Pulaski Square

A Piece of History

Tucked into Savannah's historic district at the intersection of Barnard and West Macon streets, Pulaski Square is one of the city's 22 historic squares. Laid out in 1837, it expanded on General Oglethorpe's original city vision, adding another green space to Savannah's collection.

Named after Count Casimir Pulaski, this square honors a Polish nobleman who gave his life fighting for American independence during the Revolutionary War. The name carries particular weight in this city - Pulaski died of wounds suffered during the Siege of Savannah in 1779, meaning he fell fighting in the very city where the square now bears his name. If you've got Polish roots, you might feel a special connection here, standing on ground that commemorates this hero's sacrifice.

The square's green character wasn't always guaranteed. Before Savannah's historic preservation movement got underway, Pulaski Square had been paved over to allow traffic to cut through its center, and it had become a gathering place for a sizable homeless population. Restoration efforts eventually reclaimed the space and returned it to the landscaped square you see today.

Sprawling live oaks stretch their canopy across the green

Photo: Chris M Morris (CC BY 2.0)

Natural Charm

Unlike its monument-adorned siblings, Pulaski Square lets nature do the talking. The real focal points here are the live oak trees that spread their ancient limbs overhead, creating areas of dappled shade and gentle breezes.

The ground below is covered with ivy, giving the square a verdant feel. When spring rolls around, azaleas burst into bloom, adding splashes of color to this already picturesque setting.

Architectural Time Capsule

The square is framed by historic buildings that tell stories of yesteryear. On the western edge stands the home of Francis S. Bartow, a Confederate figure who became the first high-ranking Georgian casualty of the Civil War. The two oldest surviving structures are the Theodosius Bartow House at 126 West Harris Street and the Bernard Constantine House at 218 West Harris Street, both dating to 1839 - just two years after the square itself was laid out.

All around the square, beautifully preserved 19th-century homes showcase the Greek Revival and Italianate architectural styles that were all the rage back then. These restored houses create a historical frame for the natural beauty within.

A sign marks the green heart of Pulaski Square shaded by oak trees

Photo: Stephen Rahn (CC0 1.0)

A Peaceful Retreat

Amidst the hustle of Savannah's popular historic district, this square offers a quiet moment to catch your breath. Worth knowing: despite being named for General Pulaski, the square has no statue of him. His monument - and quite possibly his remains - are located in nearby Monterey Square. That quirk of Savannah's history is a large part of what gives Pulaski Square its unusually open, uncluttered feel compared to many of its counterparts across the city.

You can find comfortable benches scattered throughout, ideal for resting tired feet or enjoying a sandwich while soaking in the atmosphere. The square is also dog-friendly, making it an easy stop during your Savannah wanderings. Consider visiting in the early morning or as evening approaches, when sunlight filtering through the oaks creates a particularly nice scene.

Finding Your Way

Conveniently situated in downtown Savannah, Pulaski Square sits within easy walking distance of local shopping spots including Labels on Liberty. It can be both a destination itself or a pleasant route during your explorations of the historic district.

Among Savannah's famous squares, Pulaski is one of the more tranquil and natural, offering a quiet space in this historic southern city.