Bringing the Past to the Present

Non sibi sed aliis

Savannah and the state of Georgia’s intriguing history beings with its establishment on February 12th, 1733. That day, on a Yamacraw Bluff overlooking the Savannah River, British General James Edward Oglethorpe established the debtors colony of Georgia. The motto of the new colony was Non sibi sed aliis, meaning not for themselves, but for others.

Georgia’s first colony could not have started without the help of famous tradesperson and interpreter Mary Musgrove. She helped facilitate the land negotiations with the leader of the Yamacraw Indians, Tomochichi.

New Colony, New Rules

Even though she started as a debtors colony, General Oglethorpe had a plan for the city layout, which can still be seen in the wide streets and famous 22 squares. He and a group of Trustees are responsible for laying down the colony laws: No Lawyers, No Liquor (wine and beer were allowed), No Jews, No Catholic Services, and No Slaves. All were repealed by 1789, and the Jewish band was lifted when a doctor in the first group of Jewish settlers agreed to help the ailing colonists.

From those dry beginnings, Savannah has grown into today’s bustling city. When you take a walk under the Live Oaks, keep an eye out for the many marks of the past left behind from our rich history. Perhaps that is what draws so many to Savannah every year. It is a place where you not only learn about history but can also experience it first-hand.

Reasons founding the Colony of Georgia

Provide relief to debtors in England.
Assist the English poor and the unemployed.
Remove the poor so that England would not have to support them.
Provide relief for persecuted Protestants like the Salzburgers.
Act as a buffer to protect South Carolina from Spaniards in Florida.
Strengthen the British Empire by the success of the colony and its population.
Supply raw products such as wine, hemp, silk, and flax to manufacturers in England and relieve England’s dependence on foreign trade.
Establish another market for English made products to be exported to the colony.

History – Live

Click on the stories below for some of the many historic places and attractions you can find and explore when you visit and learn more about Savannah’s History.

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Orleans Square

Orleans Square in Jackson Ward Orleans Square and Jackson Ward names are both tied to the war of 1812.

Savannah Historical Squares – Elbert Square

Actually, once home to square space, Elbert Ward, like Liberty Ward, has nearly been erased to the progress of time…

Savannah Historical Squares – Liberty Square

Why or how is a square lost? Well, because they aren’t squares anymore. In fact, they are mostly glorified

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Greene Square

General Nathanael Greene The ward and square carry the eponym of General Nathanael Greene, second in command to

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Columbia Square

Columbia Ward & Square Since 1799, Columbia Ward and its square have kept much of their original appeal and surrounding

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Warren Square

General Joseph Warren One of the First Four, Warren Ward and its square were named for General Joseph Warren,

Explore Savannah’s Girl Scouts Heritage

Savannah and the Girl Scouts have a rich history going all the way back to the founder’s great great grandfather.

Get Spooky at these 5 Haunted Spots

Always on the top 10 lists of America’s most haunted cities, you don’t have to go far in Savannah

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Franklin Square

Ben Franklin's Square Found between West Bryan Street and West Congress Street, Franklin Square was named in honor of Benjamin

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Wright Square

Sir James Wright Originally named Percival Square, Wright Square was renamed to honor the last Royal Governor of

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Oglethorpe Square

General James Oglethorpe Between Abercorn and East President Street, Oglethorpe Square was laid out in 1742. Once known

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Telfair Square

The Telfair Family Originally named St. James Square (1733-1883), Telfair Square is nestled between W. State and W. York Street.

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Johnson Square

Royal Governor Robert Johnson The largest of all the 22 squares, Johnson Square was named after Robert Johnson, the Royal

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Reynolds Square

Governor John Reynolds Built on Abercorn Street in 1734, Reynolds Square was named after John Reynolds, the first colonial governor

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Washington Square

President George Washington Washington Square was one of the first set of squares laid out between 1791 and 1801. The

Savannah’s Historical Squares: Ellis Square

Sir Matthew Decker and Sir Henry Ellis Bordered by West Bryan Street and West Congress Street, Ellis Square is

Savannah’s Historical Squares

The Master Plan In 1733, Savannah's founder, General James Edward Oglethorpe designed the town in a ward system. The

The History of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah

On March 17, we are all Irish. From the fountains to the street, on St. Patrick's Day, everything in Savannah

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Hampton Inn Savannah Historic District

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At the intersection of Bay and Abercorn, in the heart of the Savannah historic district is where old Southern charm and modern amenities meet. We are easy walking distance to River Street, City Market, shops, restaurants, and galleries. The hotel was built with traditional Savannah grey brick and the graceful lobby is furnished with beautiful antiques and heart pine floors. Now Pet Friendly!

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Holiday Inn Express Savannah Historic District

This Southern contemporary style hotel in Savannah is located on East Bay Street and Abercorn Street. We’re within easy walking distance to River Street, the Pink House, as well as dozens of boutiques, restaurants, and Savannah’s famed squares. Stay awhile and enjoy our roof-top viewing area and pool and Free Hot Breakfast!