62 Engrossing Savannah Facts: Learn About This City In Georgia!

Famous for hosting the first international soccer game in the United States, Savannah is known among the locals as the 'hostess city of the south' and 'a museum without walls.'

It is believed that it is the most haunted city in southern America. Savannah is a seaport located in the Southeast United States in Georgia.

In the history of Savannah, Montgomery Street was the safe house for the African American community and other enslaved people. The city was created in 1733 by James Oglethorpe to serve as Georgia's capital and win back the confidence of Great Britain after colonists had attacked Florida in an ill-conceived venture.

It took Oglethorpe three years to round up settlers, who traveled overland in one of 11 wooden ships.

Only about half of these original colonists survived the first year, but eventually, people started coming to Savannah from other parts of the American colonies during the Civil War. During the civil war, it was one of the 13 colonies.

The Savannah River is located near East Broad Street. Juliette Gordon Low, born in Savannah, is famous for the Girl Scouts, and Fort Pulaski is also renowned for protecting enslaved people during the Civil War.

Savannah's Geography

Savannah is a seaport located in the Southeast United States, in Georgia. It was established in 1733 and is primarily known for its many old buildings and unique history.

The city's name comes from Colonel William Savannah, who helped found it after coming to America from England in 1732 and fighting for rights to the land.

Savannah has a humid subtropical climate with hot and wet summers and cold winters.

Many of the buildings have been built before modern fireproofing methods were developed, so they cannot withstand fire or hurricanes remarkably well.

This makes evacuation procedures particularly important when extreme weather becomes more common during these times of the year.

There are several different beaches around this coastal town, but the water is extremely dangerous during hurricane season because of its proximity to shore.

The Savannah River runs through the middle of this coastal city, which separates Georgia from South Carolina.

Several different islands are located near this town, including Hutchinson Island and the Isle of Hope.

The Chatham County Courthouse is located on Bull Street in Savannah's historic district.

Many popular tourist attractions are located within the city limits, including The Juliette Gordon Low House, Telfair Museum of Art, Davenport House, Owens-Thomas House Museum, and St. John's Episcopal Church.

Also, outside of town, people enjoy visiting many other places, like Ty Island Light Station and Bonaventure Cemetery.

Climate In Savannah

Savannah has a humid subtropical climate. Temperatures tend to be much cooler than those in the hot desert climates generally experienced at lower latitudes on the same parallels due to its inland location and ample maritime influence.

The coldest month is usually January with an average monthly mean temperature of 42-61 °F (5.5-16 °C), and the warmest month is July with an average monthly mean of 75-90 °F (24-32 °C).

Despite popular belief, among the four different climates of Savannah, especially with regard to tourist activities, the months of March, April, and May are busier compared to other months. 

On average, July is considered the annual peak for thunderstorm activity and the wettest month, while January has the lowest precipitation frequency.

Extremes in climate have ranged from -3 °F (-19 °C) in 1985 to 110 °F (43 °C) in 1952.

Savannah's average annual rainfall is 50 in (1270 mm).

From 1941-1950, a span of 11 consecutive years, an average of 49.6 in (126 cm) per year fell, a record unmatched in any other period of record back to 1872.

Hurricanes are rare in Savannah but are common threats to the area farther south along the coast due to their position between the Appalachian Mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, which is a funnel for tropical cyclones.

The city averages around 15-20 thunderstorm days per year.

Savannah has experienced direct hits from hurricanes twice in recorded history, most recently from Hurricane David in 1979 and from Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Savannah's wettest month on average is August with 7.20 in (182.8 mm) of rainfall, while the driest month on average is November with 2.40 in (60.9 mm) of precipitation.

August through October are the windy months on average, while June through July is the calmest months of the year in terms of breezes per month.

During hurricane season, wind speeds above 40 mph (64 kph) and severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, hail, torrential rainfall, and frequent lightning occur during the height of hurricane season, mid-August to late October.

More than half of Savannah's annual precipitation falls from June to September.

Savannah's Infrastructure

Savannah is a historical port city and, as such, it developed on very low land, next to the Savannah River. Rivers had to be taken into account when laying out streets and alleys, and their location impacted traffic circulation.

This impeded the development of some sectors (like that southwest of Oglethorpe Square) but allowed for a more orderly layout of other parts (like that northeast).

Unlike Charleston or New Orleans, Savannah is not built on natural hills; its former industrial areas are located on artificially created terraces overlooking the river and complying with topography.

City Hall is located between Bull and Whitaker streets.

The surrounding area looks from its roof: the northern side is more abrupt, with low-rise historic buildings in its upper sector, but it also has taller towers close to Bay Street.

The southern side of the square is more gentle and features several parks, leading to residential areas that have been renovated or are currently being restored.

River Street is located next to Riverfront Park on its western bank; it leads to downtown Savannah and was developed during the 19th century as a commercial area.

Just before crossing Bay Street, the train track leads up to Bonaventure Cemetery, one of the city's major tourist attractions, where Oscar Wilde was buried after his death in France.

