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History of Savannah, Georgia, USA
Journey back in time to Savannah, Georgia, USA
Explore Savannah, Georgia, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Savannah Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Savannah, Chatham, Georgia, USA
The City of Savanna was the first steamship to cross the Atlantic. It sailed from Georgia.
Savannah was the landing site for General James Edward Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia.
50states.com
Explore even more about Savannah, Georgia, USA. Keep reading!
Savannah Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Artwork
View of Savannah from the River
Picturesque America: Or, the Land We Live In. A Delineation by Pen and Pencil of the Mountains, Rivers, Lakes... With Illustr. on Steel and Wood, by Eminent American Artists, Volume 1
William C. Bryant
Appleton, 1872
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Artwork
Church, Bull Street
Picturesque America: Or, the Land We Live In. A Delineation by Pen and Pencil of the Mountains, Rivers, Lakes... With Illustr. on Steel and Wood, by Eminent American Artists, Volume 1
William C. Bryant
Appleton, 1872
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Postcard
Tybee Lighthouse, near Savannah, Ga.
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Postcard
United States Marine Hospital
Savannah, Georgia, USA
Postcard
![Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fPlaces%2fDetails%2f1694&media=https%3a%2f%2fgreenerpasture.com%2fContent%2fancestorimages%2fsavannah_ga_1.jpg&description=Savannah, Georgia, USA - Hotel De Soto
"In 1823, City of Savannah, Georgia petitioned Secretary of War John C. Calhoun to build a military barracks within the city and agreed to purchase the necessary land. The War Department agreed to the endeavor and furnished the materials to build the barracks. Troops arrived in the mid to late 1820s to construct the facility. The barracks took the name of James Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia colony and of the settlement of Savannah.
...The Army left Oglethorpe Barracks after March 1879, when meteorological observations ceased. The Signal Service office in Savannah continued the record of meteorological observations for the city at another location. The War Department later in 1879 sold the parcel to Savannah Hotel Corporation for $75,000. Congress in 1883 directed Secretary of War Robert Todd Lincoln to sell Oglethorpe Barracks.
The new owner then tore down the barracks. Construction of Desoto Hotel on the site of the former barracks began in 1888 and completed in 1890. The hotel featured five stories, 206 rooms, a solarium, a barber shop, a drug store, and a restaurant; a swimming pool (outdoor) was added later. A fountain featuring the head of a lion with water flowing out its mouth was a feature of the hotel, which remain today. For a number of years, a local radio station WCCP, later WBYG, had studios in the hotel. Hilton now operates the hotel."
wikipedia){kind=small}
Hotel De Soto
"In 1823, City of Savannah, Georgia petitioned Secretary of War John C. Calhoun to build a military barracks within the city and agreed to purchase the necessary land. The War Department agreed to the endeavor and furnished the materials to build the barracks. Troops arrived in the mid to late 1820s to construct the facility. The barracks took the name of James Oglethorpe, founder of Georgia colony and of the settlement of Savannah.
...The Army left Oglethorpe Barracks after March 1879, when meteorological observations ceased. The Signal Service office in Savannah continued the record of meteorological observations for the city at another location. The War Department later in 1879 sold the parcel to Savannah Hotel Corporation for $75,000. Congress in 1883 directed Secretary of War Robert Todd Lincoln to sell Oglethorpe Barracks.
The new owner then tore down the barracks. Construction of Desoto Hotel on the site of the former barracks began in 1888 and completed... Read MORE...
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to SAVANNAH
GEORGIA Pride: Sweet Tea and Front Porch Sitting Coffee Mug
Embrace your Georgian roots with our "Georgia Love" ceramic mug! Whether you're sipping sweet tea so strong it could power a tractor or honing your skills in front porch sitting (a competitive sport in these parts), this mug is your perfect companion.
Discover Savannah: History, News, Travel, and Stories
1736 - February 5 - Methodists John & Charles Wesley arrive in Savannah, Georgia
onthisday.com
onthisday.com
Seige of Savannah - September 16 - October 18, 1779
1782 - July 11 - British evacuate Savannah, GA
www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/revolutionarywartimeline.htm
www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/revolutionarywartimeline.htm
January 10, 1800 - Savannah, GA, received a foot and a half of snow, and ten inches blanketed Charleston SC. It was the heaviest snowfall of record for the immediate Coastal Plain of the southeastern U.S.
