Savannah is the oldest city in the U.S. state of Georgia and is the county seat of Chatham County. Located on the Savannah River, it was founded in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe and was the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia. Today, Savannah is the fifth-largest city in Georgia with a population of 145,862 as of the 2020 census.
History
Savannah was established in 1733 by General James Oglethorpe and was the first colonial and state capital of Georgia. Oglethorpe laid out the city in a grid pattern with large, open squares, which allowed for growth and development over time. Throughout its history, Savannah has played important economic, political, and military roles. Key events include:
- Served as a major port city for the southern colonies and exported cotton, rice, and tobacco
- Was captured by British forces during the American Revolution
- Withstood a siege by Union forces during the Civil War before falling in 1864
- Became an important inland port with the expansion of the railroad in the 1800s
- Sustained significant damage during Hurricane Matthew in 2016
Today, Savannah relies heavily on tourism and is known for its cobblestone streets, parks, and historic architecture in its downtown historic district. Notable landmarks include the Savannah Historic District, the Savannah Victorian Historic District, and Forsyth Park.
Geography and Climate
Savannah is located along the Savannah River, approximately 20 miles upriver from the Atlantic Ocean. It has a total area of 108.7 square miles. Surrounding cities and suburbs include Garden City, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Skidaway Island, and Thunderbolt.
Savannah has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. July is the warmest month with an average high of 92°F. January has average highs around 61°F. Snowfall is very rare.
Demographics
According to 2020 census data, Savannah has a population of 145,862 residents. Key demographic statistics include:
- Median Age: 33.5 years old
- Male Population: 46.3%
- Female Population: 53.7%
- Median Household Income: $36,966
- Race/Ethnicity Breakdown: Black or African American (55%), White (35%), Hispanic or Latino (7%), Asian (2.5%), Two or More Races (2%), Other (1.5%)
Between 2010 and 2020, Savannah experienced a population growth of 15.3%. Savannah is currently the 5th largest city in Georgia after Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, and Macon.
Economy and Major Employers
The major industries contributing to Savannah’s economy include logistics, manufacturing, tourism, film and media production, and healthcare. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and Savannah’s seaport help make it a regional shipping hub. Major companies headquartered in Savannah include Gulfstream Aerospace and Colonial Group Inc.
Other top employers in Savannah include:
- Telfair Museums – Museums and cultural institutions
- St. Joseph’s/Candler – Healthcare network
- Savannah State University – Public university
- Savannah Technical College – Technical school
- Savannah College of Art and Design – Private art and design university
In addition, the Georgia Ports Authority, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Americas Inc., Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools, and Kroger are major contributors to the local economy through employment.
Attractions and Landmarks
Savannah is renowned for its historic architecture, parks, and Southern charm. Some of the top attractions include:
- Forrest Gump Bench – Located in Chippewa Square, this bench appeared in the movie Forrest Gump.
- First African Baptist Church – One of the oldest African American Baptist congregations in the U.S.
- Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum – Chronicles the 20th century struggle for equality.
- Old Town Trolley Tours – Hop-on, hop-off tours of Savannah’s landmarks and history.
- Old Fort Jackson – Oldest standing brick fort in Georgia, built in 1808.
- Savannah Historic District – Nearly 2.5 square miles of historic homes, buildings, and more.
- Tybee Island Lighthouse – One of the last remaining Georgian lighthouses.
Sports Teams
Savannah is home to a few professional and semi-professional sports teams, including:
- Savannah Bananas – Professional baseball team part of the Coastal Plain League.
- Savannah Ghost Pirates – Ice hockey team in the ECHL that will start playing in 2022.
- Savannah Clovers – Amateur rugby organization.
- Savannah Wolverines – Semi-professional football team in the A-League.
There are also collegiate teams from Savannah State University and Savannah College of Art and Design that are popular with local fans.
You can keep up with local news and events in Savannah by following the city’s official Facebook page. With over 75,000 followers, it provides updates on city government, local attractions, job openings, and more.