Telfair Square
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historical Significance
Telfair Square is one of the original squares laid out in Savannah's historic district in 1733. Originally named St. James Square, it was renamed in 1883 to honor the Telfair family, who made significant contributions to Savannah's cultural and economic development.
Location and Cultural Importance
Located at the intersection of Barnard and President Streets, Telfair Square occupies a prominent place in Savannah's artistic and cultural landscape. The square is flanked by two important art museums - the historic Telfair Academy on the northwest corner and the modern Jepson Center for the Arts on the southwest corner.
Both are part of the Telfair Museums, the oldest public art museum in the Southern United States.
Layout and Features
The square itself features a classic Savannah park layout with paved walkways, benches, and mature live oak trees providing ample shade. Two small monuments can be found in the square - a low-lying cement monument honoring the Girl Scouts in the southeastern corner, and a cement image of a chambered nautilus in the northeast corner.
Surrounding Architecture
On the southern side of the square stands Trinity Methodist Church, built in 1848 in the Greek Revival style. As one of the oldest Methodist congregations in Savannah, the church adds to the historical significance of the area.
Telfair Square serves as a peaceful green space in the heart of Savannah's bustling historic district, offering visitors and locals alike a place to relax, enjoy the shade of the oak trees, and appreciate the surrounding historic architecture and cultural institutions.