WeatherForYou.com
WeatherForYou.com
1811 - Fight between sailors in Savannah caused three days of riots
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ gatimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ gatimeln.htm
1816 - THE YEAR WITHOUT A SUMMER
1816 has gone down in Almanac fame as the “poverty year,” and “eighteen hundred and froze-to-death.” It was comprised of a backward spring with record late snows (heavy snows fell in New England between June 6th and 11th), and an exceptionally cold summer featuring frosts in July and August. On July 4th, the high temperature at Savannah, Georgia, was only 46°F. Finally, there was a drought during early fall that culminated in a killing frost well before the end of September. “In all,” wrote weather historian David Ludlum, “a most distressing season for the rural economy of northern New York and northern New England.” But crop failures were widespread, not only in New England, but also across Canada and Western Europe. The apparent cause of this anomalously cold summer was the eruption of the Tambora Volcano, half a world away in Indonesia, in 1815. A tremendous cloud of fine ash and dust was ejected into the stratosphere, where it remained for a very long time. This ash significantly... Read MORE...
1816 has gone down in Almanac fame as the “poverty year,” and “eighteen hundred and froze-to-death.” It was comprised of a backward spring with record late snows (heavy snows fell in New England between June 6th and 11th), and an exceptionally cold summer featuring frosts in July and August. On July 4th, the high temperature at Savannah, Georgia, was only 46°F. Finally, there was a drought during early fall that culminated in a killing frost well before the end of September. “In all,” wrote weather historian David Ludlum, “a most distressing season for the rural economy of northern New York and northern New England.” But crop failures were widespread, not only in New England, but also across Canada and Western Europe. The apparent cause of this anomalously cold summer was the eruption of the Tambora Volcano, half a world away in Indonesia, in 1815. A tremendous cloud of fine ash and dust was ejected into the stratosphere, where it remained for a very long time. This ash significantly... Read MORE...
1820 - Fire in Savannah destroyed 463 buildings; most residents homeless
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ gatimeln.htm
www.worldatlas.com/ webimage/ countrys/ namerica/ usstates/ gatimeln.htm
1832 - December 24 - 1st US Negro hospital founded by whites chartered, Savannah, Georgia
historyorb.com
historyorb.com
February 8, 1835 - A severe cold wave gripped the southeastern U.S. The mercury dipped to zero at Savannah GA.
WeatherForYou.com
WeatherForYou.com
1854 - Savannah
Savannah, a flourishing city and port of entry of Georgia, capital of Chatham county, and the largest and most commercial town of the state, is situated on the right bank of Savannah river, 18 miles from its month, 90 miles W. S. W. from Charleston, and 188 miles E. S. E. from Milledgeville. The site of the city is a sandy plain, elevated about 40 feet above low-water mark. It is regularly laid out with wide, sandy, and unpaved streets. At every other corner there is a public square, usually circular or oval in shape, planted with the Pride of India tree. The number of these squares is 24. Broad and Bay streets have grassy promenades in the middle, with carriage ways on each side. Many of the private dwellings are handsomely built of brick. Among the public buildings may be noticed the City Exchange, theatre, court house, jail, state arsenal, artillery armory, Lyceum, Oglethorpe Hall, St. Andrew's Hall, market house, Chat ham Academy, and the new custom house. The latter, which is 110 ... Read MORE...
Savannah, a flourishing city and port of entry of Georgia, capital of Chatham county, and the largest and most commercial town of the state, is situated on the right bank of Savannah river, 18 miles from its month, 90 miles W. S. W. from Charleston, and 188 miles E. S. E. from Milledgeville. The site of the city is a sandy plain, elevated about 40 feet above low-water mark. It is regularly laid out with wide, sandy, and unpaved streets. At every other corner there is a public square, usually circular or oval in shape, planted with the Pride of India tree. The number of these squares is 24. Broad and Bay streets have grassy promenades in the middle, with carriage ways on each side. Many of the private dwellings are handsomely built of brick. Among the public buildings may be noticed the City Exchange, theatre, court house, jail, state arsenal, artillery armory, Lyceum, Oglethorpe Hall, St. Andrew's Hall, market house, Chat ham Academy, and the new custom house. The latter, which is 110 ... Read MORE...
1868 - George Lieb, a colored carpenter of Savannah, Ga., fell backward from a third story scaffolding the other day,
turned a complete somersault, struck squarely on his feet, looked around to see if any one was hurt, and quietly climbed back to his work.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 6, 1868
turned a complete somersault, struck squarely on his feet, looked around to see if any one was hurt, and quietly climbed back to his work.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
March 6, 1868
1881 - Hurricane kills 700 in Georgia and South Carolina
Savannah and Augusta, Ga., experienced severe damage when this hurricane came ashore in August 1881. Several barrier islands were completely submerged by the storm surge.
