Savannah 101, a History Tour (by Walk With Me Savannah Tours)

Savannah, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (15 reviews)

Highlights

  • Fascinating history from 18th century to present day
  • Covering influential residents, architectural trends, impact of wars
  • Greater depth of knowledge and appreciation of Savannah
  • Discussion of architecture and lives of Owens-Thomas House
  • Insight into Savannah's burial practices and Union occupation

Meeting Point

Your tour guide will be wearing a bright orange polo shirt with our logo, and will meet you in Johnson Square, near the fountain closest to Christ Church (Look for the Christ Church historical marker). If you are running late, give us a call. We wait for late arrivals for 5 minutes before beginning.

Meeting point

Savannah, GA 31401 , United States

End point

End Point

We end in Wright Square, one square away from where you started, and we can direct you back to where you need to go or call you a bicycle cab.

Meeting point

Savannah, GA 31401 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Johnson Square

Your guide will discuss the founding of Savannah, the city layout, and Nathaniel Greene (and his monument).

Duration 10 minutes
2

Factors Walk

Your guide will discuss Factors Walk and River Street as the center of the Georgia cotton trade and its influence on the economy, the slave trade, and the civil war.

3

Reynolds Square

Your guide will discuss John Wesley, the Olde Pink House, and early agricultural experiments in Georgia

Duration 10 minutes
4

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Your guide will discuss the architecture of the Owens-Thomas House and its architect William Jay, which is a great accompaniment to a tour of the inside of the home, where they discuss the lives of its residents and visitors. The house tour is HIGHLY recommended, but not included.

Duration 5 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
5

Colonial Park Cemetery

Your guide will discuss Savannah's treatment of cemeteries and some common burial practices, as well as some of the disasters that befell the city, and touch upon the Union occupation of Savannah during the Civil War.

Duration 10 minutes
6

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Your guide will discuss the history of Savannah's Catholic congregations and the construction of the cathedral, and will highlight some of its features

Duration 5 minutes
7

Lafayette Square

Your guide will discuss the Hamilton-Turner Inn, the first home in Savannah to have electricity, and some of its architectural features. They will also discuss the childhood home of Flannery O'Connor (famous writer), and the adulthood home of Juliette Gordon Lowe (founder of the Girl Scouts)

Duration 10 minutes
8

Madison Square

Your guide will discuss more of Savannah's architecture, including the Savannah Volunteer Guards' Armory and the Scottish Rite Temple, and the monument to Sergeant Jasper and his moments of Valor in the Revolutionary War.

Duration 5 minutes
9

Green-Meldrim House

Your guide will discuss the innovative architecture of the house, Sherman's residency during the Union occupation of Savannah, Field Order 15, and its impact on black communities both before and after its repeal.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included
10

Chippewa Square

Your guide will discuss Savannah's founder, Oglethorpe's, take on governance of the colony of Georgia and the implications as our beginning as a non-royal colony. Your guide will also briefly discuss the history of fires in Savannah, the Savannah Theater, and the Independent Presbyterian Church.

Duration 10 minutes
11

Wright Square

Your guide will discuss the childhood home of Juliette Gordon Low and her life, as well as her extended family and their accomplishments. They will also discuss the historical use of the lots surrounding Wright Square, and the history and impact of both Tomochichi and Mary Musgrove.

Duration 10 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    Well-behaved pets allowed
  • Additional information
    Not recommended for those who cannot walk/roll 0.25 mi without resting
Provided by Walk with Me Savannah Tours

What our experts say

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    Try lunch at The Grey nearby.
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    Visit the Owens-Thomas House afterwards.
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    Check out the local shops at City Market.
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    Bring a water bottle for your walk.
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    Look for historical markers along the route.

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