Savannah’s Historical Wards and Squares

In 1733, Savannah’s founder, General James Edward Oglethorpe designed the town in a ward system. The “wards” were planned as four residential blocks and four civic/commercial blocks, in a grid around a central square. The center square is designed to promote a sense of community within the ward and serve as a site for military defense.

The first four wards were laid out to the south of Bay Street. From west to east, they are Decker and Derby wards and directly to the south are Heathcote and Percival. These wards were named for benefactors of the Colony and members of the Georgia Trustees. Sir Matthew Decker a member of Parliament and benefactor and The Earl of Derby. Along with George Heathcote, and Lord Viscount Percival, the first President of Trustees.

The Square’s found within these Wards have gone through a few name changes. Decker Square in the Decker ward is Ellis Square. You’ll find Johnson Square in the Derby Ward. Heathcote holds the Telfair Square and two of the Telfair museums. Finally, in Percival Ward you’ll find Wright Square.

While some of our streets, squares, and landmarks have been renamed or removed, many bear their original names and features that are strikingly like what they originally looked like.

Here’s a list of the city’s Wards and the squares you can find inside!

Liberty and Elbert Square are lost squares.

Because of our city’s rich history, be sure to check back as we share more about each square! Or book your stay TODAY, and enjoy them in person.