Hurricane timeline: The 1800s
Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
www.sun-sentinel.com
Savannah and Augusta, Ga., experienced severe damage when this hurricane came ashore in August 1881. Several barrier islands were completely submerged by the storm surge.
Hurricane timeline: The 1800s
Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
www.sun-sentinel.com
1883 - AN IMMENSE COTTON FACTORY AND THREE HUNDRED OTHER BUILDINGS IN SAVANNAH, GA., BURNED - THREE LIVES LOST - DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT $1,000,000.
Savannah, Ga., Nov. 1. - A conflagration which had its origin Wednesday noon in the large cotton warehouse of Garnett, Stubbs & Co., in this city, destroyed a warehouse containing three thousand bales of cotton, and three hundred houses, covering an area of half a mile square, and caused a loss of at least five lives and probably eight or ten. An accurate statement of the losses and insurance is unobtainable, but a careful estimate fixes the former at nearly $1,000,000, and the latter at not half that amount. The exact origin of the fire will probably never be known. All shipping sought safety by dropping down the river.
While the firemen were pouring streams on the still-burning ruins of the warehouse they discovered the charred remains of three persons, a partly melted watch, and a few gilt buttons belonging to J. CASH, a white clerk aged twenty-five years, one of the victims, and it has since been learned that he ran back to get a hose when the fire first broke out. CASH was... Read MORE...
Savannah, Ga., Nov. 1. - A conflagration which had its origin Wednesday noon in the large cotton warehouse of Garnett, Stubbs & Co., in this city, destroyed a warehouse containing three thousand bales of cotton, and three hundred houses, covering an area of half a mile square, and caused a loss of at least five lives and probably eight or ten. An accurate statement of the losses and insurance is unobtainable, but a careful estimate fixes the former at nearly $1,000,000, and the latter at not half that amount. The exact origin of the fire will probably never be known. All shipping sought safety by dropping down the river.
While the firemen were pouring streams on the still-burning ruins of the warehouse they discovered the charred remains of three persons, a partly melted watch, and a few gilt buttons belonging to J. CASH, a white clerk aged twenty-five years, one of the victims, and it has since been learned that he ran back to get a hose when the fire first broke out. CASH was... Read MORE...
1890 - FALLING WALLS. A SAVANNAH BOARDING HOUSE EITHER BLOWN UP OR COLLAPSED - THREE KILLED AND SIX INJURED.
Savannah, Ga., July 24. - W. J. Bullard's three-story brick boarding house, 203 Congress Street, was blown up early this morning. Three people were killed and six injured. There were twelve people in the house. Most of the occupants were asleep and were hurled from their beds, and either buried under the falling debris or thrown on top of it.
Killed.
MRS. W. J. BULLARD.
JAMES LOCKLY.
GUS ROBIE.
Wounded.
JOHN ROBERTS, fractured ankle and concussion of brain.
L. J. TATE, concussion of face and chest.
MELDON HEYWOOD (colored), shoulder broken.
J. A. RIMES, EDWARD S. EVERETT, and MRS. EDWARD S. EVERETT, all slightly bruised.
SAM KING (colored), badly injured about the body.
George Maxwell (colored) has been arrested and jailed on suspicion. He had been employed in the house, but was discharged on Saturday night, when he swore that he would be revenged.
Workmen have been busy all day removing the debris. No signs of powder or dynamite have been discovered.
Many... Read MORE...
Savannah, Ga., July 24. - W. J. Bullard's three-story brick boarding house, 203 Congress Street, was blown up early this morning. Three people were killed and six injured. There were twelve people in the house. Most of the occupants were asleep and were hurled from their beds, and either buried under the falling debris or thrown on top of it.
Killed.
MRS. W. J. BULLARD.
JAMES LOCKLY.
GUS ROBIE.
Wounded.
JOHN ROBERTS, fractured ankle and concussion of brain.
L. J. TATE, concussion of face and chest.
MELDON HEYWOOD (colored), shoulder broken.
J. A. RIMES, EDWARD S. EVERETT, and MRS. EDWARD S. EVERETT, all slightly bruised.
SAM KING (colored), badly injured about the body.
George Maxwell (colored) has been arrested and jailed on suspicion. He had been employed in the house, but was discharged on Saturday night, when he swore that he would be revenged.
Workmen have been busy all day removing the debris. No signs of powder or dynamite have been discovered.
Many... Read MORE...
1891- Brick Works Burned.
