Our day began with the delivery of the newspaper and six Krispy Creme donuts to our boat producing a nice sugar high! This has been a great marina stop, but we feel like the minnow in the river compared to the other boats. This is just one of the multiple boats exceeding 100 feet.
This blog will be a bit of a history lesson . . . so, no hard feelings if you want to pass!
Savannah sits on a bluff 40 feet above the banks of the Savannah River. General James Oglethorpe and 120 passengers landed in 1733 to found Britain’s last American colony. Savannah is America’s first planned city because Oglethorpe carefully organized the town into grids with wide streets and a series of 24 public squares. At the time of the original charter, religious freedom was guaranteed, but lawyers, and rum were forbidden. Cotton was the major source of income in the area and the cotton gin was invented on a plantation outside the city.
The live oak is the Georgia state tree and many streets are lined with 200 year old trees. The azaleas and crepe myrtle trees add to the charm 
There are abundant example of historic and famous homes in the historic district. The Mercer House was made famous by the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. "Lady" Chablis, who layed herself in the film, still performs today.
Many different architectural styles are represented in the historic district. The Davenport House on Columbia Square was completed in 1820 is the best example of Georgian architecture.
Colonial Park Cemetery was used from 1750 to 1853. Famous early settlers and Revolutionary War generals rest under the old trees. This beautiful park below was the dueling field which is conveniently located next to the cemetery.
The Savannah River was an integral part of the city which was dependent on exports of cotton and indigo and deliveries of staples from England to survive. Today it is the third largest port in the United States, as witnessed by this container ship that steamed down the river while we walked the river front.
Memorial to the slaves who were brought in chains and sold at auction in this port. 
Pirates played a significant role in the history of Savannah in the early 1800s. An underground tunnel system built by the pirates allowed them to capture locals and force them to work on the pirate ships and later provided pathways to smuggle rum during Prohibition. This old pirate house was built in 1754 and associated with Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island".
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| Saint John the Baptish Cathedral - 1876 |
Many movies have been filmed in Savannah such as Forrest Gump, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Glory and Cape Fear. Savannah’s own, Johnny Mercer, won 4 Oscars in Best Song category including “Moon River.”
You guys really know how to do some great blog pages, slide show and all. ENJOY!
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