Savannah And Brunswick: Southern Coastal Significance

Savannah and Brunswick are two cities in Georgia with a rich history and cultural significance. Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia, was founded in 1733 and is known for its well-preserved historic architecture, including 22 public squares and parks. It has played a significant role in American history, including the American Revolution and the Civil War, and is home to several notable landmarks such as the Savannah Historic District, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and the First African Baptist Church.

Brunswick, on the other hand, is a major urban and economic center in southeastern Georgia, located about 75 miles south of Savannah. It is known for its port, which has been an important hub for trade and shipping since the 18th century. During World War II, Brunswick was one of the ports chosen for the construction of Liberty Ships, and the city played a crucial role in the war effort.

Both cities are popular tourist destinations, offering a range of cultural and historical attractions, and are known for their Southern charm and hospitality. Savannah, in particular, has been recognized as one of America's favorite cities and a popular vacation spot.

The Savannah Historic District

History

During the American Revolution, the British occupied Savannah from 1778 to 1782. A joint French and American force attempted to retake the city in 1779 but failed. After independence, Savannah flourished as a major port, with lucrative cotton and rice trade. The invention of the cotton gin outside Savannah further boosted its economic growth. However, the city suffered setbacks, including fires, epidemics, and hurricanes.

During the Civil War, Savannah endured a strict sea blockade, and "Fort Pulaski", a fort at the mouth of the Savannah River, fell to Union forces in 1862. In December 1864, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman entered Savannah and presented it as a "Christmas gift" to President Abraham Lincoln.

Architecture and Landmarks

• Forsyth Park and its ornate fountain
• The Pirates' House (1734), mentioned in Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island"
• The Olde Pink House (1789), once Georgia's first bank
• The birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low (1821), founder of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
• The Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences (1812), one of the South's first public museums
• The Lutheran Church of the Ascension (1741)
• The Independent Presbyterian Church (1890)
• The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (1876), one of the largest Roman Catholic churches in the South
• The First African Baptist Church (1788)
• Temple Mickeve Israel, the third-oldest synagogue in America

Preservation and Recognition

In the 1950s, a group of women formed the Historic Savannah Foundation to preserve the district's historic structures. Their efforts led to the district's designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1966. Today, it remains one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors with its elegant architecture, ironwork, fountains, and green squares.

Savannah's River Street

• Savour the local cuisine: River Street is lined with plenty of restaurants, pubs, and cafes offering a variety of dining options, including casual dining experiences and rooftop bars. You can enjoy delicious meals while taking in the gorgeous views of the Savannah River.
• Shop at the River Street Market Place: Located next to Joe's Crab Shack, the River Street Market Place offers a unique shopping experience reminiscent of the open-air markets that once stood on River Street in the mid-1800s. Here, you can find handmade art, beautiful jewellery, and other unique souvenirs.
• Indulge your sweet tooth: A trip to Savannah's River Street is incomplete without a visit to the Savannah Candy Kitchen, where you can sample sugary treats like pecan pralines and colourful saltwater taffy. You can also try the Savannah Bee Company, which offers a variety of honey-based products, including honey-based soaps and skin creams.
• Take a riverboat cruise: What better way to see Savannah's Waterfront than from the water itself? The Savannah Riverboat Cruises offer a variety of tour options, perfect for celebrating special occasions, sightseeing, or simply enjoying a delicious meal while cruising down the river.
• Explore the history: River Street is not just a place for shopping and dining; it is also a historical experience. You can visit various monuments and historical sites, such as the African-American Monument, the World War II Monument, the Waving Girl Statue, and the Olympic Cauldron, all located on the east end of River Street.
• Enjoy the entertainment: River Street often comes alive with live music and street performers. You can also catch the First Saturday Music on the River, a monthly event featuring local musical talent.

Savannah's Colonial Park Cemetery

Colonial Park Cemetery was originally built as the burial ground for the Christ Church Parish. However, in 1789, it became a non-denominational cemetery for all Savannahians. Over time, the cemetery expanded three times to reach its current size of approximately six acres, enclosed by tall wrought iron fences. The cemetery is located between East Oglethorpe Avenue to the north, Habersham Street to the east, East Perry Lane to the south, and Abercorn Street to the west.

