Savannah Essential Info
Overview
Savannah, the historic riverside birthplace of Georgia, was settled in 1733 by British colonists led by General James Oglethorpe and Colonel William Bull. In 1864 when General William Tecumseh Sherman marched in, the mayor of Savannah gave Sherman's men run of the city in exchange for leaving it untorched. As a result, Savannah is one of the few major cities in the South with antebellum charm and architecture remaining intact. Savannah has one of the largest historic districts in the country.
Southerners joke that in Atlanta, the first thing locals ask you is your business; in Charleston, they ask your mother's maiden name; and in Savannah, they ask what you want to drink. It's partly that ethos that keeps the city tourism industry flourishing, along with a little help from what locals call "The Book:" Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (also a feature film ). The local art school, Savannah College of Art and Design, also keeps the city peopled with liberals and awash in accessible, affordable art.
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Basics
Best Time To Go
Year round
Current Time
Current Weather
Clear
Fun Facts
- Savannah’s First African Baptist Church was the first black church in the country.
- Parts of Forest Gump were filmed in Savannah, most notably the bench Forest sat on the north side of Chippewa Square, for the famous "Life is like a box of chocolates" quote.
- Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low was born in Savannah, and also began Girl Scouts in Savannah.
- When General Sherman marched through Savannah during the Civil War, he was so impressed by her beauty that he sent a telegraph to President Lincoln, offering Savannah to him as a Christmas present.
- The American Institute of Parapsychology chose Savannah as “America’s Most Haunted City”.
Popular Foods
- Crab Stew
- BBQ Brisket and Ribs