Savannah, Georgia

Founded by General James Oglethorpe in 1733, Savannah is only a thirty to forty minutes away from Hilton Head Island, and it is full of culture, history, and things to do! They have magnificent churches, City Market, River Street, forts, a zoo, horse-carriage rides and great shopping. The entire family will enjoy Savannah!

River Street

The River Street Market Place has more than 60 merchants paralleling the international seaport. River Street offers live entertainment, a rich history of Savannah's origons, antiques, and galleries. Located in downtown Savannah, the area is also rich in magnificent historic homes and buildings. Enjoy the shopping and trolley tours in the area. Old Savannah Tours 912-234-8128.

City Market

The historic Savannah City Market has changed many times since 1755, but the market remains extremely active and you can find many hidden treasures. Old Savannah Tours 912-234-8128.

Savannah's Churches

The Lowcountry has always remained a very religious area. There are numerous historic churches in Savannah. Some of the more intriguing are as follows:

Georgia's oldest Catholic Church is the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist located on East Harris Street and was founded in 1799. This church is absolutely beautiful and should not be missed especially if you do not visit this part of the country very often. The church also boasts a white 2,081 pipe organ that is magnificent. You can take a self-guided tour Monday through Friday. (912-233-4709)

The Church of England once deemed the Christ Episcopal Church the center of settler life being constructed in 1838. In nearly burned down in 188 but was rebuilt using the original walls. Its 1819 Revere Bell is among the rarest bells in the United States.

The Lutheran Church of Ascension on Bull Street was formed by a core group of Austrian Immigrants from the Ebenezer New Jerusalem Church that moved to establish a church in Savannah. As General Sherman ended his "March to the Sea," his soldiers were bivouacked in the building.

In 1733, Jews evacuated to Savannah to escape persecution. They brought a relic with them, the Sepah Torah, the oldest in America. They began the Temple Mickve Israel at 20 East Gordon Street. Today this building houses a museum with many historical artifacts including letters to congregation from president Washington, Jefferson and Madison. The building is the America's sole Gothic synagogue. Museum - 912-232-4151.

There are many more churches in Savannah with similar entrancement.

Savannah Forts

Savannah was a key area in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Fort Jackson is Savannah's oldest brick fort originally constructed in 1808 for the Revolutionary War. The fort is surrounded by a moat and visitors can explore the various passageways that housed ammunition, weaponry, and supplies. Cannons are presently on display.

Fort Pulaski was one of the coast's last built forts. This fort was names after Count Casimir Pulaski and was General Robert E. Lee's fist military assignment after graduating West Point. On April 11, 1862 Union troops barraged the fort for two days forcing the Confederate soldiers to surrender. Historians reveal that this battle possibly changed the way men fought wars and it is considered the beginning of the end for the Confederate defense in Savannah Harbor.

Pictures of Savannah supplied by Jeff Cochran at http://www.pbase.com/savannahga.