Savannah is the first planned city of America. Its grand design of patterned streets and squares was developed by General James Oglethorpe in the drawing rooms of his native England. Oglethorpe arrived on a small ship ANN with 115 colonists and a plan. The city was founded in 1733. The colonists were a hodge-podge of the poor from England; Jewish groups from Germany & Poland; Salzburgers from Central Europe; Scots and Moravians from Bohemia. The colonists settled comfortably with Tomochichi and the native Yamacraw Indians.
Oglethorpe’s vision for Savannah was realized and the city layout remains the envy of many modern-day city planners and is a pleasure for area tourists and residents alike.
In 1910, Savannah erected a monument, sculpted by Daniel Chester French, in Chippewa Square. Facing south in the Square, Oglethorpe ‘keeps watch against the Spanish in Florida.’ The statue of Oglethorpe is one of the most photographed icon of Savannah history.
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