Timeline of Events in Savannah History
Savannah Through the Years
General James Oglethorpe Establishes City
General James Edward Oglethorpe arrives with colonists from England and the City of Savannah is founded.
New Lower Square
One year after the original four squares were established by Gen. Oglethorpe, New Lower Square was erected. It would later be renamed Reynolds Square after Captain John Reynolds.
Congregation Mickve Israel
Jewish immigrants establish the third oldest Jewish congregation in America.
Bethesda Home for Boys
Rev. George Whitfield, desiring to see young boys have a strong Calvinist influence in their lives, establishes The Bethesda Home for Boys outside of Savannah. The term Bethesda means "House of Mercy."
Upper New Square
The sixth square to be laid out in the City of Savannah was Upper New Square. Years later it would be renamed Oglethorpe Square in honor of Savannah's founder.
British Troops Capture Savannah
Savannah captured by the British during the American Revolutionary War
General George Washington Visits
General George Washington visits Savannah during his first term as the nation's very first president.
Construction of the Cathedral
Construction begins on the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, the first building in the State of Georgia constructed of brick.
Savannah Surrenders to Sherman
Having heard about the destruction of Atlanta, City of Savannah leaders surrender to General Sherman during the Civil War before his troops arrive
Flannery O'Conner Born
American novelist Flannery O'Conner is born. She would go on to become famous as a novelist, short story writer and essayist. Tours are available of her childhood home at 207 E. Charlton Street on Lafayette Square.
Ellis Square Destroyed
Ellis Square is demolished to make way for a multi-story parking garage, sparking the local preservation movement. More than five decades later, the city would remove the parking garage and recreate Ellis Square.
Savannah Adopts Council Manager Form of Government
Savannah moves to a form of government where the City Manager is in charge day to day and answers to 8 alderman and the mayor (the city council).
Savannah's Historic District Declared National Historic Landmark
The U.S. Government recognizes the Historic District for its outstanding historical significance
Savannah's Elects First Female Mayor
In November of 1991, Susan Weiner made history by being elected the first woman to lead Georgia's first city. She served 1 term.
Danny Hansford Shot
Danny Hansford is shot at Mercer House, setting off the events that would later be told in the 1994 Novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil
John Berendt published Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which tells the story of Jim Williams, the Lady Chablis and many more of the colorful characters of Savannah, Georgia.
Floyd Adams Elected First African-American Mayor
Floyd Adams Jr. is elected the first African-American Mayor of Savannah. He would serve two terms.
Ellis Square Returns
More than five decades after a parking lot took the place of Ellis Square, it returns after the city removed the structure and built it underground and laid out the square on top of it.
Mercer-Williams House Restoration
The historic home on Monterey Square that served as the locale for the central events in Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil undergoes restoration proejct.
Cathedral Elevated to Minor Basilica
Pope Francis elevates the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to the status of Minor Basilica and it is renamed the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