There were no high-rise buildings during the 19th or 20th century, so City Hall's view of River Street is not obstructed.

The Savannah Cotton Exchange building on Bay Street was built to match the height of neighboring commercial structures.

Smaller firms are located along Bay Street below the Metal Arts Building.

This area features modest low-rises that primarily date back to Savannah's early history, including some towers erected in its later years. These are just two among several examples.

Savannah's first high-rise stands out even from a distance: The Westin hotel dominates the eastern side of downtown with its 417 ft (127 m).

It was built when few other tall buildings could be found in the city.

However, the Westin only represents the beginning of a trend that has been ongoing since then: there are now over two dozen buildings exceeding 100 meters within the city limits.

Several are located along Bay Street, south of City Hall, or near River Street.

The Arsht Tower on East Bay Street features residential units above an office building with ground-floor retail spaces.

This tower occupies a prominent location downtown, and its bulk can be seen even when approaching Savannah along I-16, but it lacks any distinctive design feature.

The Savannah College of Art and Design was established in the later years of 1970.

The same goes for most towers built in this period, mainly composed of generic floor slabs with simple geometric shapes at their corners.

Culture of Savannah

The first thing that one might think of when talking about the culture in Savannah is the many historical buildings and houses located downtown.

Forsyth Park and the famous fountain featured in 'Forrest Gump' is a 'must-see' for any tourist.

It was also seen as one of the New Seven Wonders Of The World during a promotional campaign from 2007-2008.  

One could spend hours touring all of these history-rich locations along with beautiful squares such as Chippewa Square, Madison, and Wright.

Many people describe Savannah as a beautiful city with beautiful homes and buildings, but some would also say that it is an old, boring town where nothing ever happens.

There is no nightlife or anything of the sort on weekend nights.

Most young people leave to go out of state after college graduation because there are no jobs available.

But if you were to come to visit, bring your walking shoes and be prepared for lots of history lessons!

Savannah's population is about 429,453 people, making it the second-largest metropolitan area in Georgia.

There are many different religions celebrated here, including Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal Church South (which was formed due to the division over slavery), Roman Catholic (serving mainly European immigrants), Episcopal (especially by the upper classes), and Jewish (which is associated with German immigration).

Savannah is also home to many different cultures.

The southeastern location allows it to be significantly influenced by African, Caribbean, and Latin American cultures.

In 1800 the First African Baptist Church was established in Savannah.

There are so many restaurants in this city where you can try food from worldwide.

The historic restaurant Pirates House is famous in Savannah's history in downtown Savannah.

Ethnic groups include Irish, English, French, Italians, Germans, Africans, Haitians, Cubans, Chinese-Americans (as Savannah was once known as the 'gateway to China'), Vietnamese-Americans (first significant Asian population in a Southeastern city), Lebanese- Americans (influenced by trade), Polish- Americans, Jews (who came after 1820 because of German influence), Muslims or Middle Easterners (who mainly came after 1965), and Indians (which at one point made up the largest of foreign-born groups in the city).

Most famous for being home to baseball Hall of Famers Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker, poet Conrad Aiken, Joel Chandler Harris creator of 'Uncle Remus', author Flannery O'Connor, artist Rockwell Kent, and painter Gordon Parks.

Savannah is also known as a place where thousands of live oak trees line its streets.

Juliette Gordon Low, born in Savannah, is famous for the Girl Scouts in 1912. Juliette Gordon Low's death anniversary was on January 17, 1927.

In 1981, USA Today declared Savannah's downtown as one of the prettiest in America with its Southern charm.

In terms of music, jazz musician Ray Charles was originally from Georgia but lived most of his life in Seattle, Washington, after he left Savannah.

FAQs

Is Savannah the oldest city?

In 1733 General James Oglethorpe and some settlers founded the city on a bluff along the Savannah River. It was only three square miles with a little more than 1,000 people at that time. During the American Civil War, it was one of the major 13 colonies.

How many times has Savannah burned?

Savannah has a plethora of 19th-century architecture, but only a few 18th-century structures survived. Two significant fires also assaulted the city in 1796 and 1820, which consumed a substantial portion of the metropolis.

Where is savannah located?

Savannah is located near the border between South Carolina and Georgia, on the southern Atlantic coast of the United States. The city was founded in 1733.

Is Savannah a safe town? 

Savannah's reputation as one of America's most unique and colorful cities is justly earned. However, it also has a reputation for being a very dangerous town. In the heart of the historic district, where many of Savannah's attractions can be found, visitors are considered easy prey by criminals, sometimes referred to as 'muggers' or 'snatchers.'

Is it expensive to live in Savannah?

Savannah, Georgia, is the 14th most expensive city in the United States and has a cost of living that's 21% higher than the national average. The cost of living in the Peach State is 18% higher than the national average, but Atlanta's cost of living is just 9% higher.

Is Savannah safe to walk around at night?

At day, Savannah is generally secure, in the city center and the areas often visited by tourists. If you visit the place, you should avoid late-night walking, especially alone. As theft is common in the city, always keep a watch on your belongings.