention: preservationists saved it from demolition, and today it anchors a lively arts calendar. Imagine the continuum—song and spectacle replacing the clatter of wagons—while the surrounding street grid, steady since colonial days, frames both eras with the same elegant geometry.

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   The Olde Pink House

   Established: 1771 • Georgian mansion turned celebrated restaurant
   23 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA

   

   Built in 1771 for James Habersham Jr., this Georgian townhouse predates our 1853 snapshot by generations. In that year it had already seen service as a private home, meeting place, and later bank, hosting gatherings where trade, politics, and society intertwined. The soft pink hue comes from the red brick beneath bleeding through white stucco over time—a quirk locals adore. Today it’s one of Savannah’s most sought‑after dining rooms: reviewers praise candle‑lit parlors, live music in the tavern, and Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits. The function has shifted from elite residence to public table, but the experience still centers on hospitality—lingering conversation under flickering light. Step close to the façade and you’re touching the same masonry that witnessed carriage lanterns and whispers nearly 250 years ago.

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   Old City Exchange Bell

   Established: 1802 (bell) • Timekeeper, fire alarm, and civic signal
   100–116 E Bay Street, Savannah, GA

   

   Cast in 1802 for the City Exchange, this bell was Savannah’s audible heartbeat. In 1853, its chimes marked business hours, warned of fires along the wharves, and summoned citizens for meetings. Though the City Exchange building was demolished in the early 1900s, the bell survived and now stands along Bay Street as a rare artifact you can see at street level. Visitors remark on how tangible the past feels here: a single bronze instrument that ordered daily life. Consider how news traveled then—by sound, by steps, by noticeboard—versus today’s phones; yet the bell still gathers attention, a miniature monument to community rhythms that continue in different forms.

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   Factor’s Walk

   Established: 18th–19th centuries • Cotton brokerage terraces & lanes
   115 E River Street, Savannah, GA

   

   In 1853 this was the nerve center of the cotton world. “Factors”—brokers who graded, financed, and sold cotton—moved between upper Bay Street offices and lower River Street warehouses across iron catwalks and cobbled ramps. Ships unloaded bales, hoists creaked, ledgers scratched. Today, boutiques, cafés, and galleries occupy those same brick shells, while the catwalks still stitch terrace to riverfront. Visitors love the atmosphere: weathered walls, arched openings, and the sudden vistas down to the water. The function shifted from global commodity trade to strolling and shopping, but the fabric of commerce remains—only now the goods are art, ice cream, and souvenirs instead of fiber bound for mills.

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8. 8

   Savannah Belles Ferry

   Established: Modern service; historic ferries since 18th–19th centuries
   River Street Dock, Savannah, GA

   

   River ferries have crossed here for centuries. In 1853, oar‑ and steam‑powered craft moved laborers, visitors, and goods between Savannah and South Carolina, part of the city’s daily logistics. Today, the free Savannah Belles Ferry connects River Street with Hutchinson Island, offering breezy rides and postcard views of bridges and cargo ships. Guests often call it an unexpected highlight—efficient transportation that doubles as a harbor tour. What was once a working link in the port’s machinery is now both practical and playful, carrying you across water that has always been Savannah’s lifeline.

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9. 9

   Savannah Riverboat Cruises

   Established: Modern attraction • Paddlewheel‑style sightseeing & dining
   9 E River Street, Savannah, GA

   

   In 1853, riverboats carried cotton bales, timber, and passengers along the coastal network, binding inland towns to the port. Today’s paddlewheel‑style vessels echo that silhouette, swapping manifests for menus. Narrated cruises trace the skyline and shipyards; sunset and dinner sailings add music and Southern fare. Reviews consistently mention friendly crews and the thrill of watching ocean‑going ships slip by at eye level. The purpose evolved from freight to pleasure, but the river still stages the same drama: currents, industry, and city lights playing across the water as day softens to evening.

