Heart of Savannah History Walking Tour - 2hr

Your tour begins in the center of the north side of Wright Square in front of the Gordon Monument.
You will learn how and why Savannah was first established, and why General James Oglethorpe decided to establish the colony on a 40-foot bluff.
You will also learn how the square are designed and why.
Did you know that the Port of Savannah is third largest port in the nation?
You will discover who Tomochichi, the chief of the Yamacraw Indians, was and why is the buried under the Gordon Monument in the center of the square.

You will admire the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts, born here on October 31, 1860. You will discover the history the Gordon family and what it is used for today.
*We do not go into the home, but will admire it from the outside.

The Independent Presbyterian Church was founded in 1755 on Ellis Square (originally Market Square), but was destroyed by fire. Rebuilding on Telfair Square and destroyed by a hurricane. Today it sits on the corner of Bull St and Oglethorpe Ave, where is was built in 1855.
You will learn which US President was married in the church in 1885, and why is this steeple so famous today.

Here you will see where Forrest Gump sat with his box of chocolates, while waiting for the bus.
The monument in the center of Chippewa Square is General James Oglethorpe, not Captain Morgan. We agree he does look a lot like Captain Morgan, and it would be appropriate since Savannah does allow to-go cups.
Here you will learn about he man behind the colony of Savannah, and what his monument represents.

The Sorrel Weed House is one of the most haunted homes in Savannah. We will pass buy the home, and tell you about the Savannah gray brick wall surrounding the courtyard and you will learn why there are fingerprints in the brick. Where did this brick come from?

Where Madison Square is today, was once the location for one of the bloodiest battles during the American Revolution, the Siege of Savannah.

Completed in 1853, this house is the finest example for Gothic Architecture in the south. This house cost $93,000, or $3.2 million today, and was the most expensive home in Savannah during the 1800s.
This home made history as being the Headquarters for General Sherman during his March to the Sea, when he occupied Savannah.

Originally built and used as the Savannah Volunteer Guard building, this is now owned by SCAD. We go past this building.

The Gryphon Tea Room is located inside what we call the Shriner's Building. Inside the Gryphon Tea room is a museum in itself, once being used as Solomon's Apothecary, and still has the original mahogany cabinetry and cubbies used to store the medicines.
The Gryphon Tea Room is one of our favorites for lunch, dinner or to relax with a cup of tea!

The Mercer Williams house, made famous by the book Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil, written by John Berendt. This is a true story of Jim Williams, who purchased the home in 1969, and the shooting of his assistant Danny 1981.
The book was released in 1993, and on New York best seller list for 216 weeks, longer than any book in history. A few years later, the movie was released and helped put Savannah on the map of tourism.
After-all, everyone loves a good scandal every once in a while. We recommend reading the book, or at least watching the movie prior to visiting Savannah.

Now known as the Armstrong-Kessler house, we will talk about the history of the home, and who lives in this 26,000+ square foot home today. This is the one home in town where everyone gasps "WOW' and has to stop to admire. This is an absolutely magnificent home and one not to be missed. This is a private home today and not open for tours.

Forsyth Park, this is where our tour ends. This park began in 1848 with only 10 acres, today it covers 30 acres. It is our Central Park and enjoyed by young and old alike.
The crowning jewel of Savannah, our Forsyth Park Fountain. What most people don't realize is that this was a catalog mail order from France and installed in 1858. It is must-see and you must have your picture taken in front of this amazing fountain.