History

Buried not far under the surface of downtown Savannah, beneath the dainty gift boutiques and scenic, moss-covered city squares, are the graves of the earliest residents of Savannah. Two yellow fever outbreaks, two wars, a hurricane, and a devastating fire contributed to the untimely demise of many poor souls who claimed the "Jewel of the South" as their home. As Savannah grew, city planning moved many of the deceased to new burial grounds, but just as many were left behind in not-quite restful sleep under the city streets and celebrated architecture that make up downtown.

Savannah, the oldest city in Georgia and referred to as the "Jewel of the
South" was founded by James Oglethorpe. A solider, member of Parliament, and
visionary, he founded Savannah and the colony of Georgia in 1733 as a
venture to benefit indebted Englishmen. Among other reforms, the new city
was free from lawyers, slavery, and taverns. Although those things did
eventually come, Oglethorpe did leave Savannah the everlasting gift of a
city laid out around a series of squares. The design gives the city a unique
park like atmosphere that is a major element of Savannah’s appeal.