Reynolds Square

Reynolds Square Reynolds Square is a historic public square in the Savannah Historic District, established during the founding of the Province of Georgia by James Oglethorpe in 1733. The square is surrounded by notable structures tied to figures such as Colonel John Mullryne, Major General Nathanael Greene, John Wesley-related sites, and later civic institutions like the Savannah City Hall and commercial buildings connected to the Port of Savannah. Reynolds Square has been a focal point for events involving organizations such as the Georgia Historical Society, the National Park Service, and preservationists from the Historic Savannah Foundation.

History

Reynolds Square originated from the Oglethorpe Plan implemented by James Oglethorpe and colonial trustees of the Province of Georgia alongside contemporaneous squares like Johnson Square, Clayton Square, and Ellis Square. Early landholders included merchants linked to transatlantic trade networks such as the Atlantic slave trade merchants and planters who corresponded with elites in Charleston, South Carolina and London. During the American Revolutionary War, Savannah and surrounding squares experienced actions involving the Siege of Savannah and figures like General Augustine Prevost and Comte d'Estaing, affecting development around the square. In the antebellum period Reynolds Square's periphery saw commerce tied to the Savannah River waterfront and institutions connected to the Freemasonry lodges and local Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. The Civil War brought involvement from Confederate States of America authorities and later Reconstruction-era officials associated with the Freedmen's Bureau. Twentieth-century preservation movements, including efforts by the Historic Savannah Foundation and cultural tourism initiatives by the Savannah College of Art and Design, shaped the square's modern identity.

Design and Features

The square reflects the Oglethorpe Plan's modular urbanism seen across Savannah, with a central greensward, surrounding trust lots, and integration with streets such as Bull Street, Bay Street, and Abercorn Street. Landscaping has included live oaks from the same horticultural traditions appreciated by gardeners influenced by the Victorian era and arboreal specimens similar to those in Forsyth Park. Architectural context includes nearby residential and commercial facades in styles associated with Georgian architecture, Federal architecture, and Italianate architecture as seen in buildings restored by firms connected to preservationists from the American Institute of Architects. Public infrastructure improvements have been coordinated with agencies such as the Georgia Department of Transportation and consultants familiar with standards used by the National Register of Historic Places.

Notable Monuments and Statues

Prominent monuments near the square commemorate figures tied to regional and national history, including a statue honoring James Oglethorpe within the broader Savannah area and markers noting associations with John Wesley and Earl W. Rowland-era civic contributors. Commemorative plaques have been installed by organizations like the Georgia Historical Society and interpretive panels produced in collaboration with the Savannah College of Art and Design and the National Park Service. Nearby memorials recall veterans who served in conflicts such as the American Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the American Civil War, with dedications attended by representatives of the Daughters of the American Revolution and military heritage groups linked to the United States Army and United States Marine Corps.

Cultural and Social Significance

Reynolds Square has functioned as a civic gathering place for events hosted by the City of Savannah and cultural organizations such as the Savannah Music Festival, the Savannah Film Festival, and civic parades associated with the St. Patrick's Day celebrations that draw tourists from cultural institutions like the Telfair Museums and social clubs linked to the Rotary Club. The square's proximity to religious sites intersects with congregations of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia and Methodist Episcopal Church traditions connected historically to John Wesley. It has also been a locus for activism involving groups like the Southern Poverty Law Center-associated initiatives, civic education programs by the Georgia Historical Society, and public art projects commissioned through partnerships with the Coastal Heritage Society and community organizations.

Preservation and Restoration Efforts

Preservation of Reynolds Square has involved coordination between municipal agencies such as the City of Savannah planning department, non-profits like the Historic Savannah Foundation, and federal entities including the National Park Service. Restoration projects have sought guidance from professionals affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and accreditation standards used by the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Funding sources have included grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, partnerships with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, and philanthropic contributions from local families historically engaged with institutions like the Georgia Historical Society and the Telfair Academy. Archaeological investigations carried out under permits with the State Historic Preservation Office have informed conservation of masonry, landscape, and artifact assemblages linked to colonial-era occupation and antebellum commerce, guiding ongoing stewardship by municipal conservancy programs and heritage tourism stakeholders.

Category:Squares in Savannah, Georgia Category:Savannah Historic District