Savannah Georgia Timeline Through the Centuries

History Timeline of Savannah, Georgia

Historical timeline of the development of Savannah, Georgia from its founding by James Oglethorpe in 1733 to present day. While not a complete timeline of events, we have aimed to capture key dates in Savannah's history including events related to the development of the city and the contributions of those who influenced our city in some unique way.

February 12, 1733

Settlement of Savannah Founded

James Edward Oglethorpe arrives with colonists from England to establish the Colony of Georgia. He lands on Yamacaraw bluff, near present day City Hall. Savannah becomes the 1st city of Georgia.

December 29, 1778

Savannah Falls to the British

The British invade Savannah during the American Revolutionary War, capturing the City in the Winter of 1778.

November 26, 1796

Great Fire of 1796

A devasting fire destroys over 200 buildings in Savannah, leaving hundreds of families homeless.

1819

Owens-Thomas House Built

The Owens-Thomas House, a prestigious home designed by William Jay, is completed adjacent to Oglethorpe Square. It was later purchased by local attorney and politician George Welshman Owens for $10,000.

January 11, 1820

Great Fire of 1820

Fire breaks out and burns relentlessly destroying nearly 100 buildings between Abercorn and Jefferson streets and Bay and Broughton Streets. Within this square, there was total destruction.

October 31, 1860

Juliette Gordon Low is Born

Juliette Gordon Low is born in a 3 story home on Oglethorpe Avenue. She would grow up to found the Girl Scouts of America. Today, her birthplace is a popular tourist attraction in Savannah.

December 21, 1864

Sherman Captures Savannah

As Sherman's March to the Sea devastates much of Georgia, Savannah decides to surrender in advance of the impending attack, sparing many of the city's historic buildings. After taking the city and setting up his headquarters at the Green-Meldrim House, Sherman writes President Abraham Lincoln to offer the city as a Christmas gift.

August 5, 1889

Conrad Aiken in Born

Pulitzer Prize winning poet Conrad Aiken is born in Savannah. He would go on to serve as U.S. Poet Laureate during the 1950s.

November 18, 1909

Johnny Mercer is Born

Singer Johnny Mercer is born in Savannah.

1954

Ellis Square Destroyed

The City of Savannah permits the destruction of Ellis Square so that a multi-story parking garage can be built to serve the needs of City Market.

1954

Savannah's Historic Preservation Movement Born

After the destruction of Ellis Square and with the proposed destruction of the Isaiah Davenport House, Savannah's preservation movement is born.

May 11, 1976

National Historic Landmark

The Owens-Thomas House is designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark.May 11, 1976

1996

The Olympics Come to Savannah

Savannah hosts the Yachting Events during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta. Today, there is a momument of the Olympic Flame on River Street where the ceremonies took place.

1991

First Women Elected Mayor

Susan Weiner is elected as the First Female Mayor of Savannah, defeating longtime incumbent John Rousakis.

1994

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

John Berendt's Novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, is released. The book focuses on the trial of Jim Williams and other Savannah residents. It was a multi-year New York Times Best Seller that greatly raised awareness of Savannah and was directly responsible for a dramatic spike in tourism.

1995

First African-American Mayor

Floyd Adams, Jr. becomes the first African-American elected as Mayor of Savannah.

1997

Midnight Movie

The Clint Eastwood adaptation of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil is released as a feature film starring Kevin Spacey, John Cusack and The Lady Chablis.

March 11, 2010

Ellis Square Returns

Ellis Square, one of Savannah's original squares, is officially dedicated after removal of the parking garage that sat on its location for more than five decades. It was reimagined with a popular dancing water feature.

November 18, 2009

Johnny Mercer Statue

Bronze statue of Savannah-born singer/songwriter Johnny Mercer is unveiled in Ellis Square.

2020

Plant River Side Opens

A new mixed use developement, the Plant Riverside District, opens on Savannah's River Street.