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Andrew Low House
329 Abercorn Street
Savannah 31401
912-233-6854
Built for Andrew Low around 1848. It was here in 1912 that Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop in America. The house remained in the family until her death in 1927. The family hosted such notables as William Makepeace Thackeray, and Robert E. Lee. Now owned by the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, it serves as their Georgia headquarters. Open weekdays 10:30a-4p, Sun 12-4p. Closed Thursdays and National Holidays. Admission: adults $6, students $3, Girl Scouts and leaders $3.
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Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
223 East Harris Street
Savannah
912-233-4709
The oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia. Especially noted for its twin spires and chiming bells, this French Gothic design cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of Savannah. Originally dedicated in 1878, it was destroyed by fire, rebuilt and rededicated in 1900. The century-old structure has recently been restored, again, and rededicated.
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Chatham County Garden Center
and Botanical Gardens
1388 Eisenhower Dr.
(at Sallie Mood Dr)
Savannah
912-355-3883
A Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs project, this 10 acre site shows off roses and other perennials, herbs and vegetables, plus a series of seasonal gardens, - all in all some 900 varieties of growing things. This is like an oasis in the middle of the city (it even includes a pond). Open
Mon-Fri, 10a-2p. Admission is free but they really appreciate donations.
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Chippewa Square
Many historic attractions are located at this city square, which is named in commemoration of the victory of American troops under General Jacob Brown in the Battle of Chippewa (War of 1812).
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City Market
Jefferson at West Saint Julian St.
Savannah
912-232-4903
They even write poetry about the City Market. No question, it is an enchanting place and, for many, romantic. You'll find shops and restaurants here, all in an unusual setting.
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Davenport House Museum
324 East State Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
912-236-8097
Federal-style house built by master builder Isaiah Davenport in 1820. It has been restored to its early 19th-century beauty and open to tourists. An excellent web site devoted to this historic building may be seen at:
www.davenportsavga.com
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Factors Walk
(see also: River
Street)
An historic walkway, adjacent to River St, where cotton merchants (called factors) transacted their business; now an area for shops, offices and hotels.
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Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home
207 East Charlton Street
(Lafayette Square)
Savannah
912-233-6014
Author of 2 novels and 32 short stories, Flannery O'Connor was born and raised in Savannah. This house, where writer Flannery O'Connor spent her childhood, is now maintained as a
literary center as a memorial to O'Conner. The Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home Foundation has an excellent web site where you can read all about O'Conner, the house and the Foundation:
www.ils.unc.edu/flannery/
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(Old) Fort Jackson
1 Fort Jackson Rd.
Savannah
912-232-3945
Georgia's oldest remaining fort, Fort Jackson dates back to 1808. Exhibits include many Civil War and other associated military items. This was part of a series of nine fortifications built to protect the seaports. Fort Jackson was the headquarters for the Confederate's river defenses during the Civil War. Mon-Sat 9a-5p, Sun 12-5p
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Fort Pulaski
Cockspur Island
on US 80 East toward Tybee Island
P.O.Box 30757
Savannah 31410
912-786-5787
This fort, started in 1829 and completed in 1847 was originally part of a series of forts which protected major seaports from foreign attack. The Fort never came under fire
until the Civil War. A 30 hour bombardment from Union guns on Tybee Island, a mile away, successfully breached the masonry walls. This was the first time in history that this kind of structure had been breached from so great a distance. Fort Pulaski is a National Monument. Open 8:30a-5p daily in season.
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Green-Meldrim House
14 West Macon Street
(Madison Square)
Savannah 31401
912-233-3845
This was the headquarters of General Sherman during his occupation of Savannah in 1864.
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Harrison-Turner House
The hub of Savannah's social life around the close of the 19th Century, this is residence is referred to as the Odom party house in John Berendt's book, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" .
(see also: Telfair
Museum)
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Historic District
Savannah's picturesque historic district is said to be one of the most expansive historic districts in the USA. This 2.2 square mile urban area, bounded by Forsyth Park, East Broadway and King Blvd, was part of the overall city plan by Oglethorpe. It consisted of 24 squares set off set to provide green spaces amidst the shoulder-to-shoulder atmosphere of the usual cityscape and to provide fortifications as well as sites for public gatherings. Twenty-two of these squares have survived the years and are beautifully adorned with gardens, courtyards and statuary. Oglethorpe's design has been frequently cited as a masterpiece of urban design.
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Historic Railroad Shops
601 West Harris St.
Savannah
912-651-6823
This is the oldest, most complete railroad manufacturing and repair facility still standing in the United States. Thirteen structures remaining from the original 1845 railroad repair and manufacturing center include the roundhouse and turntable (where the engines were turned around) and the 125-foot brick smokestack. Other exhibits include locomotives, some rolling stock and two stationary steam engines. The site is now a National Historic Landmark. Open daily 10a-4p.
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Isaiah Davenport House Museum
324 East State St
Savannah
912-236-8097
Isaiah Davenport came to Savannah in 1820 and worked as a master builder. In 1820 he completed his house, a traditional Federal style home. By the 1930's the house had become an apartment building, divided up into many smaller rooms. In 1955 a group of women saved the house from demolition and restored it to reflect the lifestyle of a middle class family of the 1920's. From this group of women evolved the Historic Savannah Foundation. Mon-Sun. 10-4:30.
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Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
142 Bull Street, Savannah, Georgia 31401
912-233-4501
This Victorian house, once the home of the founder of the Girl Scouts, is now a memorial to her and her
significant contributions.
