We explore the oldest, and most architecturally significant areas of Georgia's first city and America's first planned city.
The city's largest square, often called Bank Square by locals, is where the colony was first organized in 1733 and became central to its culture and commerce as it still does today. Home to City Hall, the burials of Washington's 2nd in Command, Nathanael Greene, his son George Washington Greene, The Church of England and much more.
Erected in 1906, the former site of the 1799 City Exchange is where city government flows from today with its 22-carat gold dome.
The South-east corner of Johnson Square is where The Church of England has been in various houses of worship since 1733 and is considered a masterwork in Classic Greek Revival.
One of Savannah's most charming of city squares and one of the original 4 squares laid out during Oglethorpe's founding period. Originally home to the first burying ground, courthouse, jail and eventual burial site of the Indian King, Tomochichi. Few squares have as much history.
Named for South Carolina Royal Governor Colonel William Bull, who assisted in the laying out of Savannah, this central axis is really the main artery of the walking life that Savannah is world reknowned for and features endless architectural styles, churches, shops, cafes and more and is comprised of the 5 city squares that makes up our tour route.
With its towering 119ft cast iron steeple as the highest point in the city, this 1819 architectural wonder built by John Holden Greene is one of the religious epicenters of Savannah, particularly its Scottish heritage. Woodrow Wilson married in the courtyard.
While this is a touring home business and we do not enter it, we do spend quality time at this location. This 1820 home built by prodigy architect, William Jay, first housed a U.S. Supreme Court Judge, but would become central to the grand family of The Gordons, daughter Juliette Low, arguably the most famous for her Girl Scouts of The USA. This family however is a great American tale of immigrants who became pioneers who became industrialists and military and the women's history level with Juliette Low in the mix, a dynamic family story of The American Dream realized.
Originally built as an elite school for boys, The Chatham Boys Academy, with frieze work done by noted Gettysburg Battlefield and Bonaventure Cemetery sculptor, John Walz, is today home to our Board of Education for Chatham County.
Yet another city masterpiece with both Colonial & Victorian rowhouses, churches, inns, pubs, coffeehouses Savannah Theater and monument of Georgia's Founder, Oglethorpe done by Lincoln Memorial sculptor, Daniel Chester French.
Savannah's first boarding house was built and run by an industrious woman and remains one of Savannah's most beautiful and time-honored inns.
This monolithic, stuccoed gem of 1830, is Savannah best survived and most intact religious structure. Not only where Union and Confederates prayed for the first time together after the war but includes a balcony setting once used by slaves and freedmen.
Daniel Chester French may have done The Lincoln Memorial, but he called the statue of Oglethorpe in Savannah, "my life's finest work." As Oglethorpe himself was 6'11, the statue is often called lifesize but is actually over 9 feet in reality!
America's oldest continually operating theater even if multiple fires have altered the original appearance but this is where everyone from Oscar Wilde lectured, the Booth Family acted and where players like Cesar Romero first performed on stage as a child.
Savannah's longest standing coffee house is a local favorite and when time allows, may permit a coffee and bathroom break.
With the London phonebooth outside as a major signifier, there's no mistaking the facade as a pub that would be found in any English town. Founded by a former chef of Kenny Rogers and always popular.
Originally a Victorian stable for Arabian horses, this Moorish inspired building with stunning rounded glass corners and complete terra-cotta facade, is where Henry Ford first opened a showroom in 1905. Today, a popular cocktail bar.
With every square, is a new wonder on the eyes, mind and spirit. Madison Square with its wonderful book seller, two tea houses and 2 of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture and Greek Revival in America with other monuments, its a square you'll get lost in and we'll help you! The Savannah College of Art & Design, America's largest private art school, was founded here in 1976 inside of The Chatham Artillery.
While this is a touring home business and we do not enter it, we do spend quality time at this location. An early Cotton Boom masterpiece and often called The Finest Example of Greek Revival Architecture in America, this touring home has become a modern paranormal phenomenon if because in part, our company's founder, Shannon Scott, was the producer on the Ghost Hunter's episode that made it such a successful attraction! We discuss The Sorrel & Weed families who were empire level agrarian names of The Victorian Age.
This classic English appearing bookseller and teahouse is one of the most popular stores in the entire city and connected to The Eliza Jewett Home who was one of Savannah's empire women.
