Savannah’s River Street isn’t just a popular destination for shopping and dining. All along the cobblestone street, you can find several of the city’s historic monuments. Next time you wander the riverfront, don’t forget to check out Savannah’s historic monuments on River Street.
A World Apart
The World War II monument is also known as “The Cracked Earth” monument. The two halves of the globe represent the conflict of a world divided. Lit at night, inside the monument lists the names of all who served from Chatham County, a Purple Heart and a WWII Victory medal. The monument sits just at the center of River Street, on the west side of the Hyatt tunnel.
The Waving Girl
Greeting every ship that comes into the Savannah port is the statue commemorating Florence Martus: The Waving Girl. Between 1887 and 1931, Florence took it upon herself to be the greeter of all the ships in the harbor, waving them down with a white handkerchief or lantern. She was the daughter of an ordnance sergeant at Fort Pulaski, living on Elba Island with her brother and border collie. Though there are several speculations as to why she waved down every boat, one of them being that she was waiting for a sailor she fell in love with to return. The true reason is still a mystery. The statue is located at the east end of River Street in a grassy area near the Marriott Hotel.
The Anchor Monument
This monument was founded by Margaret Campbell, who organized the Port of Savannah Chapter of the Women’s Propeller Club. it was built in 1976 and dedicated to all merchant seaman lost at sea.
The African American Monument
Savannah College of Art and Design professor Dorothy Spradley designed this monument. It shows a family embracing with the chain of slavery at their feet. The side of the monument has a powerful inscription by Maya Angelou.
It stands on the east side of River Street, right by the Hyatt Tunnel.
The Olympic Yachting Cauldron
Located just right next to The Waving Girl sits a monument representing the cauldron used for the Olympic yachting events held in Savannah in 1996. Created by Ivan Bailey, the five columns pay tribute to the five Olympic rings. The style of the columns pays homage to the Greek heritage of the games.
Washington’s Guns
George Washington presented the two cannons to the Chatham Artillery in 1791. Washington had seized them from Cornwallis at Yorktown during the American Revolution. The French-made guns, constructed in 1756, were originally named “La Populaire.” During the Civil War, the guns were buried beneath the Chatham Artillery armory until 1872. They now sit on Bay Street, just to the right of City Hall, next to Upper Factor’s Walk.
The Old Harbor Light
Also known as the Savannah Harbor Rear Range Light or the Beacon Range Light, The Old Harbor Light, built in 1858, guided ships into the Savannah Harbor and away from six sunken British ships. It led French and American vessels away from the ruins, during the Revolutionary War. The Old Harbor Light went out during World War II but has since been restored twice. It now sits on the east side of Emmet Park.