Columbia Square

A Glimpse into History

Established in 1799 and named after Columbia - the poetic personification of the United States (before Uncle Sam stole the spotlight, you might say) - Columbia Square is one of Savannah's 22 historic squares. You can find this charming green space on Habersham Street, between State and York Streets in the northeast corner of the Historic District.

The Square's Heart

At the center of Columbia Square, you'll spot the Wormsloe Fountain, added in 1970 as a tribute to Augusta and Wymberly DeRenne, descendants of Noble Jones - one of Georgia's earliest settlers.

Originally from Wormsloe Plantation, this isn't your average water feature. Its intricate designs of vines, leaves, and woodland motifs have earned it the nickname "rustic fountain" - understated, yet perfectly fitting.

If you happen to visit during St. Patrick's Day, you're in for a treat - the fountain's water transforms into a vibrant green, joining Savannah's festive celebrations in a way that would make any leprechaun proud.

Architectural Locations

The square is flanked by buildings that tell stories of Savannah's past. On the northwest corner stands the Isaiah Davenport House, a Federal-style beauty built in 1820. This isn't just any historic home - it sparked Savannah's entire preservation movement when demolition threatened it in 1955, leading to the birth of the Historic Savannah Foundation.

That founding story has recently received a new tribute on the square itself. A monument commissioned in 2024 honors the seven women who organized to save the Davenport House and, in doing so, reshaped how Savannah treated its historic architecture. The honorees - Katherine Judkins Clark, Elinor Adler Dillard, Anna Colquit Hunter, Lucy Barrow McIntire, Dorothy Ripley Roebling, Nola McEvoy Roos, and Jane Adair Wright - are given long-overdue recognition here, in the very square their efforts did so much to preserve.

Also gracing the square is the Kehoe House, completed in 1892 at 123 Habersham Street and designed in Renaissance Revival style by DeWitt Bruyn. The story behind it actually begins a few years earlier: Irish immigrant William Kehoe first built a home on the eastern side of the square in 1885, but as his family and business fortunes grew, he needed something grander. The current mansion sits diagonally across the square from that original property - a tangible sign of how far Kehoe had come. It now welcomes guests as a bed and breakfast where you can literally sleep inside a piece of history.

Two other buildings are worth noting nearby. The Abraham Sheftall House, dating back to 1818, now serves as the offices of the Historic Savannah Foundation - a fitting use for such a historically significant address. And at 307 East President Street, the 17 Hundred 90 Inn is the oldest structure on Columbia Square, one of the few remaining 18th-century buildings on any of Savannah's historic squares. Many architecture enthusiasts take the NOGS tour (North of Gaston Street), which includes Columbia Square in its exploration of the area's architectural treasures.

The Vibe

What sets Columbia Square apart is its tranquil atmosphere. While other squares might buzz with activity, this one maintains a peaceful character that invites you to slow down.

Majestic Southern live oak trees draped with Spanish moss create natural canopies, offering cool shade during Savannah's warmer months. The square has a quiet, understated elegance that makes it a good spot for moments of reflection, a good book, or simply appreciating the stillness in the midst of your travels.

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Things to Do

Columbia Square has become something of a romantic hotspot, with many couples choosing it as a backdrop for wedding ceremonies and photos. The intimate setting makes for a special backdrop for important occasions.

You'll often spot locals walking their dogs here, making it a prime location for pet-watching if that's your thing. The park benches surrounding the fountain offer a wonderful perch to sit and listen to the soothing sounds of flowing water while people-watching or diving into a good read.

Information signs throughout the square share insights into its past, and if you catch one of the tour groups passing through, you might overhear fascinating stories about this beautiful space that's been witnessing Savannah life for over two centuries.