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    Cluskey Vaults

    Established: 1840s • Arched brick chambers along Bay Street
    East Upper Factors Walk

    

    Built in the 1840s and tucked into the Bay Street bluff, the Cluskey Vaults are a row of massive brick arches whose exact original use remains debated. In 1853 they likely supported the terrace above and provided storage for goods moving to and from the riverfront; some interpretations connect them to the darker economy of the domestic slave trade that coursed through Savannah. Today you can step close to the cool brickwork and read the city’s layers in mortar and shadow. Visitors describe the spot as quietly powerful—industrial architecture that doubles as a memorial to the complexities of prosperity in a port city.

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    U.S. Customs House

    Established: 1852 • Granite Greek Revival landmark of the port
    1–3 E Bay St, Savannah, GA

    

    Completed just before our benchmark year, the Customs House collected duties, cleared ships, and enforced federal trade law. In 1853, merchants climbed its grand steps to settle accounts tied to cargoes from around the globe; the building’s scale and stone broadcasted authority over a bustling riverfront. Today it still serves the government, its fluted columns and marble interiors drawing admiration from architecture lovers. Think of it as Savannah’s ledger in stone: the place where numbers, ships, and international commerce became civic order—now a photogenic anchor to Bay Street’s panorama.

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    Johnson Square

    Established: 1733 • Oldest and largest of Savannah’s squares
    Johnson Square, Savannah GA

    

    Johnson Square has been the city’s front room since the very beginning. By 1853, banks and offices framed it, messengers crisscrossed the paths, and public notices drew crowds beneath the oaks. The square also honors Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene, whose remains rest here—linking everyday business to national memory. Visitors today enjoy its centrality and shade, often using it as a launch point for exploring. As in 1853, it still functions as a crossroads of commerce and commemoration, where errands and history lessons naturally intersect.

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    Christ Church Episcopal

    Established: Parish 1733; present building 1838 • “Mother Church of Georgia”
    28 Bull Street, Savannah, GA

    

    Founded with the city in 1733, Christ Church nurtured Savannah’s earliest congregation; John Wesley himself preached here in the 1730s. By 1853, worshipers gathered in the 1838 Greek Revival sanctuary you see today—white stucco, classical columns, and a bright, serene nave. Then as now, the church anchored civic life with rites of passage, charity, and music. Visitors often note the warm welcome and elegant simplicity. The contrast across time is one of continuity: a house of prayer that has adapted to new centuries without losing its original grace.

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14. 14

    Ellis Square

    Established: 1733 • Historic market site reimagined as an urban plaza
    Ellis Square, Savannah, GA

    

    In 1853, Ellis Square hosted the city market, where butchers, produce sellers, and fishmongers filled stalls from dawn; it was also part of Savannah’s painful history of enslaved people being sold. The modern square, rebuilt in the 21st century, offers playful fountains, open seating, and easy access to City Market. Families love the splash pads, and travelers appreciate the energy and people‑watching. The function has shifted from necessity shopping to leisure gathering, but the square still hums with exchange—stories now instead of livestock and staples.

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    City Market

    Established: 18th‑century market; revived late 20th century • Pedestrian dining & arts
    219 W Bryan Street, Savannah, GA

    

    City Market fed Savannah for generations. In 1853, you’d walk here for fresh vegetables, seafood, and gossip, all under a roof of practical sheds. Though the original structures are gone, the district was revived with galleries, restaurants, and music. Visitors praise the festive vibe—street musicians, patio tables, and local artists whose studios welcome drop‑ins. From provisioning to pleasure, City Market still does what it always did: gather Savannahians and guests to trade, taste, and talk.

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    Wright Square

    Established: 1733 • Government square and memorial site
    Wright Square, Savannah, GA

    

    By 1853, Wright Square had long served civic functions and stood near early public buildings. It is also bound to the story of Tomochichi, the Yamacraw leader who aided Oglethorpe; his gravesite was disrupted in the 1880s, though a later boulder memorial now honors him. Visitors describe Wright as contemplative—an island of quiet amid courthouses and offices. Where 19th‑century citizens might have awaited proclamations or verdicts, today’s passersby find a shady bench and a moment to consider the deeper currents of Savannah’s founding alliances.