Colonial Park Cemetery is the resting place of several notable individuals, including Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and former acting Governor of Georgia. Other notable burials include Major General Nathanael Greene, who was later reinterred in Johnson Square; William Scarbrough, the former owner of the Savannah Steamship Company; and Edward Green Malbone, a renowned painter of miniatures. The cemetery also holds a mass grave for victims of the 1820 yellow fever epidemic, which took the lives of nearly 700 people in Savannah.

The cemetery has been closed to burials since around 1850, and it became a city park in 1896. Today, it stands as a popular site for locals and tourists alike, attracting visitors with its historical significance, striking beauty, and intriguing stories. The grounds feature a variety of graves, from prominent figures to unknown souls, all contributing to the rich tapestry of Savannah's history.

Savannah's City Market

In the 1700s, City Market was Savannah's central marketplace, where residents went to shop for groceries, services, and other goods. Today, City Market is home to some of the Historic District's most popular restaurants, art galleries, and shops. It is known as the heart and hub of Savannah and offers a wide variety of annual events, including a New Year's Eve Block Party, St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and holiday festivities.

City Market is housed in one-time cotton warehouses and features over 75 boutiques, galleries, artists' studios, and restaurants. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including trolley or carriage tours, cocktail classes at the American Prohibition Museum, and live music at the Courtyard Music Series and seasonal events.

Throughout its history, City Market has withstood incredible tragedies, including two fires, the Civil War, and Savannah's great hurricane of 1860. In 1954, the city government approved the demolition of the Old City Market, and a multi-deck parking garage was built on top of Ellis Square. However, the preservation movement led to the construction of a new City Market district, and the parking garage was eventually demolished in 2006, restoring the public space to its former glory.

Today, City Market is a lively marketplace offering fine dining, casual bites, art galleries, unique shopping options, and entertainment for the whole family. It is a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the art and soul of Savannah.

Savannah's Fort Pulaski

The fort was named after Casimir Pulaski, a Polish soldier and military commander who fought in the American Revolution under George Washington. It took 18 years and nearly $1 million to complete, utilising an estimated 25 million bricks. Fort Pulaski's walls were 11 feet thick and considered impenetrable, a testament to the structural durability characteristic of the "'third system'" of coastal fortifications.

However, the onset of the Civil War changed the fort's allegiance. After South Carolina seceded from the Union, the state of Georgia's Confederate troops seized control of Fort Pulaski in 1860. They occupied the fort until December 1861, when its isolated location led them to abandon it. This presented an opportunity for Union forces, who quickly established a position on Tybee Island, directly across the Savannah River from the fort.

The siege of Fort Pulaski commenced in April 1862 when Union troops, under the command of Quincy A. Gillmore, utilised new rifled artillery technology to breach the fort's walls within 30 hours of bombardment. Colonel Charles H. Olmstead, commander of the Confederate garrison, initially refused to surrender but eventually relented to avoid further damage to the fort and potential harm to his troops. This siege marked a turning point in military history, showcasing the superiority of new artillery technology over brick fortifications.

Following the Union victory, Fort Pulaski became a significant site in the fight against slavery. General David Hunter, commander of the Union garrison, issued an order stating that all enslaved people at the fort and on Cockspur Island were now free. The fort became the final destination on the Underground Railroad, as slaves in the area gained their freedom upon reaching Cockspur Island. The Contraband Camp, located along the north walking trail, served as a living quarters for formerly enslaved people.

Today, Fort Pulaski stands as a National Monument, preserved and managed by the National Park Service. Visitors can explore the fort, witness cannon firings, and learn about its rich history. The surrounding area offers guided tours, an indoor museum, and nature trails showcasing the diverse terrain of sun-dappled paths, marshes, and small beaches. Fort Pulaski serves as a testament to the past, providing valuable insights into America's military and social history.

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