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 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 are split, representing the conflict of a world divided. The monument is lit at night, and inside are the names of all who served from Chatham county, a Purple Heart and a WWII Victory medal. The monument is located 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, which was built in 2002 . 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 is a monument representing the cauldron that was lit for the Olympic yachting events held in Savannah in 1996. It was created by Ivan Bailey. The five columns pay tribute to the the five Olympic rings. The style of the columns pay homage to the Greek heritage of the games.
Washington’s Guns
The two cannons were presented to the Chatham Artillery by George Washington 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 was built in 1858 to guide ships into the Savannah Harbor and away from six British ships which were sunk earlier in 1779 to keep French and American vessels away in the Revolutionary War. It was turned off during World War II but has since been restored twice. It now sits at the east side of Emmet Park.