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    Chippewa Square

    Established: 1815 • Known for the Oglethorpe statue and film lore
    Chippewa Square, Savannah, GA

    

    Created to commemorate an American victory in the War of 1812, Chippewa was by 1853 a genteel address of residences and institutions. Today, it’s famous for the bronze statue of Oglethorpe and for the movie Forrest Gump—the bench scenes were filmed here, though the prop bench now lives in a museum. Visitors call it quintessential Savannah: generous shade, graceful paths, and postcard‑ready views in every direction. Its role has shifted from neighborhood green to global icon, yet it still feels intimate, like a living room under the oaks.

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    Savannah Theatre

    Established: 1818 • One of America’s oldest operating theatres
    Savannah Theatre, Savannah, GA

    

    Opened in 1818 and rebuilt after fires, the Savannah Theatre was already a marquee address in 1853, hosting plays, operas, and lectures that gave the city a cultural sheen beyond its warehouses. Today the neon sign glows over lively productions—musicals and tribute shows that charm families and tour groups. Reviewers love the friendly cast interactions and nostalgic vibe. Where 19th‑century patrons queued in carriages, rideshares now pull up—but the promise is the same: an evening of shared stories in a room tuned for applause.

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    Madison Square

    Established: 1837 • Residential square with the Jasper Monument
    Madison Square, Savannah, GA

    

    In 1853, Madison Square anchored a handsome neighborhood and occasionally hosted militia drills on the nearby green. Today it’s distinguished by the monument to Revolutionary War hero Sergeant William Jasper and flanked by architectural gems. Visitors praise its “storybook” feel—the way light, brick, and live oaks compose a perfect frame. What began as a genteel resident’s front yard remains a stage for everyday life: dog walkers, wedding photos, and the soft hush that settles after dusk.

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    Jones Street

    Established: early–mid 19th century • Iconic rowhouse avenue
    “Prettiest Street in America”, Savannah, GA

    

    Jones Street’s reputation is well earned. By 1853 it showcased prosperous brick rowhouses, gas lamps, and shaded sidewalks—the height of urban grace. Today, preserved façades and canopying live oaks make this one of the most photographed streets in the country. Visitors gush over the textures: tabby stoops, wrought iron, and quiet courtyards glimpsed through gates. In function it has shifted from elite address to shared civic treasure; the street still reads as a continuous salon where every doorstep feels like part of a grand, green room.

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    Monterey Square

    Established: 1847 • Home to the Pulaski Monument
    Monterey Square

    

    Monterey Square was fairly young in 1853, but already impressive—its centerpiece, the monument to General Casimir Pulaski, was dedicated that same year. Framed by refined townhouses and later made famous by the Mercer House, the square balances dignity with calm. Visitors single it out as “most perfect,” thanks to symmetrical paths and hushed ambience. The purpose hasn’t changed much: a contemplative garden room that honors sacrifice while giving neighbors—and travelers—a place to breathe.

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    Green‑Meldrim House

    Established: 1853–1861 • Gothic Revival mansion; Sherman’s 1864 HQ
    14 W Macon St, Savannah, GA

    

    Under construction around 1853 for cotton merchant Charles Green, this Gothic Revival showpiece would soon impress visiting dignitaries with its oriel windows, intricate iron, and sweeping interiors. During the Civil War, General Sherman used the home as his headquarters, tying it to one of Savannah’s most consequential chapters. Today it’s owned by neighboring St. John’s Church and open for tours. Visitors marvel at its craftsmanship and the palpable sense of history. From merchant prestige to national theater, the house’s function shifted—but its presence remains commanding.

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    St John’s Episcopal Church

    Established: 1853 • Gothic Revival parish church
    325 Bull Street, Savannah, GA

    

    Brand‑new in 1853, St. John’s signaled Savannah’s growing Episcopal community with pointed arches, lancet windows, and a finely crafted wooden interior. Parishioners then filled pews in broadcloth and crinolines; today the church remains active, its bells and choir stitching sacred time into the city’s weekly rhythm. Visitors note the serenity and artistry. The continuity is striking: a spiritual anchor whose architecture speaks softly of aspiration and devotion across generations.

