Monterey Square

Historic Origins

Tucked along Bull Street between Gordon and Taylor Streets, Monterey Square is one of Savannah's 22 historic squares. Established in 1847, this charming green space commemorates the Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War. The square's name pays tribute to the brave Irish Jasper Greens, a local Savannah military unit that fought in this significant battle. One small historical footnote: the battle itself is technically spelled Battle of Monterrey - with two r's - referring to the 1846 engagement in which American forces captured the Mexican city of Monterrey. The single-r spelling on the square has simply persisted since its founding.

Pulaski Monument

At the heart of Monterey Square rises an impressive 55-foot Italian marble and granite monument honoring General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who sacrificed his life for American independence during the 1779 Siege of Savannah. Crafted by Russian-born artist Robert Eberhard Launitz and erected in 1853, this towering memorial represents the square's centerpiece.

Adding to the monument's mystique, the remains of an unidentified Revolutionary War soldier are said to lie beneath it. Some have speculated that the body could be Pulaski's own, though the identity has never been definitively confirmed - a detail that gives this already historically significant memorial an extra layer of intrigue.

Notable Surrounding Architecture

The architecture surrounding Monterey Square has its own fascinating history. The southwest corner features the infamous Mercer-Williams House, which gained fame through the book and film "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." This Italianate mansion, built in the 1860s, now welcomes curious visitors as a museum. The square has also appeared as a film location on other occasions - most notably the 1979 TV movie "The Ordeal of Dr. Mudd," starring Dennis Weaver.

On the eastern side, you'll discover the Mickve Israel Synagogue, housed in a Gothic Revival building from 1878. This synagogue serves one of America's oldest Jewish congregations and is considered one of the very few Gothic-style synagogues in the United States, which makes it architecturally distinctive well beyond its local significance. Along the southeastern block, Scudder's Row at 1 - 9 East Gordon Street comprises five row houses built between 1852 and 1853 by brothers John and Ephraim Scudder, representing some of the oldest surviving residential architecture around the square.

Nearly all of the buildings encircling the square are original to it - the one exception being the United Way Building at 428 Bull Street. The oldest structure on the square is the Herman Kuhlman Duplex at 22 - 24 West Taylor Street, dating to 1851.

Natural Beauty

Look up while strolling through Monterey Square and you'll be treated to a natural canopy of massive live oak trees draped with wispy Spanish moss hanging over brick pathways. It's a quintessential Savannah scene.

Strategically placed benches invite you to pause and soak in the historic surroundings. Seasonal flowers add pops of color throughout the year, and the combination of ancient oaks, Spanish moss, and historic backdrops makes it a favorite spot for photographers.

Visitor Experience

Bring your four-legged friends along - Monterey Square welcomes dogs, making it a favorite spot for local pet owners. The tranquil atmosphere provides an ideal break while exploring Savannah's historic treasures.

You might encounter walking tours gathering here, including popular ghost tours that highlight the area's supposed supernatural activities. Occasionally, street musicians fill the air with melodies, enhancing the square's already considerable charm. Just a block north of Forsyth Park, Monterey Square offers a convenient stop during your walking tour of Savannah, with a shady, quiet environment that gives you an ideal breather from the more crowded areas of the historic district.