Historic Military Sites In and Around Savannah

Photo from the GA Coastal Heritage Society

America's history is what has shaped her:  her freedoms, her laws, and her lessons.  Throughout her history, the military has played a large role in this development.  While Savannah suffered incidents of destruction, there are still historically significant military sights in existence today, and military buffs from all over the United States still come to take in the atmosphere, sights, and to remind themselves of lessons learned through our military events.

From her founding by British general James Edward Oglethorpe in 1733, to the British occupation during the American revolution, Civil War strife, and her ultimate survival of the blazing destruction that General William T. Sherman left in his wake on the way to our beautiful city, the city's past is both colorful and sometimes sad... but always interesting!  A sure bet for the start of your historic tour is Savannah's History Museum.  Here you can learn all about the different phases in the life here on the coast, and you can see a wide range of military artifacts including weapons, uniforms, and more.

Follow Savannah's history to Fort Jackson.  As the oldest brick fort still standing in the state, this fort was commissioned in 1808 by President Thomas Jefferson as a defense for our young country.  Located on an old Revolution battery site, the structure was initially finished in 1812, although later additions helped improve the Fort.  The Union Army captured Fort Jackson during the Civil War, and then fell into disuse after the War ended.

Fort Pulaski National Monument, located east of the city on Tybee Island, was completed in 1847.  This impressive structure features walls that are 11 feet thick and the traditional moat that was such a deterrent to attack at the time.  The fort was used by Confederate troops during the Civil War, but was overtaken after a long assault by Union troops using the then-new cannon artillery, causing a halt to shipping and prevented our city's prosper until the war ended.  The Fort was used as a prison, both during the Civil War, and during the years after.

The Fort McAllister State Historic Site in nearby Richmond Hill (10 miles south of the City's center) features  incredible earthworks created by the Confederates in 1861.  While the Fort was actively attacked by Union troops during the Civil War, much of the area has been preserved.  Besides its historic significance, the fort is set in some of the prettiest surroundings amongst live oaks on the banks of the Ogeechee River.

In the mid 1860's when General William T. Sherman occupied the city, he made his home (and headquarters) in the Green-Meldrim House on Macon Street here in the city.  While this beautiful abode is currently used as St. John's Episcopal Church's parish house, tours are given on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays throughout most of the year.

Finally, Fort Screven was built on the north end of Tybee Island in the late 1800s with the name Fort Tybee, as an additional defense for the country during the Spanish American War.  It remained an active military location through both World Wars.  The Fort was closed in the mid 1900s and was sold to Tybee as a historic site.

What better way to enjoy a military sightseeing getaway than to stay at one of Savannah's historic bed and breakfasts?  Each has an atmosphere guaranteed to set the perfect tone for your stay.  Feel at home with award-winning hospitality and amenities to rival area hotels; and let your senses revel in the timeless beauty of our gorgeous inns.

Go Back In Time at the Georgia History Festival in Savannah

Georgia is a peach.  But how did she get that way?  If you're a history-buff and want to know, then the Romantic Inns of Savannah cordially invite you to be our bed and breakfast guests during the activities surrounding the 2013 Georgia History Festival!

Photo courtesy of savannahnow.com

On February 12, 1733, the US colony of Georgia was founded.  To commemorate this very special day, the official Georgia Day Parade will be held on Tuesday, February 12 at 10:30 am.  This is an especially big to-do for our school children who dress up and create banners in honor of the date.  Marching begins within walking distance of most of our member inns at Forsyth Park.  The parade then continues north on Bull street until it reaches City Hall, where the Mayor and other city officials will address attendees and choose their favorite banners.

But don't think that the parade is your only option to attend during the festival!

Colonial period lovers should not miss the Colonial Faire and Muster on the weekend of February 9-10, 2013.  Held on the grounds of Wormsloe Plantation, you'll see actors and vendors dressed for the period and offering experiences, wares, and food.  Muskets will blast, blacksmiths hammers will clang, and great food will be cooking on the fires.  This is a FREE event.

Photo courtesy of The GA Historical Society

Sunday February 13, 2012 marks the official Super Museum Sunday!  From noon until 4pm, a large percentage of our city's history, art, and cultural museums welcome the public in honor of the History Festival.  In fact, you can even venture out of town a bit since over 40 organizations up and down the coast will be taking part.  Admission to each and every participating location is FREE on this day.

The event is a great experience for history-lovers of all types.  However the celebration also benefits children who live in the state by providing interactive education.  It is common knowledge that young people learn so much more when they live the information.  GA History day supports this hands-on learning through participation in the many activities held during this multi-day celebration.  You will see children marching in Tuesday's parade, and families love to introduce their kids to colonial living at the Faire.

Of course there is no better option for area lodging than a relaxing bed and breakfast inn during this historic event.  Start each day off right with included breakfasts, take some snacks to much on during the day (may not be offered by all of our B and B members), and return to the comfort and friendliness of your beautiful Savannah home-away-from-home.