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    Forsyth Park

    Established: 1840s • 30 acres of promenades, lawns, and oaks
    Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA

    

    By 1853, Forsyth served as parade ground, pleasure garden, and public common—a breathing space for a dense, working city. Today it’s Savannah’s great park: playgrounds, tennis, concerts, and endless picnics beneath green vaulted ceilings. Visitors love the blend of activity and repose, and the way the park frames everyday rituals from sunrise jogs to sunset saxophones. Its function is unchanged at heart: a democratic landscape where all of Savannah can stroll, gather, and be restored.

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    Forsyth Park Fountain

    Established: 1858 • Cast‑iron fountain modeled after Parisian designs
    Forsyth Park Fountain, Savannah, GA

    

    Our 1853 city hadn’t yet seen this fountain; it arrived in 1858 as a fashionable statement that transformed Forsyth’s axis into Savannah’s most photographed view. Today, wedding parties, early joggers, and travelers all orbit its spray. Reviewers call it “magical,” especially at dawn when mist drifts through camellias and live oaks. The fountain shifted the park’s function from open ground to formal promenade, giving Savannah an icon to match her reputation for romance.

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    Saturday Farmers Market (Forsyth Park)

    Established: Modern tradition; markets since 18th–19th centuries
    Forsyth Park, Savannah, GA

    

    In 1853, Savannahians relied on markets scattered across squares for produce, seafood, and staples. Today’s Saturday market in Forsyth revives that habit with farm vegetables, baked goods, and small‑batch treats, often to the tune of local musicians. Visitors highlight the friendly vendors and community vibe. The essentials persist: seasonal food, neighborly talk, and the pleasure of provisioning in the open air—only now with cold‑brew coffee instead of a bucket and basket.

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    Taylor Square

    Established: 1851 (as Calhoun Square); renamed 2023 to honor Susie King Taylor
    Taylor Square, Savannah, GA

    

    One of Savannah’s younger original‑plan squares, this space was fresh in 1853 and surrounded by refined homes. Its recent renaming honors Susie King Taylor, a trailblazing African American nurse and educator born in Georgia, reframing the square’s story for today’s visitors. People appreciate the quiet shade and nearby intact 19th‑century streetscapes. From fashionable address to thoughtful memorial landscape, Taylor Square now invites reflection alongside beauty.

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    Jones Street (Gander Down the Prettiest Street)

    Established: early–mid 19th century • Slow stroll section
    “Prettiest Street in America”, Savannah, GA

    

    Keep wandering along Jones to feel its full cadence. In 1853 the soundtrack would have been vendors calling, iron being hammered in backyard shops, and children at play under watchful porches. Today it’s birds, soft conversation, and camera shutters. Guests say the best way to “do Savannah” is to let Jones Street set your pace—unhurried, observant, and delighted by every doorway and garden that appears like a stage set.

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    Lafayette Square

    Established: 1873 • Fountain‑centered square near the Cathedral
    Lafayette Square, Savannah, GA

    

    Lafayette Square didn’t exist in 1853; the blocks here were residential. Its 1873 layout and later fountain created a small jewel box, today embraced by the soaring Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist and neighboring museums and houses. Visitors describe it as intimate, photogenic, and lovingly kept. Though younger than many squares, it illustrates how Savannah continued to extend its graceful plan beyond the antebellum core.

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    Unitarian Universalist Church

    Established: 1851 (building) • Historic Gothic Revival sanctuary
    311 E Harris Street, Savannah, GA

    

    Built in 1851, this church was only two years old in 1853. It reflects the arrival of Unitarian thought in Savannah, a community less tied to tradition and more to free religious inquiry. In its early years, it hosted lectures and gatherings alongside services. Today, it remains an active congregation. Visitors admire the Gothic design and the sense of progressive history. Reviews often note the congregation’s warmth and inclusivity.

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    Troup Square

    Established: 1851 • Distinctive armillary sphere monument
    Troup Square

    

    Laid out in 1851, Troup Square was very new in 1853. Surrounded by row houses, it served as a fashionable residential square. Its most distinctive feature today is an armillary sphere monument, a symbol of astronomy and learning. Visitors often comment on its quietness compared to busier squares. Dog lovers especially appreciate the square’s “Blessing of the Animals” tradition each year.

