What are the 22 Squares in Savannah?

06 May

by Admin | in Uncategorized | 0 comments

Have you ever looked at the Savannah map and wondered about the 22 perfect squares? Savannah was designed geometrically by founder James Oglethorpe around the original 24 squares, of which only 22 remain today. His plan was for the city to be built on a grid of square plots. The squares were to be used for community gatherings, markets, and military exercises, and would be surrounded by homes, businesses, government buildings, and churches. Each square is unique and named after iconic public figures or events.

Calhoun Square –

Built in 1851 and named after John C. Calhoun. Calhoun was a South Carolina politician who served as Vice President under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

Chatham Square –

Built in 1847 and named in honor of William Pitt who was the Earl of Chatham and was an early supporter of the colony.

Chippewa Square –

Built in 1815 to commemorate the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812. A bronze statue of the colony’s founder, General James Edward Oglethorpe, stands in the center, facing south and protecting Savannah from the Spanish in Florida.

Columbia Square –

Built in 1799 and named after the female symbolic representation of the United States of America

Crawford Square –

Built in 1841 and named after William Harrison Crawford who was the Minister of France during Napoleon’s reign.

Elbert Square –

Elbert Square was built in 1801 and It was named in honor of Samuel Elbert who was a Revolutionary War hero and Georgia Governor.

Ellis Square –

Built in 1733 and was named after Henry Ellis, the second Royal Governor. The “Old City Market” was located here, where merchants sold crops and wares.

Franklin Square –

Built in 1791 and named after Benjamin Franklin; however, for many years, the square was the location of the city’s water tower and was referred to as “water tower square.”

Greene Square –

Built in 1799 to honor General Nathanael Greene who was a Revolutionary War hero who fought against the British in Savannah.

Johnson Square –

Built in 1733 and named for Robert Johnson, the Royal Governor of South Carolina when Georgia was founded.

Lafayette Square –

Built in 1873 to commemorate the Marquis de Lafayette, who aided the Americans during the Revolutionary War.

Liberty Square –

Built in 1799 and was named after Savannah’s “Liberty Boys” heroes. The Liberty Boys helped Georgia join the American Revolution.

Madison Square –

Madison Square was built in 1837 and named after James Madison, the fourth president of the United States.

Monterey Square –

Built in 1847 to commemorate the 1846 Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War.

Oglethorpe Square –

Built in 1742 to honor Savannah’s founder James Edward Oglethorpe.

Orleans Square –

Built in 1815 in honor of the heroes of the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812.

Pulaski Square –

Built in 1837 and named after Count Casimir Pulaski of Poland who was the highest-ranking foreign officer killed during the American Revolution.

Reynolds Square –

Built in 1733 and named for Georgia’s first Royal Governor, John Reynolds.

Telfair Square –

Built in 1733 as St. James Square; and it was renamed in 1883 to honor Edward Telfair a three-time governor of Georgia and patron to the arts.

Troup Square –

Built in 1791 and named in honor of General Joseph Warren who was killed at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the Revolutionary War.

Washington Square –

Built in 1790 and named to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States.

Whitefield Square –

Built in 1851 and was the last of the Savannah squares. Named to honor Reverend George Whitefield, founder of the Bethesda Orphanage, the oldest orphanage in the United States.

Wright Square –

Built 1733 and named for Sir James Wright, Georgia’s third and last colonial governor.