Long before the streets of Savannah were lined with cobblestones and shaded by ancient oak trees, the land was home to the Cherokee and Creek tribes. They walked the land by the banks of the Savannah River, known to them as Isondega, or “blue water.” The river was their lifeblood, providing food and transportation and connecting their communities to the natural world.

But in 1733, a ship called the Anne arrived on these shores, carrying a visionary named General James Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe, along with a group of settlers, sought to establish a new kind of colony—one founded on principles of equality and opportunity. When Oglethorpe stood on the riverbank, gazing across the bluff where the city would be built, he saw more than untamed land; he saw the future.

Tomochichi, chief of the Yamacraw tribe, greeted Oglethorpe and his settlers with peace, forging a friendship that would shape the city’s beginnings. In return, Oglethorpe promised to create a city where harmony between the land and its people would prevail. With this vision, Savannah was born, and its history began to unfold.

This post traces Savannah’s journey from these early days to the elegant city it is today, uncovering the landmarks, stories, and people who have shaped its legacy of resilience and beauty.

The Riverfront: The Pulse of Early Savannah

As the city grew, so did the importance of the Savannah River. The Riverfront became the heart of trade and commerce, with ships arriving from distant lands to trade goods like cotton, indigo, and rice. Along River Street, which was lined with warehouses and bustling docks, merchants and traders exchanged goods while sailors roamed the cobblestone streets.

One of the most iconic buildings on the riverfront was the Savannah Cotton Exchange, built in 1887. This Gothic Revival structure symbolized the city’s importance in the global cotton trade, with Savannah becoming one of the busiest ports in the South. Much of this wealth, however, was built on the backs of enslaved African-Americans who worked tirelessly on plantations and in the city, laying the foundation for the cotton economy that brought wealth to the city. Today, the Cotton Exchange stands as a testament to Savannah’s complex history, while the riverfront bustles with restaurants, art galleries, and shops housed in those very same historic warehouses.

The Enslaved and Their Enduring Legacy

Slavery played a profound role in Savannah’s early economy and culture, shaping both the city’s wealth and its social structure. By the late 18th century, the city’s prosperity relied heavily on the labor of enslaved Africans, who were forced to work on rice and cotton plantations surrounding the city as well as in the homes, businesses, and port infrastructure within Savannah. The people they brought from Africa were not merely laborers; they brought traditions, skills, and resilience that would endure through generations.

One of the oldest structures related to this history is First African Baptist Church, established in 1777. It is one of the oldest Black congregations in the United States and became a place of community, hope, and resilience for enslaved and free African-Americans. This church was a center for both religious freedom and the Underground Railroad, with stories of secret tunnels used to shelter escaped enslaved people. Today, it stands as a monument to the strength and faith of Black Savannahians and as a lasting legacy of African-American resilience.

City Market: Savannah’s Social Hub

As Savannah grew into a bustling port city, the City Market became a vital part of daily life. Established in the 1750s, it was initially a place for locals to buy and sell fresh produce, meat, and seafood. Over time, the market transformed into a vibrant social center, where residents gathered to share news, music, and celebrations. Destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, City Market has always adapted to the needs of its community.

Today, Savannah’s City Market is a lively hub of art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants, spanning four blocks and preserving its legacy as a cultural and social center. Musicians often perform in the courtyard, echoing the music that once filled the market centuries ago. It’s a place where locals and tourists come together, capturing the spirit of the city in a mix of past and present.

Leopold’s Ice Cream: A Sweet Savannah Tradition

No visit to Savannah is complete without a stop at Leopold’s Ice Cream, a beloved institution founded in 1919 by Greek immigrants Peter, George, and Basil Leopold. With its original 1930s decor, including a marble soda fountain and wooden booths, Leopold’s has remained largely unchanged over the years, preserving the classic charm that locals and visitors adore.

Known for its handmade flavors like Tutti Frutti and Lemon Custard, Leopold’s has been a staple in Savannah’s food scene for over a century. Many locals grew up visiting Leopold’s, and today, generations still flock to this iconic shop for a scoop of nostalgia. Each visit to Leopold’s is a taste of Savannah’s sweeter side, steeped in tradition and Southern hospitality.

The Old District: Colonial Mansions, Slave Quarters, and Genteel Elegance

As Savannah grew, its wealth and prominence were reflected in the homes of the city’s elite. The Old District, now known as the Historic District, became home to grand mansions and townhouses, showcasing the architectural splendor of the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these homes remain standing today, each telling a piece of Savannah’s story—both of elegance and of the painful legacy of slavery.

The Owens-Thomas House, built in 1819, is one of Savannah’s most famous landmarks, blending English Regency style with a nod to local craftsmanship. This grand mansion served as the home of George Welshman Owens, a lawyer, and politician, but it also housed enslaved workers. What sets the Owens-Thomas House apart is its intact slave quarters, which offer a rare and sobering look at the lives of those who were forced to labor there. The slave quarters, with original artifacts and details, show the harsh conditions enslaved people faced, contrasting sharply with the mansion’s opulent main rooms. Today, the house serves as a museum, preserving the grandeur of Savannah’s elite and the difficult history of those who made their lifestyles possible.

