Oglethorpe's Name

James Edward Oglethorpe's Name is Everywhere in Savannah

On your first Savannah visit, there is a name you will see all over town -- Oglethorpe . Some people have a hard time saying it and many locals still can't spell it. Who is Oglethorpe? He's a very important person in both Savannah history and the history of the State of Georgia. He founded both our city and the entire colony more than 40 years before The Declaration of Independence.

He's also the visionary who planned the layout of Savannah around the squares. So when you are on a walking tour through any of the nearly 2 dozen squares downtown and are amazed at the beauty of Savannah -- you can thank James Edward Oglethorpe . He would be proud of the homes, businesses, and churches that grew up around the square system -- especially as it was expanded. Now these buildings are under the protection of the Historic Review board.

He might also be amazed at the number of attractions and businesses that are named after him in Savannah. Around the State of Georgia there is even a town and a county named for him too.

OGLETHORPE AVENUE

Oglethorpe Avenue is one of the most beautiful streets in Savannah. A large median sits between the east/west lanes and feature giant oak trees with hanging moss. Visitors arriving from the Savannah River Bridge from South Carolina will end up on Oglethorpe Avenue and its a wonderful “first look” at our alluring city.

OGLETHORPE SQUARE

one block north of the intersection of Oglethorpe Avenue and Abercorn Street is Oglethorpe Square. It’s fitting a square is named after our founder since its was his master plan to lay-out Savannah in a grid-like patter around a series of town squares.

OGLETHORPE MALL

His vision for the colony of Georgia and its first town, Savannah, was a place poor but motivated immigrants could go for a new start. Its only appropriate a modern mall — the symbol of American capitalism — is named after him.

OGLETHORPE STATUE

At the center of Chippewa Square is a 9 foot statue standing atop a large marble base. From this perch, the statue of Oglethorpe surveys the beauty of Savannah, Georgia where he first landed in 1733.

OGLETHORPE INN

Budget hotel in midtown Savannah known for its central location, clean rooms and friendly staff. Nearly 200 travelers have rated this hotel excellent on Trip Advisor.

OGLETHORPE LODGE

3 story vacation rental with one suite per floor on Bay Street steps from the original settler's landing site.

OGLETHORPE TOURS

Offering historic district trolley tours in Savannah since 1995. The best value is the unlimited hop on and hoop off for $19. Also offering haunted tours and a combo land & sea package that combines a riverboat tour on the Savannah River with the trolley tour.

OGLETHORPE HOUSE

A dormitory building for the Savannah College of Art & Design. Formerly a hotel until its renovation during the 1990s.