SAVANNAH, Oct. 28.- The Liberty Manufacturing Company's brick works, forty-eight miles from here on the Savannah, Florida and Western railroad burned the day before yesterday. Loss $40,000; insurance $20,000.
The Macon Telegraph
Macon, Georgia
October 31, 1891
SAVANNAH, Oct. 28.- The Liberty Manufacturing Company's brick works, forty-eight miles from here on the Savannah, Florida and Western railroad burned the day before yesterday. Loss $40,000; insurance $20,000.
The Macon Telegraph
Macon, Georgia
October 31, 1891
1893 - MANY MISSING. Only Fifteen Persons Known to Have Been Killed at Savannah.
SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug 31 - The storm injured many buildings in Savannah and did great damage to the trees. Fifteen people are known to have been drowned and more are missing It is impossible to estimate the amount of property destroyed. More than 49 wrecks have been reported so far Fifteen vessels in the harbor and off Tybee were wrecked or badly damaged More than that number of smaller crafts are missing and are believed to have been lost. Six unknown vessels are reported ashore on Tybee beach from the outside. Nothing has been heard from the steamship City of Savannah now many hours overdue.
Tybee island is about wrecked. Houses were blown and washed away. The railway track was blown from the ground and parts of it stood up along the route like a fence. At least half the houses on the island have been blown down or badly damaged. The damage to the buildings in Savannah is being rapidly repaired.
Aberdeen Daily News
Aberdeen, South Dakota
August 31, 1893
SAVANNAH, Ga., Aug 31 - The storm injured many buildings in Savannah and did great damage to the trees. Fifteen people are known to have been drowned and more are missing It is impossible to estimate the amount of property destroyed. More than 49 wrecks have been reported so far Fifteen vessels in the harbor and off Tybee were wrecked or badly damaged More than that number of smaller crafts are missing and are believed to have been lost. Six unknown vessels are reported ashore on Tybee beach from the outside. Nothing has been heard from the steamship City of Savannah now many hours overdue.
Tybee island is about wrecked. Houses were blown and washed away. The railway track was blown from the ground and parts of it stood up along the route like a fence. At least half the houses on the island have been blown down or badly damaged. The damage to the buildings in Savannah is being rapidly repaired.
Aberdeen Daily News
Aberdeen, South Dakota
August 31, 1893
1895 -Savannah
Savannah, an important commercial city and port of entry of Georgia, is situated on the Savannah River. It is the terminus of the Central Railroad of Georgia, the Charleston & Savannah Railway, and the Georgia division of the Savannah, Florida & Western Railway. It is 18 miles from the sea, has a fine harbor, and its wharves are accessible to vessels drawing 22 1/ 2 feet. By current improvements, it is proposed to deepen the channel to 26 feet. he city is built chiefly upon an elevated plain 50 feet above low water, is handsomely laid out, having in the centre a beautiful park called Forsyth Place and within its limits some 30 small parks, besides one in the suburbs of 300 acres. Several of these are adorned with statues and fountains, and, like the streets, are shaded by live oaks, pines, magnolias, palmettos, and other native trees. There are monuments to General Nathanael Greene, Count Pulaski, and Sergeant Jasper, of Revolutionary fame; one in Court House Square to W. W. Gordon,... Read MORE...
Savannah, an important commercial city and port of entry of Georgia, is situated on the Savannah River. It is the terminus of the Central Railroad of Georgia, the Charleston & Savannah Railway, and the Georgia division of the Savannah, Florida & Western Railway. It is 18 miles from the sea, has a fine harbor, and its wharves are accessible to vessels drawing 22 1/ 2 feet. By current improvements, it is proposed to deepen the channel to 26 feet. he city is built chiefly upon an elevated plain 50 feet above low water, is handsomely laid out, having in the centre a beautiful park called Forsyth Place and within its limits some 30 small parks, besides one in the suburbs of 300 acres. Several of these are adorned with statues and fountains, and, like the streets, are shaded by live oaks, pines, magnolias, palmettos, and other native trees. There are monuments to General Nathanael Greene, Count Pulaski, and Sergeant Jasper, of Revolutionary fame; one in Court House Square to W. W. Gordon,... Read MORE...
1895 - Blizzard - THE STORM STILL HOVERS OVER THE UNITED STATES. IT IS SEVEREST IN THE EAST. TRAFFIC ALMOST ENTIRELY AT A STANDSTILL -- RAILROAD TRAINS BLOCKADED -- BUSINESS PARALYZED -- PEOPLE FROZEN TO DEATH AT SEVERAL PLACES...