While this is a touring home business and we do not enter it, we do spend quality time at this location. This 1853 Gothic Revival Home was built complete with gas powered jet air conditioning by New York architect, Robert Norris. Some credit owner, Charles Green with saving Savannah from Sherman's wrath by offering him his personal house to serve as his resident headquarters for the 8 weeks that General Sherman occupied the city.Visited by Harper's Weekly in December of 1865 where they illustrated Sherman and his Generals' roundtable style, where Sherman sent President Lincoln our fair city as a Christmas gift.
Seargent William Jasper, a South Carolinian plantation owner, gave his life to the defense of Savannah during The American Revolutionary War and few monuments anywhere, demonstrate such heroism of the individual and the fight and love for freedom.
One of Savannah's most elite, local, force of guardsmen, of which they are still many proud members today, were once housed in barracks here as The Chatham Artillery. In 1976, two educators from Atlanta, founded what would become America's largest private art school going on to restore over 100 building in Savannah with campuses extending as far away as Lacoste, France.
With its original brick and asphalt brick streets, this largely residential street is Savannah's most desirable and routinely called The Most Beautiful Street in Savannah, the whole east to west Jones Street corridor is perhaps the best example of rowhouses on one block, and exemplary of what it is to live inside of communal Savannah. Homes ranging from 1847 to moderne takes on the old styles.
Among locals, and tourists, Monterey Square usually takes the prize as the city's most beautiful, serene and European. Home to towering rowhouses, some Barbados style, this is where Poland's greatest hero, Count Casimir Pulaski was laid to rest in 1779, where Jeff Davis hid out during The Civil War, and where famous preservation names like Lee & Emma Adler resided until their recent deaths. No tour would be complete without The Mercer House famed to Midnight In The Garden of Good & Evil. Also stopping by The Temple Mickve Israel
To put it simply, there is no finer monument in Savannah, and to the people of Poland, no greater hero. Designed and installed by the Latvian sculptor, R.E. Launitz, and where much controversy occurred when an international debate arose as to who's remains were under the monument and were they actually Pulaski's? The debate will shock you as will the prevailing mystery!
While there is a paid-to museum here, we do not patron interior but spend quality time at the location outside. It shocks and amazes when you tell people that there's a Jewish community this old, and this far South. Savannah claims America's 3rd oldest and to make it extra interesting, the most antique congregation of them attends Temple inside of a Christian styled building. The Temple Mickve holds the oldest Torah in the world at over 1100 years of age and we share with our guests, the most unconventional wisdom about why this all occurred but far closer to the real story than simply the parable!
While the home is an operating museum or touring house, we do not enter the location but spend quality time around property. The 1860 mansion, built by the great-grandson of General Hugh Mercer (Washington Crossing The Delaware), later became a Masonic Temple and then the private home of preservationist, antiques' dealer, Jim Williams, for 20 years. It was here in 1981, a tragic killing occurred that became the subject of the novel, Midnight In The Garden of Good and Evil, which some same, became The New York Times Bestseller of All Time. While most tours cover this subject, we bring personal levels to it like no other tour in the city.
For over 30 years, notable Savannah character, Alex Raskin, sold some of the city's most amazing antiques out of the opulent and towering Colonel Hardee Mansion with its stunning cast iron window lintels and wrap-around, decorative balcony along with one of the few surviving grand cupolas. Sold recently to The Ralson College for over 5 million dollars.
This recently restored 1917 mansion, complete with sweeping lion's paw colonnade, is now the private home of hotelier, native Savannahian, Richard Kessler, who founded The Day's Inn company in 1980. Originally the private home of shipping great, George Armstrong, his widow later donating it to the school. It was sold to Jim Williams who lived there prior to moving into The Mercer House. Also featured in the 1962 film, Cape Fear starring Robert Mitchum and Gregory Peck.
What an excellent way to see and learn about this incredible city with family. There is so much to learn about the history of this city and this was a very good overview. Our tour guide was outstanding and even gave us a tour of his historic church during our tour. Interesting information regarding the naming and burials at the different squares.
Ken is an amazing guide. Knowledgeable, personable, and so welcoming.
Wonderful experience, Pascal is so knowledgeable. A great pace, nice pitstop mid-tour learned so much history about Savannah.
The tour was amazing! Ken, our tour guide being native to Savannah had a ton of local knowledge and shared insights that I don’t think we would’ve gotten on any other tour! He even took us inside of his church - we were the first to see the new renovations! Magnificent!
