Savannah 101: Comprehensive Historical Walking Tour
5.0
11 Ratings
Savannah
Discover the captivating history of Savannah on the 'Savannah 101' walking tour. From influential residents to architectural trends, explore the city's rich past and gain a deeper appreciation for its timeless charm.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Johnson Square - Your guide will discuss the founding of Savannah, the city layout, and Nathaniel Greene (and his monument).
- Factors Walk - Your guide will discuss Factors Walk and River Street as the center of the Georgia cotton trade and its influence on the economy, the slave trade, and the civil war.
- Reynolds Square - Your guide will discuss John Wesley, the Olde Pink House, and early agricultural experiments in Georgia
- Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters - Your guide will discuss the architecture of the Owens-Thomas House and its architect William Jay, which is a great accompaniment to a tour of the inside of the home, where they discuss the lives of its residents and visitors. The house tour is HIGHLY recommended, but not included.
- Colonial Park Cemetery - Your guide will discuss Savannah’s treatment of cemeteries and some common burial practices, as well as some of the disasters that befell the city, and touch upon the Union occupation of Savannah during the Civil War.
- Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Your guide will discuss the history of Savannah’s Catholic congregations and the construction of the cathedral, and will highlight some of its features
- Lafayette Square - Your guide will discuss the Hamilton-Turner Inn, the first home in Savannah to have electricity, and some of its architectural features. They will also discuss the childhood home of Flannery O’Connor (famous writer), and the adulthood home of Juliette Gordon Lowe (founder of the Girl Scouts)
- Madison Square - Your guide will discuss more of Savannah’s architecture, including the Savannah Volunteer Guards’ Armory and the Scottish Rite Temple, and the monument to Sergeant Jasper and his moments of Valor in the Revolutionary War.
- Green-Meldrim House - Your guide will discuss the innovative architecture of the house, Sherman’s residency during the Union occupation of Savannah, Field Order 15, and its impact on black communities both before and after its repeal.
- Chippewa Square - Your guide will discuss Savannah’s founder, Oglethorpe’s, take on governance of the colony of Georgia and the implications as our beginning as a non-royal colony. Your guide will also briefly discuss the history of fires in Savannah, the Savannah Theater, and the Independent Presbyterian Church.
- Wright Square - Your guide will discuss the childhood home of Juliette Gordon Low and her life, as well as her extended family and their accomplishments. They will also discuss the historical use of the lots surrounding Wright Square, and the history and impact of both Tomochichi and Mary Musgrove.
What's Included
- Fully narrated tour
- Interactive tour experience
Additional Information
Walk With Me Savannah Tours invites you to join ‘Savannah 101’. This tour is a chronicle of the captivating history that occurred here, spanning from the 18th century up to our present day.
It’s a wonderful activity for curious minds of any age and knowledge base, perfect for beginners as well as history aficionados. We delve into Savannah history in a manner that is not just introductory, but also enriching and provides insights into the noteworthy exchanges and repercussions of historical figures and events.
In this tour, you will gain knowledge about notable residents and visitors, architectural styles, the effects of wars and social movements, and how these intricacies thread together to create a city that feels suspended in time yet vibrantly alive.
After our journey together, a newfound and deeper understanding of Savannah and a wider perspective of its historical relevance will be yours to keep.
The tour will commence in Johnson Square (by the eastern fountain, adjacent to the First Christ Church), and will conclude in Wright Square.
- Well-behaved pets allowed
- Not recommended for those who cannot walk/roll 0.25 mi without resting
Location
Johnson Square
Your tour guide will be wearing a bright orange polo shirt with our logo, and will meet you in Johnson Square, near the fountain closest to Christ Church (Look for the Christ Church historical marker).
If you are running late, give us a call. We wait for late arrivals for 5 minutes before beginning.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(11 Ratings)
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H3983gydianec
Apr 6, 2024
Great tour of Savannah - Sargon was an amazing tour guide. Very passionate, knowledgeable and fun to listen to. Knew lots of fun history and facts about Savannah and a great story teller too! Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pjb2024
Jan 9, 2024
George Luther makes Walk with Me Tours a complete pleasure in Ashville, NC - George knew all the best galleries to take me to. He also had a great understanding of the neighborhoods and provided a diverse outing for me.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jon_s
Apr 1, 2023
Sargon's energy and... - Sargon's energy and enthusiasm for the history of this fascinating river city of Savannah. Take this tour first thing when you arrive!
Review provided by Viator
Charlotte
Feb 20, 2023
Phenomenal tour! - My husband and I just finished a phenomenal tour! Sargon, our guide, was incredibly knowledgeable about Savannah's history connecting small stories to broader narratives in history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
N8222aqcarols
Nov 28, 2022
Terrific Tour Guide - Sargon is the tour guide with the mostest. She exudes enthusiasm and knowledge about any aspect of Savannah history we were able to ask about. She really seems to be in love with the city and delights in imparting information. This goes for the men and women of the past--the ones on the statutes--the architecture, the commerce, the flora and fauna of the region. She can emphasize the aspects about which you are the most curious.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
361adelek
May 13, 2022
Very Informative and Interesting Tour - This was a very informative tour with an engaging, knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed learning about Savannah's history. Saigon was able to answer all of the questions we had. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
903mariannel
Mar 24, 2022
Fantastic tour. Highly recommended - Sargon’s love of history and general knowledge made this the best historical tour I have ever been on. We learnt so much, not only about the wealth of historical events that occurred in Savannah, but about the first air conditioned house, the cotton trade, plants, as well as good restaurants and the best chocolate store! It was a highlight of our trip to Savannah. Definitely highly recommend this.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jessiecc81te
Dec 29, 2021
Informative, relaxed walking tour - Do this tour! Taking a tour is always a leap of faith since it can be transformative…or you can feel trapped. Our guide Sargon was fantastic. Their genuine pride in the city, commitment to accurate historic storytelling and relaxed vibe made for a wonderful afternoon. I felt like I was learning as opposed to being lectured “at” and nothing felt rehearsed or ore-baked. I could have gone on for hours!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Leeanna_m
Jun 8, 2021
History and Architecture easy and pleasant walking tour - Being history lovers this walking tour with our knowledgeable guide Sargon was awesome! We got lots of extra information and insights about the many squares and significant houses around them. Highly recommend for history and a bit of architecture thrown in!
Review provided by Viator
Brian_b
May 27, 2021
Wonderful Time - By sheer coincidence, ended up being only 2 people on our tour…which was AWESOME. Our guide was easy to engage, entertaining, and more than accommodating. A few of her historical facts were “disputed” by guides on later tours that we took, however, but nothing that was make or break on our overall tour experience. All in all, would recommend.
Review provided by Viator