Another important building is the King-Tisdell Cottage, established by free Black entrepreneur couple Eugene and Sarah King. Built in the late 19th century, this cottage tells the story of Savannah’s growing free Black community after the Civil War. It is a testament to the resilience of African-Americans who, despite years of oppression, built successful lives and thriving businesses in Savannah.

Forsyth Park: The Green Heart of Savannah

At the center of Savannah’s public life stands Forsyth Park, a sprawling 30-acre expanse of lush greenery that invites both locals and visitors to relax under the shade of majestic trees. Forsyth Park’s grand live oaks, draped in Spanish moss, form natural arches over the wide pathways, creating a tranquil, almost dreamlike atmosphere. At the heart of the park is the famous Forsyth Fountain, modeled after those found in European cities, its white stone structure gleaming as it stands surrounded by vibrant flowerbeds.

The park’s open lawns and shaded benches are perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle. On any given day, you’ll find people strolling under the oak-lined walkways, children playing, or friends gathering for picnics. The park offers a serene escape, its ancient trees whispering stories of the city’s past, while its wide green spaces are perfect for both quiet reflection and joyful gatherings.

The Fort That Changed Warfare

On Tybee Island, just a short distance from Savannah, Fort Pulaski stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation. Built between 1829 and 1847, this imposing fortress was part of the U.S. coastal defense system, designed to protect Savannah’s vital port. Named after Polish-American Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski, the fort’s walls, nearly 8 feet thick and constructed with over 25 million bricks, were considered invincible against any assault.

However, in April 1862, Fort Pulaski became the proving ground for a revolutionary new weapon—the rifled cannon. Union forces set up cannons on Tybee Island, more than a mile away, and opened fire. These cannons, with greater range and accuracy than traditional artillery, breached the fort’s walls within 30 hours, forcing Confederate forces to surrender. This marked the end of traditional masonry fortifications worldwide, forever changing military engineering and tactics.

Today, visitors to Fort Pulaski National Monument can see the breaches made by these historic cannonballs, walk through the fort’s thick walls and echoing corridors, and explore its defensive moats and drawbridges. Park rangers and interpretive signs share the compelling stories of the soldiers and the landmark battle that reshaped military history.

For corporate or group retreats, a visit to Fort Pulaski offers a unique glimpse into resilience and adaptability, with the fort’s striking past set against the beautiful marshes and coastal views of Tybee Island.

Sherman’s March: A City Spared

As the Civil War tore through the South, Savannah found itself in the path of General William T. Sherman during his infamous March to the Sea. But unlike so many Southern cities, Savannah was spared from destruction. When Sherman arrived at the gates of Savannah in 1864, he was so captivated by the city’s beauty that he chose not to burn it. Instead, he offered Savannah as a Christmas gift to President Abraham Lincoln, preserving its homes, squares, and public buildings.

Sherman’s decision to spare Savannah allowed the city to emerge from the war with its architectural legacy intact. While much of the South lay in ruins, Savannah stood as a symbol of resilience and grace, a city that had survived the ravages of war with its soul unbroken.

Rebirth Through Preservation

After the trials of war, Savannah’s next battle came in the 20th century—this time, against the threat of modern development erasing its heritage.By the 1950s, Savannah faced a new challenge—modernization. Many of its historic buildings were at risk of being demolished to make way for new development. But a group of determined citizens, led by the Historic Savannah Foundation, fought to save the city’s architectural heritage. Their efforts succeeded, and today, Savannah’s Historic District is one of the largest in the United States, preserving the charm and beauty of the city’s past.

Thanks to these preservation efforts, iconic buildings like the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (the founder of the Girl Scouts) and the Green-Meldrim House (Sherman’s headquarters during the Civil War) remain standing, allowing future generations to experience Savannah’s rich history firsthand.

Today: A City Where History and Modernity Coexist

Today, Savannah is a city where the past and present coexist in perfect harmony. The Riverfront is once again a bustling area, filled with shops, restaurants, and tourists strolling along River Street’s cobblestone lanes. The squares, mansions, and historic landmarks continue to enchant visitors, while Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) injects the city with youthful energy and creativity, transforming it into a hub for the arts.

Savannah’s story is one of resilience, beauty, and community. As you walk through Forsyth Park, stand by the river at the Cotton Exchange, or gaze upon the grandeur of its historic homes, you’ll feel the timeless charm that has made Savannah one of America’s most beloved cities.

At Globe Guides, we have everything needed to craft a tailored trip that gives your team an unforgettable experience, immersing them in Savannah’s timeless charm and history while uncovering the stories that shaped this enchanting city.