Since it is off season we had our guide Paschal all to ourselves. He was very pleasant and extremely knowledgeable and personable. We covered the area at a leisurely pace, learned a lot about Savannah’s past and present, and got some good lunch and dinner suggestions. We highly enjoyed our tour experience and recommend the Wandering Historians.
Our tour guide, Hannah, was fantastic. Extremely knowledgeable and passionate about Savannah and its history. Extremely pleasant tour, pausing as needed and open to questions. Great way to start our adventure in Savannah-highly recommend!
Ken was very engaging personable and informative. There was more historical information than I had had on earlier tours with other companies. We were a small group of four only and it was an extremely enjoyable walk about. Ken obviously loves Savannah and is very proud of it. This came through in our walk very well.
Wonderful tour! Our highschool son did not want to go on a “ boring walking tour,” but he absolutely loved it despite the heat, and the breathtaking Spanish moss -filled Live Oaks kept us in the shade. Chase was a wonderful story teller. We are in love with Savannah and can’t wait to go back and do another tour with him . Highly recommend!!!!
Kenneth was awesome!! Loved Savannah. Kenneth was very friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend Kenneth from ShannonScottTours.com. This walking tour allowed you close up views and great pictures. DeeDee D.
We had a great time on this tour! Hannah was our tour guide, and she was fantastic. She took the time to explain everything clearly and was incredibly knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
Had a great time on this tour. Our guide Ken was outstanding. You can tell he has a passion and love for Savannah and its history. Highly recommend this tour!
Hannah was a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide! Awesome tour of major site in the historic district.
Hannah, our tour guide was great! Very pleasant n knowledgeable about the history. She was able to answer all our questions. She was accommodating of our needs during a Savannah heat alert 🥵We were fortunate that no one else signed up for that tour, so it was like a private tour n we enjoyed it immensely!
Nice tour, very educational without being boring - we enjoyed the stories about Savannah and definitely recommend!
Our guide was Ken R. The tour was comprehensive, informative and very thorough. Well paced, enabling us to absorb the Savannah’s history and enjoy the surrounding area. Ken answered all of our questions, extremely knowledgeable. Exceeded our expectations, well worth the price! Ken was the epitome of a southern gentleman.
If you are visiting Savannah, you have to book a tour with Wandering Historians! It was incredibly hot the day we went, so it ended up being a private tour for just my husband and me. Our guide, Hannah, was spectacular—fun, engaging, and packed with knowledge. We learned so much and had a blast. Thank you, Hannah!
Hannah was an amazing guide! She loves what she does and because of that it made our experience even better. We learned so much thanks to her knowledge and she was always happy to answer any questions we had.
We took this tour on our first day. It’s a great way to get oriented to Savannah. We learned so much more than trying to read all the historical markers around the city.
The guide was very knowledgable and was able to tell us interesting stories about the homes/buildings/squares and their history. She was willing to tailor the tour to our interests. Very friendly and enjoyable.
Janine was great, very knowledgeable. We had the best time. She was very patient as I couldn’t seem to find the meeting place.
Our guide was knowledgeable and well spoken. Balance of facts and entertainment was appreciated. I would recommend this tour.
If you love learning about the history of Savannah, you will enjoy this walking tour. It was very interesting. Lazarus was our guide. He made it fun and he was knowledgeable.
Our guide was informative and entertaining. We truly enjoyed the tour. Would highly recommend.
Paschal is an amazing tour guide! As a native Savannahian, his stories were interesting and felt very genuine. The tour covered many of the squares and lots of history, and he answered all of our questions. I will be recommending Paschal to my friends who are returning in the fall.
Factual historical information presented in a professional, but welcoming manner. Highly recommend this tour for history buffs as well as first time Savannah visitors. Our guide, Ken Rimes was excellent and very warm while presenting a professional and factual experience. He really sets the standard for tour guides. A true southern gentleman. Highly recommend!
Very informative. Learned a lot about the history of Savannah.
Ken was an amazing and knowledgeable tour guide who kept the interest of all those on the tour ages 17 to 70! I came to Savannah knowing nothing of it's history and am leaving with a deep appreciation of it's roots in American history, diverse culture, host to the arts and so much more.