...Savannah, Feb. 9. -- The temperature promises to go down to 5 degrees above zero in sections exposed. Peas, potatoes and other field crops are wiped out, but can be replanted in time for early shipment. Great suffering exists among the negroes and a number of deaths may result among them from exposure...
The Delphos Daily Herald
Ohio
February 9, 1895
...Savannah, Feb. 9. -- The temperature promises to go down to 5 degrees above zero in sections exposed. Peas, potatoes and other field crops are wiped out, but can be replanted in time for early shipment. Great suffering exists among the negroes and a number of deaths may result among them from exposure...
The Delphos Daily Herald
Ohio
February 9, 1895
1900 - Savannah - Never Last and Often First by Pleasant Alexander Stovall
The city of Savannah is now a centre of railroad and steamship lines. It has the heaviest commerce of all the Atlantic ports south of Baltimore. It is the largest naval stores market in the world, and its cotton and lumber receipts are very considerable. But in spite of its commercial primacy Savannah preserves a distinct flavor of the olden time. On the shores of the Savannah River, where the British ships were burned in the Revolution, a railroad system is cutting slips and building piers, spending a million dollars in terminal facilities. The high bluff where the early colonists planted their crane in 1732 to move goods from the ships to the river bank is now walled in stone, and the strand is gridironed with steel rails. The powder magazine near "the Old Fort," afterwards seized by the patriots of the Revolution, is the site of flourishing foundries. The filature where early colonists were taught to spin silk has been dismantled, and long rows of brick tenements front upon the... Read MORE...
The city of Savannah is now a centre of railroad and steamship lines. It has the heaviest commerce of all the Atlantic ports south of Baltimore. It is the largest naval stores market in the world, and its cotton and lumber receipts are very considerable. But in spite of its commercial primacy Savannah preserves a distinct flavor of the olden time. On the shores of the Savannah River, where the British ships were burned in the Revolution, a railroad system is cutting slips and building piers, spending a million dollars in terminal facilities. The high bluff where the early colonists planted their crane in 1732 to move goods from the ships to the river bank is now walled in stone, and the strand is gridironed with steel rails. The powder magazine near "the Old Fort," afterwards seized by the patriots of the Revolution, is the site of flourishing foundries. The filature where early colonists were taught to spin silk has been dismantled, and long rows of brick tenements front upon the... Read MORE...
1912 - March 12 - Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) forms in Savannah, Georgia, by Juliette Gordon Low
historyorb.com
March 12, 1912
historyorb.com
March 12, 1912
1940 - August 11 - A major hurricane struck Savannnah, GA, and Charleston, SC, causing the worst inland flooding since 1607.
WeatherForYou.com
August 11, 1940
WeatherForYou.com
August 11, 1940
Savannah has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this beautiful Southern city:
1. Forsyth Park:
Start your visit at this iconic 30-acre park, located in the historic district. It's known for its magnificent Forsyth Fountain, perfect for taking photos.
Stroll the walking paths, relax on the green lawns, or have a picnic under the shade of Spanish moss-draped trees.
The park often hosts events, from farmers' markets to music festivals.
2. Historic District:
Savannah's historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets and historic homes. Take a leisurely walk to explore the historic charm.
Don't miss the 22 historic squares, each with its unique character. Johnson Square and Wright Square are some must-see stops.
3. River Street:
This bustling waterfront street is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a hub of activity and a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.
While you're here, try some local treats, like pralines or fresh seafood.
4. Savannah Riverboat Cruises:
Take a relaxing cruise along... Read MORE...
1. Forsyth Park:
Start your visit at this iconic 30-acre park, located in the historic district. It's known for its magnificent Forsyth Fountain, perfect for taking photos.
Stroll the walking paths, relax on the green lawns, or have a picnic under the shade of Spanish moss-draped trees.
The park often hosts events, from farmers' markets to music festivals.
2. Historic District:
Savannah's historic district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with cobblestone streets and historic homes. Take a leisurely walk to explore the historic charm.
Don't miss the 22 historic squares, each with its unique character. Johnson Square and Wright Square are some must-see stops.
3. River Street:
This bustling waterfront street is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. It's a hub of activity and a great place to soak up the local atmosphere.
While you're here, try some local treats, like pralines or fresh seafood.
4. Savannah Riverboat Cruises:
Take a relaxing cruise along... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Savannah Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Savannah, Georgia, USA
We currently have information about 19 ancestors who were born or died in Savannah.View Them Now (sorted by year of birth)
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