Savannah, GA – founded 1733

Savannah: Georgia’s First City

When was Savannah founded? 1733—that makes it almost 300 years old!

Who founded it? General James Oglethorpe from England came to Georgia with settlers looking for a fresh start in the New World.

What makes Savannah special? Oglethorpe designed the city around 24 public squares (22 still exist today). These beautiful green spaces with fountains, monuments, and giant oak trees make Savannah different from any other American city.

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Cool Savannah facts:

  • The city has more than 50 historic squares and parks
  • Forsyth Park, our largest downtown park, features a famous fountain built in 1858
  • During the Civil War, General Sherman decided NOT to burn Savannah—he liked it too much!
  • Spanish moss hanging from oak trees is actually not moss at all—it’s an air plant
  • Savannah’s historic district is one of the largest in the United States

Today: Savannah is a vibrant city where history meets modern life. Families enjoy festivals, parks, rivers, and nearby beaches, as well as a strong sense of community.

Savannah: Where History Comes Alive

A City Born from Vision

In 1733, British General James Oglethorpe sailed up the Savannah River and established Georgia’s first colonial settlement on a bluff overlooking the water. Oglethorpe’s vision was ambitious: create a planned city that would serve as a buffer between Spanish Florida and the Carolina colonies while offering opportunities for England’s working poor and religious refugees.

What made Savannah truly unique was Oglethorpe’s revolutionary city plan. He designed the settlement around a series of public squares—open green spaces surrounded by residential and civic buildings. This grid pattern, based on ward systems, was unlike anything in the American colonies. Of the original 24 squares, 22 remain today, making Savannah’s historic district one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States.

Centuries of Significance

Throughout its history, Savannah has played crucial roles in shaping America:

  • Colonial Era: Became a thriving port city and commercial center
  • Revolutionary War: Site of the Siege of Savannah in 1779, one of the war’s bloodiest battles
  • Antebellum Period: Grew into one of the South’s wealthiest cities through cotton trade
  • Civil War: Spared from destruction when General Sherman presented the city to President Lincoln as a “Christmas gift” in 1864
  • 20th Century: Underwent significant preservation efforts that saved countless historic buildings from demolition

Savannah Today

Modern Savannah is a vibrant city of approximately 150,000 residents that honors its past while embracing the future. The city boasts:

  • Architectural Beauty: Hundreds of restored historic homes, churches, and buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries
  • Natural Splendor: Iconic live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, beautiful parks including the 30-acre Forsyth Park, and easy access to nearby beaches
  • Cultural Richness: World-class museums, theaters, galleries, and festivals celebrating everything from jazz to St. Patrick’s Day
  • Educational Excellence: Home to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Armstrong State University, and numerous outstanding public and private schools
  • Economic Vitality: A diverse economy including tourism, manufacturing, port operations, and a thriving creative sector

A Community That Cares

What makes Savannah truly special isn’t just its history or beauty—it’s the people. Savannah combines small-town friendliness with big-city opportunities. Neighbors know each other by name, local businesses thrive, and community events bring people together year-round.

For families, Savannah offers an exceptional quality of life: safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, abundant recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of belonging. The city’s walkable streets, family-friendly festivals, and emphasis on outdoor living create an environment where children can explore, learn, and grow.

Living History

In Savannah, history isn’t something you read about in textbooks—it’s something you experience every day. Students walk streets where Revolutionary War soldiers marched. Families picnic in squares designed nearly 300 years ago. The past and present coexist beautifully, creating a unique sense of place that residents cherish.

At The Royce School, we’re proud to be part of this historic community, preparing students not just for their futures, but to appreciate and contribute to the rich legacy of our remarkable city.