Oglethorpe Square

Historic Origins

Originally known as "Upper New Square" when it was created in 1742, Oglethorpe Square eventually received its current name in honor of James Edward Oglethorpe, the visionary who founded both Georgia and Savannah. As one of the six original squares in Oglethorpe's city plan - and one of the city's 22 historic squares - this modest patch of greenery along Abercorn Street between State and York Streets carries the weight of Savannah's early colonial history.

Features and Atmosphere

Strolling through Oglethorpe Square, you'll find yourself wandering along brick pathways under the cooling shade of magnificent live oak trees draped with ethereal Spanish moss. Scattered benches invite you to pause and soak in the historic ambiance that surrounds you.

Unlike some of its showier siblings among Savannah's squares, Oglethorpe keeps things understated without a central monument or statue - and despite the square bearing his name, you won't find a statue of James Oglethorpe here either. His monument is actually located at Chippewa Square, a few blocks to the southwest, worth keeping in mind if you're looking to pay tribute to Georgia's founder in person. What you will find is a simple pedestal commemorating the Moravian missionaries who made Savannah their home between 1735 and 1740, arriving around the same time as the clergyman John Wesley, before eventually resettling in Pennsylvania.

In spring, the colorful azaleas bloom throughout the square, making it especially photogenic.

Surrounding Architecture

The real architectural star flanking the square is the Owens-Thomas House. Built in 1819, this National Historic Landmark showcases some of the finest English Regency architecture you'll find anywhere in America. The Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters now operates as a museum that doesn't shy away from the complex and sometimes difficult history of the region - definitely worth a visit if you're interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Savannah's past.

On the southeastern trust lot of the square stands The Presidents' Quarters Inn, a 16-room historic bed and breakfast. The site has a longer history than its current use suggests - it was once home to John Reynolds, Georgia's first Royal Governor, who arrived in Savannah in 1754.

Visitor Experience

Oglethorpe Square offers a welcome breather from exploring Savannah's busy historic district. There's something deeply calming about sitting beneath centuries-old trees in a space that has witnessed so much history unfold around it.

This square often is a gathering point for local walking tours, including the popular evening ghost tours where guides share tales of battles, plagues, and unsolved mysteries that haunt Savannah's past.

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Practical Information

Feel free to bring your four-legged friends along, as the square is dog-friendly. Just note that there aren't any public restrooms within the square itself.

One of the simple pleasures of visiting is claiming a bench under the shade of the majestic oaks, perhaps while enjoying a coffee or snack from one of the nearby cafés. It's these quiet moments that often become favorite memories of a trip to Savannah.