Washington Square

Historic Origins

Washington Square was established in 1790 and named after George Washington himself in 1791 - coinciding with Washington's actual visit to the city that year. It's one of only two squares in all of Savannah to be named in honor of a person who was still alive at the time, the other being Troup Square, and it remains one of 22 historic squares dotting the city between Houston Street and East St. Julian Street.

Before becoming the peaceful square we know today, this spot served a completely different purpose as the Trustees' Garden - essentially an experimental farm where colonists tested potential cash crops like mulberry, hemp, and indigo. Their agricultural experiments weren't exactly smashing successes, but the effort marks an interesting chapter in Savannah's early development.

Architecture and Surroundings

Walk around Washington Square and you'll find yourself surrounded by some of Savannah's oldest homes, with the oldest building still standing from 1797. The area has a distinct New England architectural vibe and maintains a primarily residential feel. One architectural footnote worth knowing: a so-called "sister house" to the famous Hampton Lillibridge House was originally part of the square, built around the same period, but was demolished in 1962 - just two years before the square's major renovation.

The square neighbors some noteworthy buildings worth checking out. There's the International Seamen's House, which has been welcoming sailors since 1898, and the former Mulberry Inn that's now transformed into the stylish The Brice, a Kimpton Hotel. If you're into historical spots, make your way to the nearby Pirates House from 1753 - originally an inn where sailors and seafarers would gather. You'll also find historic Fire Station #9 commemorated by a plaque in the area.

Just off the square at 541 - 545 East Congress Street, the Joseph Burke Properties add another layer of preservation history to the neighborhood. The three connected rowhouses were built in 1860 and restored in 1955 by Jim Williams, the preservationist who became widely known as the central character in John Berendt's 1994 book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." It was the first of more than fifty historic restoration projects Williams took on during his lifetime, giving the square's immediate neighborhood an extra connection to Savannah's storied past.

Modern Square

Interestingly, Washington Square used to be known for its New Year's Eve bonfires - a tradition that locals kept alive until the 1950s. Today, it represents a peaceful green retreat from the hustle and bustle of Savannah's more tourist-heavy areas.

The square got a facelift in 1964 thanks to landscape architect Clermont Huger Lee and Mills B. Lane. Their renovations closed off the fire lane, added fancy North Carolina bluestone pavers, installed water cisterns, and updated everything from the walking paths to benches, lighting, and plantings.

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Visitor Experience

What makes Washington Square special is its slightly off-the-beaten-path location. You'll discover fewer crowds here than at some of Savannah's more famous squares, making it an ideal spot to take a breather during your explorations.

The mature trees provide perfect shade for an impromptu picnic on the grassy areas, and the well-maintained grounds create a genuinely peaceful atmosphere. It's a wonderful place to sit for a while, maybe read a book, or just soak in the authentic Savannah vibe without being surrounded by tour groups. Sometimes the best travel experiences are these quiet moments in historically rich places just slightly removed from the main tourist circuit.