The Lost Squares Part 1: Liberty

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

Liberty Ward and its square were laid out in 1799 and honors the Sons of Liberty who fought for independence. It was built during the rapid recovery in the wake of the 1796 fires. With its completion along with Columbia and Greene Wards, Savannah now boasted a dozen wards.

Then, in the mid-1930s, the city made plans to straighten Montgomery Street to build US 17 (I-16). Since then, Liberty Square was no longer… well, a square.

If you want to find what’s left, then take a walk to York St and Montgomery St. In front of both the Chatham County Courthouse and across the street, the Robbie Robinson Parking Garage, there’s a small tract of grassy land. Take a seat at one of the benches, and you are now in Liberty “Square”.

Fun Fact: The Flame of Freedom monument in front of the courthouse, a gift of the American Legion to Chatham County, used to be in Elbert Square until 1985.

The Robbie Robinson Garage was named for city alderman and civil rights attorney Robert E. Robinson. He was also one of the 12 black students first to integrate Savannah High in 1963. Robinson was tragically killed by a mail bomb in 1989.

To the north, you’ll find an exotic revival building with Moorish-style domes topped with a Start of David: the home to the SCAD Student Center. Originally a synagogue designed by architect Hyman Witcover for the Congregation B’nai B’rith; the building has also served as the site of the Saint Andrews Independent Episcopal Church. Until it was acquired by Savannah College of Art and Design in 2003.

See what’s left of Liberty Square , and then maybe go shopping on Broughton Street when you book your stay with us