We headed up and over the Savannah River Bridge into the Historic District of Savannah.
It wasn't the nicest of days to begin with but slowly improved.
We all hopped on a Trolley Tour for the Historic District.
Jimmy our trolley tour guide in all his Savannah splendor.
In early February 1733, James Oglethorpe and 114 colonist arrived on the banks of the Savannah River to found the thirteenth colony of the United States, Georgia.
Savannah is "America's First Planned City", designed by Oglethorpe. It originally had 24 squares but only 21 remain today.
The squares were intended as community gathering areas and a place to fortify the city and community against native indian attacks and those rascals from St. Augustine, the Spaniards.
Bill making sure we know where we are.
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What's so funny Randy?
This museum and others will be featured in Savannah II, coming after we've had a second visit to Savannah.
429 Bull St. Designed in 1860 for Hugh W. Mercer, great-grandfather to songwriter Johnny Mercer. Finished in 1868, after the Civil War. It went into ruin and was nearly demolished when Jim Williams, a popular restoration expert and a true character of Savannah reputation, bought and restored it in 1969. He became famous as the central figure in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. His sister now owns and lives in the house.
Johnny Mercer never lived in the Mercer House. He is the great grandson of General Hugh Mercer and Uncle to famous chef Paula Deen.
A downspout attached to many historic homes. How cute is this!
17 West McDonough Street. The Philbrick-Eastman House. Another Greek Revival Design best know for it's extensive and intricate ironwork. Built around 1844.
330 Abercomb Street. Hamilton-Turner Inn. Built in 1873 this home was said to be years ahead of time with an indoor bathroom, talking pipes connecting the four stories and eventually the first home in Savannah with electricity. It was said people would sit or stroll outside in the square watching the parties and electric lights. More recent owners were Nancy Hillis, aka "Mandy" in John Berendt's novel, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
And now a few just beautiful homes. I'm sure most are historic for some reason and hopefully I can uncover that information during a return visit to Savannah.
Historic building now a pub.
A beautiful tree lined street.
One of the oldest oak trees...nearly 500 years.
This is the Victorian Gothic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. It is the oldest Roman Catholic Church in Georgia.
Savannah City Hall.
I took several pictures of statues in the different squares but they are not good quality and I'm not sure who's who. They'll be featured in Savannah II. However, several Confederate Generals did live in Savannah before the Civil War, William Hardee, Francis Bartow, A.P. Lawton, G. Moxley Sorrel, Henry Jackson and Hugh Mercer (great grandfather to Johnny Mercer). Confederate Army Commander General Joseph Johnston moved to Savannah after the war and lived here for a number of years before returning to Virginia.
These canons are from General William T. Sherman's March to the Sea. Details at 11...I mean Savannah Part II.
Below is a statue/gate honoring D.A.R. (Daughter's of the American Revolution). Beyond it is a park and cemetery.
Bridge across the Savannah River.
One of many tourist traps along the waterfront. Fun to see all the interesting "Junk" and "Dust Collectors".
Spinners
Shops along the waterfront.
Ahhhh yummmmmmy....candy and caramel apples. Bill, Randy and Sherry buying pecan rolls.
My picture of ghost portal in Savannah.
When I stepped across this storefront's threshold I paused and stepped back out. I turned to Gail, Cheri and Sherry and whoever else could hear me and said "this place is haunted". Of course I was totally pooh poohed as nuts. Having overheard me, the shopkeeper approached me when I re-entered and confirmed that it was actually haunted. She then proceeded to pull out a binder and show me an article regarding the discovered "ghost portal". I've included excerpts of the article below.
Their picture of same buildings.
Here are some excerpts from the newspaper article regarding the discovery of this ghost portal.
Savannah, GA (PRWEB) September 26, 2011
A Major Ghost Portal Discovered at the Historic Storefront of Circa Savannah
A major ghost portal has been discovered at the historic storefront of Circa Savannah by paranormal researchers. “Circa Savannah was informed that the ghost portal discovered is an extremely significant discovery in the paranormal world. Circa Savannah’s property is like a toll booth on a spirit highway that spirits use to enter and leave Savannah”, said owner Michael Preston.
Restored to the 1860’s era by owner Michael Preston,Circa Savannah is a specialty shop featuring the city’sbest tours, tasteful gifts, arts and antiques. Following its renovation, Mr. Preston noticed strange activities soon after the store’s opening. “On several occasions neighbors asked if we were hosting
evening parties because they heard people walking about through the night; the store was empty and the alarms set. As well, items were moved or misplaced, doors andwindows mysteriously opened or closed, gas lamps would not remain lit, and a desk stapler went into a merry dance thoroughly alarming a customer and clerk.” At that point, he contacted the paranormal experts to investigate. “We expected a ghost story after the lengthy investigation, but never one hundred ghost stories!” he laughed.
evening parties because they heard people walking about through the night; the store was empty and the alarms set. As well, items were moved or misplaced, doors andwindows mysteriously opened or closed, gas lamps would not remain lit, and a desk stapler went into a merry dance thoroughly alarming a customer and clerk.” At that point, he contacted the paranormal experts to investigate. “We expected a ghost story after the lengthy investigation, but never one hundred ghost stories!” he laughed.
Situated atop 20,000 year-old graves of a race that showed signs of cannibalism, the property became home to Georgia colonists who lived with daily hardships, later primitively quartered slaves awaiting auction in the basement, bivouacked military personnel during the Civil War, and saw fortunes lost during the cotton economy’s collapse. Among the apparitions that the paranormal researchers discovered, most astonishing was the recording of EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) pointing to French speaking inhabitants along with those of unknown dialects. The team experienced spirits of eighteenth century travelers, prohibition era smugglers, and a Victorian lamplighter maintaining the outside gas lanterns. There were so many spirits and activities occurring during the investigation that researchers had to leave the premises multiple times.
inhabitants along with those of unknown dialects. The team experienced spirits of eighteenth century travelers, prohibition era smugglers, and a Victorian lamplighter maintaining the outside gas lanterns. There were so many spirits and activities occurring during the investigation that researchers had to leave the premises multiple times.
Sherry with the Savannah River Bridge in the background.
A jazz musician playing his sax along the waterfront.
We had lunch at the lady and sons, Paula Deen's Restaurant in the heart of Savannah. The food was delish.
And back we head to South Carolina and Yemassee. Much prettier afternoon.
That was a long day and I shared just some of our outing. Savannah Part II will be more history. Stay tuned. Thanks for visiting.
1 comment:
Susan, I so enjoy your posts, feel like I am learning about our country history through you guys, thanks so much for sharing, still miss ya though, when are you coming home?
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