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    Colonial Park Cemetery

    Established: 1750 • Historic cemetery turned public green
    200 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA

    

    Established in 1750, Colonial Park Cemetery was already closed to burials by 1853, but it remained a haunting presence. Locals would have passed by its gates daily, mindful of its thousands of graves, including Revolutionary War soldiers. Today, it’s open as a historic park and walking space. Visitors love the atmospheric tombstones—some damaged during the Civil War—and the peaceful shade. It is often described as beautiful but eerie.

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    Second African Baptist Church

    Established: congregation 1802; current building 1926
    123 Houston St, Savannah, GA

    

    Founded in 1802, the congregation worshiped in several buildings before the current church was completed in 1926. In 1853, members met in an earlier structure, already an important center of African American worship and community. Later, it became historic as the site where General Sherman’s “40 acres and a mule” promise was announced in 1865. Today, the church remains active. Visitors find it inspiring for its resilience and role in Black history.

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    Greene Square

    Established: 1799 • Residential square with deep community roots
    Greene Square, Savannah, GA

    

    Established in 1799, Greene Square was surrounded in 1853 by modest homes of free African Americans and working‑class families. Named after General Nathanael Greene, it reflected both patriotism and community life. Today, it is still one of the quieter squares. Visitors appreciate its residential charm, shady trees, and sense of authenticity. Reviews often describe it as one of the most peaceful stops.

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    The Pirates’ House

    Established: 1753 • Tavern and inn turned family‑favorite restaurant
    20 E Broad St, Savannah, GA

    

    Dating back to 1753, the Pirates’ House was already legendary in 1853, having once served seafarers and rumored pirates. By that year, it functioned as a tavern and inn near the busy port. Today, it is a themed restaurant that celebrates its colorful past. Visitors enjoy hearty Southern fare and playful pirate décor. Many mention how fun it is for kids and families, with costumed staff and tales of hidden tunnels.

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    Washington Square

    Established: 1790 • Quiet residential square near the river
    Washington Square, Savannah, GA

    

    Laid out in 1790, Washington Square was a fashionable residential area in 1853. Families lived in stately homes that reflected the growing wealth of Savannah’s merchants. Today, the square is prized for its historic houses and quiet setting near the waterfront. Visitors describe it as charming and less crowded, making it ideal for a reflective stop on the tour.

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    Columbia Square

    Established: 1799 • Quaint square with relocated Wormsloe fountain
    Columbia Square, Savannah, GA

    

    Created in 1799, Columbia Square was surrounded in 1853 by artisan and merchant homes. Today, it is noted for its fountain, which was relocated here from Wormsloe Plantation. Visitors love its shaded benches and surrounding architecture. Reviews often describe it as quaint and photogenic, with a strong neighborhood feel.

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    Owens‑Thomas House & Slave Quarters

    Established: 1819 • Regency mansion interpreting elite life and enslavement
    124 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA

    

    Built in 1819, this Regency‑style mansion was home to wealthy cotton merchants. By 1853, it was still a prominent residence, supported by enslaved laborers who lived in adjacent quarters. Today, the Owens‑Thomas House is a museum that tells the story of elite life and the harsh reality of slavery in Savannah. Visitors consistently praise the guided tours for their depth, noting how moving and educational they are—the preserved slave quarters are often cited as the most powerful part of the visit.

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    201 East York Street (Return Point)

    Established: mid‑19th century • Return to your elegant home base
    201 East York Street, Savannah, GA

    

    

    We end where we began—201 East York Street. In 1853, this was a bustling residential block; today it still reflects the charm and character of Savannah’s historic district. Returning here completes the circle of time: from civic squares and busy markets to churches, theaters, and quiet streets. Visitors often remark that Savannah feels like a city that lives simultaneously in 1853 and today, and this spot is the perfect reminder of that blend.

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    Before you go: this story begins and ends here. Don’t forget to watch the short ghost video for 201 East York to see why guests say Emma still lingers.

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