This is a most do tour! Paschal was our guide and he was very knowledgeable about Savannah!!! He was great!!!
Best historical tour we have had in years! Our guide had a great sense of humor and had so many interesting details. So fun and so informative if you don’t have a good time on this tour there could be something wrong with you!
Janine was wonderful...so knowledgeable with such interesting stories to share. We highly recommend her tour!
Paschal was very passionate about his city and very proud, he was personable and it was a unique experience having learned from someone who has such in depth study and knowledge of the area. We love history tours and this one was by far top of the list for us. We are fellow Georgians and we learned so much new information about our foundation and the things that happened here in beautiful Savannah. We look forward to coming back to see Paschal at his cemetery tour.
Lots of walking with breaks. Janine was very knowledgeable and natural in her talk. There were six of us on the tour and we all enjoyed our time.
"Lazarus Bone" was a good storyteller and the two hours went by quickly. He was very knowledgeable about Savannah's history, as well as that of the buildings we passed by. One warning- there isn't a lit of walking on this tour, but there is a lot of standing. Keep that in mind if you have knee or back issues.
If you’re not sure which tour to choose, choose this one. Lazarus was a terrific guide, knowledgeable, dry sense of humor, insightful. You’ll see and hear about some aspects of Savannah’s history that the Chamber of Commerce doesn’t really talk about. Highly recommended!
Great tour for those interested in history. Lots of walking which we enjoyed. I now have to enter more characters even though I don't feel the need.
What a fun, interesting, fact-fillled tour! I highly recommend this! Janine is a great story teller!
It's all about the guide. Paschal was outstanding. We've taken family and visitors on this tour a couple of times before. This was by far the best tour experience, due to Paschal's knowledge and personality. It was really enjoyable and informative.
This walking tour was organized and well paced. Janine kept the story interesting and had passion for Savannah.
Ken was very knowledgeable and a true Southern Gentleman! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Our group was small and the weather was perfect, we loved it.
This tour gives a brief history of the origins of the City of Savannah and it's place in American history during that time. Tour covers the revolutionary and civil wars and how Savannah was affected by each. Many historical local figures are discussed and how they fit into history then and today. The tour does cover a decent area of the city and you're moving most of the time. The older parts of the city have slate and brick sidewalks so keep an eye where you're walking. When you stop, then take pictures. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Make sure you have room on your camera or phone doe lots of pictures. The architecture of the homes on this tour are similar but vary enough that almost each deserves their own picture. I found the iron work, windows, balconies, and entrances changed enough that I was almost taking too many pictures. Overall we found the tour very informative and interesting. Walking in a group was enjoyable as there were people from all over and they chimed in with different questions and facts. If you like walking, history, and architecture, you'll enjoy this tour. It also helped the weather was overcast and recently rained. Cool, breezy, and comfortable. Perfect weather.
Ken Rimes was an outstanding representative for Savannah. He told the Savannah story in a simple, warm way that made it easy to understand and be interested in. Such a gentleman!
Overall good history of Savannah. Guide was informative and very pleasant. Enjoyed the walking tour.
We loved Ken. He was so knowledgeable and charming and clearly passionate about Savannah history. We learned a lot and enjoyed the beautiful sites in historic Savannah.
Did not hear much history or cover much territory. I have been on history tours in Charleston and Boston which were both very engaging and informative. This tour fell short.
This was a last minute purchase that I will not regret! Our guide was well versed in Savannah history, and clearly had a passion for sharing his knowledge with us. It was an easy two hour walk through some of the more historic parts of the city. I would suggest this to anyone who is curious about some of the lesser told stories and historic lore in and around historic Savannah
Great tour! Pascal was very engaging and informative! Highly recommend, we’ve done other tours and this was the best!
We had never been to Savannah used this tour to learn about the history of this beautiful city. Ken was incredibly knowledgeable of his home city and showed his personal pride of his city. You could tell Ken really enjoyed giving the tour. I highly recommend this tour.
Wear comfortable shoes, you will likely be covering a lot of ground. It’s thorough and informative! A terrific introduction to Savannah’s many charms!
The 2 hour leisurely walking tour with gentlemen historian Kenneth Rimes was a highlight of our visit to Savannah. He is knowledgable, personable and very informative. I highly recommend booking his tour: Savannah Historic District Tour by The Wandering Historians By Shannon Scott Tours - and ask for Ken Rimes!
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