Fun Things to do in Savannah, Georgia

Savannah was the first of its kind in america because it had the title of being the first planned city in America. planned by James Oglethorpe after he and 120 travelers landed on the Savannah river with a charter to start the next and final colony, Georgia. Under the original charter people were able to worship freely, but lawyers and slavery were forbidden. Savannah had the privilege of being Georgia's first city. James planned it around a series of 24 grids, that benefitted business and public meetings. When Oglethorpe settle the area he was aided by Yamacraw chief Tomo-chi-chi, They pledged to live alongside one another with friendship and good will. During the revolution the city was held by the British although the French and American forces tried to take it back on more that one occasion.

After the war the city saw a huge jump in in prosperity, as citizens discovered how rich the land was, and good for cotton and rice. Plantations and slavery became widespread, and with the help of the cotton gin savannah rivaled Charleston as a commercial port. Savannah was also the home port of the first steam ship to cross the Atlantic the S.S. Savannah which made the journey to Liverpool England in just 29 days. Although the city was very prosperous it did have is share of mishaps, fire that burned half the city, and an out break of yellow fever took out a tenth of the population, as always the city managed to bounce back better than before.

During the Civil War the cities economy was in ruins as it relied heavily on trade, with the unions blockade exporting and importing were near impossible. In 1862 union forces took Fort Pulaski, but did not take the city until General Sherman took it at the end of his famous march to the sea campaign and presented the city to president Lincoln as a Christmas gift.

Reconstruction was slow at first, but soon cotton was king and the city was doing well once again. Savannah was called "the bell of Georgia" and her economy grew with new exports and industries. It did not last long as in the 1920's half of Georgia's cotton fell victim to the boll weevil. This kicked off the depression for Savannah and the rest of the state. After the depression Savannah was on its feet once again with new mission in mind going into the 1950's citizens began organizing to save the major historic landmarks that made up the city. Such as Savannah's first bank, or the pirates house from Stevenson's novel, and the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It was a good thing too, because as the new millennium approached tourism became calling, and today Savannah and all her rich history make it one of the countries best vacation spots.

Now if I put you to sleep with the history lesson this part should perk you up. If you are looking for a good time then look no further for Savannah is a happening place, it has one of the best St. Patricks day parties in the world and second only to New York here in the states. Even in the historical district there are place to wet you whistle, whether you are with a family, part of a couple or flying solo there is something here for you. There has to be many of the pubs and bars are in historic buildings well over a hundred years old. Many of the best pubs and bars are in the historic district near the city market or on river street. Here you will find places to eat, drink, dance and have a heck of a time. Plus, some of these watering holes are reportedly haunted so you may see a ghost or two when your out with your pals, which leads us to our next topic.

Some say that Savannah is the most haunted place in all of the good ol' U.S. Other just say that it is just in the top ten, still others claim the whole city is a hoax to draw in the tourist. I believe any way you look at it, it is bound to have at least some ghosts as it is hundreds of years old and has many stories deep in its rich history. From wars to murders and dangerous accidents, Savannah has its share of scary happenings, like the Marshall house which served as a hospital during the Civil War and the yellow fever epidemic. People claim to have seen ghosts and hear odd noises. Also The Mercer house which is the murder scene for "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". The Colonial Cemetery was the main cemetery in Savannah from 1750 until 1853, many people form founding fathers to ordinary folk were buried here in that century, but today the cemetery is used as a city park. Some Locals even claim that a lot of old Savannah is built upon cemetery grounds, so you may just be staying in a place of the deceased. If you get the chance go to the Pirate House Inn and take the tour I do not know one person who has not caught the orb of a spirit in their camera. I could go on for day telling of the spirits that roam this fair city, but I believe it would be much more fun for you to check it out for yourself. Let me know how it goes, and if you see any ghosts.