Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a major city located in Chatham County, Georgia.

It sits along the Savannah River, which flows toward the Atlantic Ocean. As the oldest city in Georgia, it holds great historical importance. It once served as the capital for the Province of Georgia. Later, it was the first state capital of Georgia. Today, Savannah is a vital industrial center. It is also a significant Atlantic seaport. The city is the most populous in the Coastal Georgia region.

According to the 2020 census, the city had 147,780 residents. By 2024, the population was estimated to be 148,808. The larger Savannah metropolitan area had about 438,000 residents in 2025.

The city's layout is defined by a unique urban design. Much of the downtown area follows the Oglethorpe Plan. This design was created by the city's founder, James Oglethorpe.

The plan features 22 parklike squares spread throughout the city. These squares serve as green spaces within the urban environment. The Savannah Historic District and the Savannah Victorian Historic District are part of this area. In 1966, the federal government designated these as National Historic Landmark Districts. This makes it one of the largest such districts in the United States. Visitors often walk these streets to see the historic architecture and cobblestones.

Savannah's history began with a specific landing in 1733. General James Oglethorpe and settlers arrived on the ship Anne. They landed at a location known as Yamacraw Bluff. Upon arrival, they met Tomochichi and the Yamacraw people. Mary Musgrove acted as an interpreter during these early interactions. The city and the colony of Georgia were established on February 12, 1733. In 1751, Georgia became a Royal Colony with Savannah as its capital. The city later became a key commercial port during the American Revolution. British troops occupied the city from 1778 until July 1782. During the American Civil War, Savannah was a major city for the Confederacy. In December 1864, local leaders negotiated a peaceful surrender. This prevented the destruction of the city when Union troops arrived.

The city's name has several possible origins. One theory connects it to the Savannah River. The river's name may come from the Shawnee people. The Shawnee were a Native American group known as Ša·wano·ki. This name translates to "southerners." Other theories suggest the name comes from the English word "savanna." This term refers to tropical grasslands. The English borrowed this word from the Spanish word "sabana." Another possibility is that the name comes from Algonquian terms. These terms might mean "southerners" or perhaps "salt."

Savannah's geography and climate influence daily life. The city has a humid subtropical climate. This means summers are long, hot, and humid. These summers often feel almost tropical. Much of the annual rain falls between June and September. Winters are typically mild and sunny. Snowfall is a very rare event in this region. Because the city is near sea level, it faces flooding risks. Heavy rainfall and the shape of the coastline can cause issues. The city uses five canals and several pumping stations to manage flash flooding. Savannah is also in the path of hurricanes. It faces risks from storms like the 1893 Sea Islands hurricane.

The city is home to many significant cultural institutions. The Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences was one of the first public museums in the South. The Georgia Historical Society is the oldest continually operating historical society in the South. Religious history is also prominent in the city. The First African Baptist Church is one of the oldest African-American Baptist congregations in the U.S. Temple Mickve Israel is the third-oldest synagogue in the country. The Central of Georgia Railway roundhouse complex is the oldest standing antebellum rail facility in the U.S. These sites attract millions of visitors to Savannah every year.

Today, Savannah remains an essential part of Georgia's economy and culture. It functions as the largest port in the state.

The city is divided into many diverse neighborhoods. There are more than 100 distinct neighborhoods across six principal areas. These areas include Midtown, Southside, Eastside, Westside, and the Downtown area. The city's role as a port and a historic destination connects its past to its modern industrial importance.