Savannah History
Savannah History Rich in Tradition
Historic Downtown Savannah
Walking along the brick paved streets of downtown Savannah, it is easy to recall the ease of living in the city in days gone by. General James Oglethorpe, who founded the city in 1733, designed a community based on 24 meandering squares. Whether attributed to climate or the lush beauty of the parks and squares, Savannah is a city of great inspiration. Among the famous people who have called the city home are poet and novelist Conrad Aiken, Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low and singer/songwriter Johnny Mercer. In the Historic District, locals and owners of Savannah real estate enjoy living in towering antebellum homes surrounded by stately oaks. Many private gardens are tucked behind ornate iron gates, creating an oasis for relaxation and reflection.
Cotton Gin Changes Lives
In 1793, just a few miles up river, Eli Whitney perfected his cotton gin, allowing Savannah to become one of the world’s largest exporters of cotton. Soon the economic, social and cultural environment of Savannah blossomed as vibrantly as the China trees that lined the main streets. Elegant mansions made of brick replaced homes of wood construction that had been built during the time Oglethorpe was establishing the city. By 1820, the city of Savannah was an international shipping center and the eighteenth largest city in the United States. With the arrival of more people seeking the comfortable Lowcountry way of life, Savannah emerged as an affluent and religiously diverse community.
Savannah - A City of Strength
Throughout her years, downtown Savannah did not escape unscathed. Two separate fires combined with hurricanes, yellow fever and war plagued the city between the late 1700s and mid-1800s. In an era between 1870 and 1920, Savannah experienced a renewal and once again prospered commercially.
In addition to cotton and rice, exports included timber and turpentine. The downtown area thrived, and the wealthy citizens enjoyed their Savannah lifestyles. While the city was prospering economically, the events of Savannah’s past took their toll and began to show. Following years of neglect, Savannah became known as the “pretty woman with a dirty face.”
It was in 1955 that eight wealthy socialites began a preservation effort that would transform Savannah to her former glory. The Historic Savannah Foundation was founded and restoration was underway. By 1966, Savannah was named a National Historic Landmark District. Within the National Landmark District, are areas today that include the Victorian District, the Thomas Square Streetcar District, Ardsley Park / Chatham Crescent, Cuyler-Brownsville Historic District, Gordonston, Parkside / Daffin Park and the Eastside Historic District.
The preservation efforts of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), has also made a tremendous difference in the city as it stands today. The campus of SCAD is the Historic District of Savannah. SCAD has single handedly transformed many private homes and businesses from a state of hopelessness to that of splendor, and they continue today to renovate existing buildings for classrooms and galleries. //
