Greene Square

A Step Back in Time

Founded in 1799, Greene Square joined the family of 22 squares that make up Savannah's distinctive urban grid. Named after General Nathanael Greene - yes, the Revolutionary War hero who was Washington's right-hand man - this peaceful oasis sits at the crossroads of Houston and East President Streets in the northeastern corner of Savannah's Historic District. The square is embraced by a collection of historic buildings and homes, many of which have been standing since the 1800s.

Some of the square's oldest surviving structures are clustered in the southwestern block. The buildings at 510 East York Street and 509 East President Street - both former properties of a man named George Jones - along with the Thomas Williams House at 503 East President Street, are all believed to date to 1799, making them contemporaries of the square itself. That puts them among the earliest examples of residential architecture still standing in Savannah.

Nature's Canopy

Walk into Greene Square and you'll immediately notice the majestic oak trees stretching overhead, their branches draped with wispy Spanish moss that sways gently in the Georgia breeze. It's nature's air conditioning - providing a cool, shady haven from Savannah's famous heat. Unlike its more tourist-heavy siblings downtown, Greene Square maintains a quieter, more authentic atmosphere that gives you a genuine taste of daily life in this historic city.

Your Personal Retreat

What makes Greene Square special is what it doesn't have - there's no central statue or monument claiming the spotlight. Instead, you can find an open, grassy area that's well-suited for spreading out a picnic blanket or letting kids burn off some energy. Several benches dot the perimeter, inviting you to sit a spell, dive into a good book, or simply watch the world go by at a slower pace.

Worth seeking out on the square's northwestern tything block is the John Dorsett House, better known locally as the "Tiny House." It's widely regarded as the smallest free-standing house in Savannah - a claim that's hard to argue with once you see it. The structure was moved here from 422 Hull Street, which only adds to its quirky character.

Its location off the main tourist track is actually part of its charm. You might see the occasional tour bus, but for the most part, this square offers a peaceful moment of respite within the historic district.

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Rich Cultural Roots

During the 19th century, Greene Square became an important center for Savannah's African-American community. The Second African Baptist Church, located just off the square, stands as a powerful reminder of this heritage. This church holds particular significance as the place where Union General William Tecumseh Sherman's historic "40 acres and a mule" order was read to newly freed slaves in 1865.

With its historical significance and beautifully preserved surroundings, Greene Square offers a quiet but meaningful window into Savannah's architectural legacy and cultural history.