Savannah's Historic Squares

Savannah’s squares are often considered the city’s precious jewels. Each of the city’s 22 squares has its own identity and its own personality, although they were all the brainchild of General James Oglethorpe, Savannah’s founding father. Some squares have monuments and others have fountains, but each of the squares helps to make Savannah a remarkably beautiful and unforgettable city.

Although several of the city’s original squares have been destroyed (to make room for a parking garage, a highway and the Civic Center), many of Savannah’s scenic jewels still remain, to the delight of the city’s visitors and residents alike. Enjoy Savannah’s historic squares, scattered throughout the historic district like so many glistening emeralds.

Calhoun Square
This southernmost square on Abercorn Street was added in 1851. The shady trees in Calhoun Square provide a perfect place to take a break from the heat and enjoy the leisurely pace of Savannah.

Chippewa Square
Named in honor of the American victory in the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812, Chippewa Square is the square where Forrest Gump’s bench was placed during the filming of the popular movie by the same name.

Columbia Square
Named in honor of the United States, this square offers a tranquil spot away from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Nestled within the northeast quadrant of the historic district, this serene square is a favorite stop for Savannahians.

Crawford Square
Crawford Square features a basketball court and is located on the eastern edge of the historic district.

Franklin Square
Dedicated in 1790, this square is named for Benjamin Franklin, an agent for the colony of Georgia from 1768 to 1778. Just off of City Market, this westernmost square has traditionally attracted a number of day laborers seeking work.

Greene Square
Named in honor of General Nathaniel Greene, an aide to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War, Greene Square is one of the most beautiful squares in Savannah.

Johnson Square
A center of activity, Johnson Square was the first square laid out by General James Oglethorpe in 1733. Savannah’s largest square is named for Robert Johnson, a close friend of Oglethorpe.

Lafayette Square
Named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette, this square features a number of benches and quaint cobblestone sidewalks.

Madison Square
Named for U.S. President James Madison, this square features vintage cannons from the old Savannah Armory. The Savannah College of Art and Design originally opened on this historic square.

Monterey Square
With a statue of Casmir Pulaski at the center, Monterey Square is widely considered Savannah’s most picturesque square. The Mercer House, the setting for the murder in “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” is located on this lovely square.

Oglethorpe Square
Named in honor of General James Oglethorpe, founder of Savannah and the colony of Georgia, this square is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch or a shady break.

Orleans Square
Located near the Savannah Civic Center, Orleans Square commemorates General Andrew Jackson’s 1815 victory in the Battle of New Orleans, part of the War of 1812. This square features beautiful red tulips in the Spring and a bubbling fountain all year long.

Pulaski Square
One of the few squares without a monument, Pulaski Square is named for Polish Count Casmir Pulaski, a hero of the Revolutionary War. This square features some of the most beautiful live oaks in the city, as well as thick ivy groundcover.

Reynolds Square
Originally called Lower New Square, Reynolds Square was once home to the Filature, the place where silkworms were housed in an effort to create silk in the Georgia colony.

Telfair Square
Named in honor of the Telfair family, this scenic square also has a Girl Scout tribute and a number of benches for an afternoon respite.

Troup Square
Troup Square features an armillary, an astronomical centerpiece made of iron, that is supported by small metal turtles. Named by Georgia governor George Michael Troup, this is one of the most picturesque squares in the historic district.

Warren Square
Located in one of the oldest areas of the city, Warren Square is named in honor of General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero and was added in 1790.

Washington Square
Built at the same time as Warren Square, Washington Square once bordered the original Trustees’ Garden, where colonists grew a variety of experimental crops. Today it is the northeasternmost square in the city.

Whitefield Square
A popular place for weddings, Whitefield Square has a lovely white gazebo that has hosted countless marriage ceremonies over the years. The square is named for George Whitefield, an English clergyman who founded the Bethesda Orphan Home and served as a minister to the city’s earliest colonists.

Wright Square
Originally called Percival Square, Wright Square is also the final resting place for Tomochichi, the Native American leader who helped General James Oglethorpe found the colony of Georgia.