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.

Enjoy a Unique Savannah Tour on a Segway Motorized Vehicle

Here's a different concept: walking tours with no walking involved! So it isn't really a new idea, but it's still a novel approach to offer city tours on Segway Personal Transporter electric vehicles, (or just Segway(s)). This is one more fun activity you can enjoy while on a Savannah bed and breakfast vacation!

Segways are two-wheeled, battery-powered devices with on-board computers and motors to help keep the vehicle upright when a passenger is present. Controlling one is as easy as leaning forward or backward while steering via a handlebar, making it a fun mode of transport for a tour!

Authorized tours are offered through Segway of Savannah for participants of ages15 years and older (participants aged 15-17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian) weighing between 100 and 260 pounds, who can safely step onto and off of the machines. No offense for anyone who weighs less or more: the sensors on the machines require the 100-pound minimum weight, and the transporters can not safely accommodate passengers weighing over 260 pounds.

The cost is $45 for a one-hour tour, and $65 for a two-hour tour of Savannah. 1.5 Hour Boneventure Cemetery Tours are also available for $75. Prices are the same for both minors and adults. Reservations are required.

When you take a tour, you are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time for helmet fitting, an orientation/safety video, and a short practice session where you can familiarize yourself with (or further master) the methods for controlling and manipulating a vehicle. Then you are ready for your tour!

It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothing for the weather, taking into account air movement during riding. The tour scooters do have a small storage pouch for personal items such as cameras, water, a snack, keys, etc. Individual rentals not associate with tours are also available for anywhere from one hour to an entire week. If you wish to rent for multiple days, your Savannah innkeeper may be able to assist you with storage, but please inquire ahead of time so that we can better assist you!

What a fun way to both tour our beautiful city, and to navigate around during your visit! Member inns of the Romantic Inns of Savannah welcome you to our beautiful city, and hope you have fun during your motorized tours!

Savannah Haunted Tours, Savannah Sightseeing

With Savannah's beauty, rich history, and southern charm, is it any wonder the residents resist leaving?  But add in a few, less-ideal times in history, and you might just get some residents who CAN NOT leave!  Ghost hunting is a popular pastime, and Savannah's past, mystique, beauty, and charm make it an ideal destination for those who seek evidence of another form of life and death entirely.  Enjoy Savannah haunted tours during your stay at a Savannah Georgia bed and breakfast!

Named to be the most haunted city in the US by the American Institute of Parapsychology in 2002, Savannah is full of paranormal mystery and intrigue, both day and night.  The city is routinely visited by parapsychologists and both professional and amateur ghost hunters.

Among our more well-known haunted locations are the Bonaventure Cemetery, The Pirate's House restaurant, the Hampton Lillibridge House, Moon River Brewing Company, Colonial Park Cemetery, and Sorrel Weed House, to name a few.

Nearby Tybee Island boasts of its own spirits.  The north beach neighborhood is said to be home to a past resident.  Lazaretto, the quarantine area for colonial ships, passengers, and residents on the island's very western tip is said to be haunted.  And the Tybee Lighthouse Station has been named the most haunted place in America!

There are many local groups that offer ghost tours lasting between 75 minutes and 2.5 hours during the year.  Around Halloween, many longer and more in-depth hunts can be found in the area.

Even some of our member inns are rumored to have spirits of their own.  You never know who, or what, you might meet during your stay at our Savannah bed and breakfasts!