Savannah Historic District

Savannah Historic District. The district is a significant part of Savannah, Georgia, and is known for its well-preserved Greek Revival architecture, Italianate architecture, and Regency architecture styles, as seen in buildings like the Owens-Thomas House and the Noble Hardee House. It is also home to many famous Southern landmarks, including the Forsyth Park fountain, designed by William Jay, and the Mercer House, made famous by Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The district's grid system, designed by James Oglethorpe, has been influential in the development of other cities, such as Perry, Georgia and Milledgeville, Georgia.

Geography and Climate

The Savannah Historic District is situated in the Lowcountry region of Georgia, near the Savannah River and the Atlantic Ocean. The district's geography is characterized by its marshes, swamps, and coastal plains, which have been shaped by the Pleistocene epoch and the Holocene epoch. The climate of the district is humid subtropical, with mild winters and hot, humid summers, similar to other cities in the Southern United States, such as Charleston, South Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana. The district is also susceptible to hurricanes, such as Hurricane David and Hurricane Matthew, which have impacted the city's infrastructure and architecture, including the Telfair Academy and the Jepson Center.

History of the District

The Savannah Historic District has a rich and complex history, dating back to the founding of Savannah, Georgia in 1733 by James Oglethorpe. The district was originally designed as a grid plan city, with public squares and parks, such as Chippewa Square and Wright Square. During the American Revolution, the district played a significant role, with many notable figures, including George Washington and Nathan Hale, visiting the city. The district was also a major port during the American Civil War, with the Union Army capturing the city in 1864. The district's history is also marked by the influence of African American culture, including the Gullah Geechee people, who have contributed to the city's music, art, and cuisine, as seen in the Savannah Music Festival and the Savannah Film Festival.

Architecture and Landmarks

The Savannah Historic District is known for its unique and diverse architecture, with many notable landmarks, including the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the Temple Mickve Israel, and the First African Baptist Church. The district is also home to many famous museums, such as the Telfair Museums and the Savannah Children's Museum. The district's architecture has been influenced by many styles, including Greek Revival architecture, Italianate architecture, and Regency architecture, as seen in buildings like the Harper Fowlkes House and the Andrew Low House. The district is also home to many notable squares, including Monterey Square and Pulaski Square, which have been featured in films like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and The Conspirator.

Preservation Efforts

The Savannah Historic District has been the subject of many preservation efforts, including the establishment of the Historic Savannah Foundation and the Savannah Historic District Board of Review. The district has also been recognized by the National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark District, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many notable figures, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Jimmy Carter, have been involved in preservation efforts in the district. The district's preservation efforts have also been influenced by the work of architects like Stanford White and Frank Lloyd Wright, who have designed buildings like the Savannah Civic Center and the SCAD Museum of Art.

Tourism and Economy

The Savannah Historic District is a major tourist destination, with many visitors drawn to its historic architecture, museums, and cultural events, such as the Savannah Music Festival and the Savannah Film Festival. The district is also home to many notable hotels, including the Boar's Head Inn and the Hyatt Regency Savannah. The district's economy is driven by tourism, as well as education and healthcare, with many major institutions, including the Savannah College of Art and Design and the Memorial University Medical Center. The district has also been recognized as one of the best cities in the United States by Forbes and Travel + Leisure, and has been featured in films like Forrest Gump and The Conspirator. The district's tourism industry has also been influenced by the work of celebrities like John Berendt and Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, who have written about the city's history and culture.

Category:Historic districts in Georgia (U.S. state)