Savannah is the oldest city in the Deep South state of Georgia and was the British colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first state capital of Georgia. Today it boasts some of the best antebellum architecture in the United States and is a very popular destination.
While in the charming South, take one's time to discover the famed dishes of the South that one will never get tired of. While the national parks of the West are spectacular, the South with its charm is well worth a tour as well!
History of Savannah
Savannah was established in 1733. By the time of the American War of Independence, it was an important strategic port city.
- Founded: In 1733
By the outbreak of the War of Independence, Savannah was the southernmost commercial port of the Thirteen Colonies. British troops occupied the city in 1778 and held it for the duration of the war. In 1779 a combined force of American, French, and even some Haitian soldiers failed to dislodge the British.
- Civil War: Was Saved From Destruction By A Peace Handover To General Sherman
By the time of the Civil War, it was the Confederacy's sixth most populous city and one of the main objects during General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea. In 1864 the cities authorities negotiated a peaceful surrender of the city that saved it from destruction.
Today it is Georiga's third-largest city by metropolitan area with a population of around 400,000.
The Historic City Of Savannah
Savannah is a popular destination for millions of travelers every year seeking a quaint old and historic city. The city is full of charm with its cobblestone streets, its parks, and stunning historic buildings. One of the must-see historic attractions in Georgia is Twelve Oaks Bed and Breakfast - it is the Southern mansion that was the inspiration for the plantation mansion, Tara, in the 1939 movie Gone with the Wind.
Among these historic buildings is the Central of Georgia Railway roundhouse complex - the oldest standing antebellum rail facility in the United States.
- Central of Georgia Railway: Oldest Standing Rail Facility In The USA
The downtown area of Savannah includes the Savannah Historic District, the Savannah Victorian Historic District, and 22 parklike squares. These are all part of one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts within the nation designated back in 1966.
Its tourism website, Visit Savannah, says of the city:
"Savannah, Georgia is a charming Southern escape where art, period architecture, trendy boutiques and ghost stories are all set under a veil of Spanish moss. Savannah is a place where cuisine comes straight from the coast and cocktails are served at every meal."
Some even name Savannah one of the "world's friendliest cities" according to Visit Savannah.
Tours Offered By Old Savannah Tours
There are many tours of historic Savannah and one of the tour companies is Old Savannah Tours. They offer a variety of tours that take one into the past, some of them are:
Hop-On/Hop-Off Trolley: This tour is as one pleases and is for the whole day - it is also their most popular option.
- Cost: $36.00
- Pets: The Tram Is Pet Friendly
- Tour: At One's Own Pace And See Downtown Savannah
90 Minute Trolley Tour: Just sit back and enjoy the ride on this full historical trolley tour through the old downtown Savannah.
- Cost: $29.00
- Duration: 90 Minutes
- Departs: Every 20 Minutes From 9.00 am
- Pets: The Trolley Is Pet Friendly
- History: See 270 Years of History in 90 Minutes
Savannah Ghost Tours: Ghosts seem to love old places like Savannah for some reason. Join up with their Savannah Ghost Tours and meet the old colonial ghosts from Savannah's past. Be entertained by the guides with their entertaining ghostly characters.
- Cost: $29.00
- Options: Two Ghost Tour Options (Grave Encounters and Boo Ya'll)
- When: Every Night at 7.45 pm
Savannah Walks
Perhaps the best way to explore the historic city is with a guided walking tour. Savannah Walks specializes in providing walking tours of the southern city's historic district. They cater to tourists or groups of any size and any age.
On these tours, one can learn the stories, intricacies, and more of the city's past all with historical accuracy.
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Tours offered include the Savannah Stroll tour, the Gates & Gardens Tour, the A Walk through Midnight tour, Haunted Pubs & Taverns Tour, the Civil War Tour, The Historic Homes Tour, and more.
Savannah Stroll: The Savannah Stroll is the best way to get acquainted with the city. It will also orient first-time visitors to the major streets and squares of the city. This tour is an overview of the city only scratching the surface so it is a great choice for a first-timer's tour. Feel free to ask the guides any questions, get recommendations for shopping and dining.
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- Duration: 90 Minutes