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Maritime Museum
503 East River St
Savannah
912-232-1511
This museum honors the history of ship making and houses exhibits on the S.S. Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.
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Massie Heritage Interpretation Center
207 E. Gordon St.
Savannah, Georgia
912-651-7022
The main attraction is a full-scale model of Savannah.
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Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum
175 Bourne Ave
(I-95 exit - US-80)
Pooler
912-748-8888
Modern 90,000 sqft building filled with exhibits (all dedicated to the brave fighting men and women of World War II), an extensive library (pertaining to aviation and air warfare), an panoramic 8-screen theater, an art gallery and a memorial garden.
The 8th Air Force was born in Savannah about a month after Pearl Harbor and shipped out to England a few months later. The
Eighth eventually flew over 600,000 sorties against the Nazi during WWII and suffered very heavy casualties. This is a one-of-a-kind exhibit and we strongly recommend it. Open 9a-6p daily; closed New Year's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission: adults $7.50, children 6 to 12 $5.50, under 6 are free.
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Owens-Thomas House
(see also: Telfair
Museum)
124 Abercorn Street
Savannah 31401
912-233-9743
Tours are offered of this elegant 19th-century traditional Savannah house.
Built in 1819 for Richard Richardson, a cotton merchant who lost the home soon after in the depression of 1820. Purchased some 10 years later by George Welchman Owens, it remained in the family until his granddaughter, Margaret Thomas, bequeathed it to the Georgia Historical Society. The house, now part of the Telfair Museum of Art, is open Tue-Sat 10a-5p, Sun 2-5p. Closed Holidays.
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Pulaski Square
One of the remaining twenty-two city squares in Savannah's Historic District and named in memory of the Polish Count Casimir Pulaski. Hero of the Revolutionary War, Count Pulaski was killed here in Savannah while fighting with the Patriots against the British.
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Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
460 King Blvd
Savannah 31401
912-231-8900
Starting with the period of slavery and continuing through to the present, this museum houses an assortment of photographs and interactive displays
chronicling the struggle of the African American for equal rights and respect. Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert played a very active role as 'father' of the Savannah civil rights movement and served as leader of the NAACP. He was a very successful proponent of civil rights, not only in Savannah but throughout the U.S. as a speaker and playwright. Hours: Mon-Sat 9a-5p
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River Street
(see also: Factors
Walk)
Here, in the restored 19th Century cotton warehouses and offices, you'll find an assortment of shops, restaurants, and eateries. Opposite this collection of businesses are many small parks and sitting areas from which you can view the ships that continually entering or leaving Savannah Harbor.
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Savannah History Museum
303 King Blvd
Savannah 31401
912-238-1779
This 20,000 Sq. Ft. exhibit area is located in the old passenger station of the Central of Georgia Railroad that also houses the Savannah Visitors Center. Exhibits include an 1890 steam locomotive still sitting on the original Central of Georgia RR tracks, a genuine antique cotton gin plus an assortment of artifacts chronicling the history of Savannah. There is also a small theater which presents a film about Savannah's history. Open daily 9a-5p.
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Ships of the Sea
41 King Blvd
Savannah 31401
912-232-1511
This museum, housed in the Scarbrough House explores Savannah's maritime history while including many interesting, but little known, aspects of the life of the old maritimers. Besides a complete collection of models and paintings of historic ships, the collection also includes scrimshaw, ancient navigational tools and a unique china cat figurine. There is also a video presentation.
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Scarbrough House and Garden
This was the home of the owner of the Savannah, the first steam ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
The garden is an unexpected treasure - don't miss it. (The property is now a National Historic Landmark.) Admission: adults $5, children (7 and older) $4, children under 7 free. (if you have a college ID you can get the discounted rate).
Tue-Sun 10a-5p.
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Telfair Mansion and Museum of Art
121 Barnard Street
Savannah 31401
912-232-1177
The Telfair is the oldest art museum in the South. Its permanent collection includes paintings, prints, sculpture and other art works including the actual "Bird Girl" statue which was featured in the best-selling novel, "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."
This museum is housed in the mansion designed by English architect William Jay for Alexander Telfair (son of Georgia governor Edward Telfair). In 1875 the home and all its furnishings were bequeathed to the Georgia Historical Society by Mary Telfair.
Open Tue-Sat 10a-5p and Sun 2-5p. Closed Holidays.
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Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum
30 Meddia Drive
Tybee Island 31328
912-786-5801
One of the most intact light stations (including all of the original support buildings) in the U.S., the Tybee Island Lighthouse and Museum is currently undergoing the completion of a lengthy
undertaking which will restore it to its original character. For an interesting history of this light station please view the web site of the Tybee Island Historical Society:
www.tybeelighthouse.org
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Wormsloe State Historic Site
7601 Skidaway Road
Savannah 31406
912-353-3023
The 'Wormsloe' site is on what remains of the home of a multi-talented 18th Century colonist named Noble Jones. His descendants adopted the name, 'Wormsloe' in the mid-19th Century. The estate eventually 'grew' into a very successful 900 acre plantation. The original house, built like a fort to protect the family and slaves from
marauding Spaniards. All that remains of the building is the foundation and part of a wall. Also on the site is the museum and theatre, a
cemetery monument, some nature trails and the Colonial Life Area, a re-creation of outbuildings characteristic of the early 'Wormsloe' period.
Open 9a-5p Tue-Sat and 2-5:30p Sun. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission: adults $2, children 6-18 $1, 5 and younger are free.
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