Oglethorpe Square

Oglethorpe Square - Savannah

Upper New Square was the sixth square erected in Savannah and the last in James Edward Oglethorpe's original plan. Just nine years after the establishment of Savannah, the Upper New Square & surrounding ward were added to Savannah's landscape and it remains until this day -- however, the name didn't stick. This square was renamed Oglethorpe Square as an acknowledgement to Georgia's founding father.

Savannah's largest tribute to Oglethorpe isn't in this square, though. Only grass fills its center while the towering nine foot General Oglethorpe bronze statue looms over the center of nearby Chippewa Square.

One of the crown jewels of Savannah's preservation movement -- The Owens Thomas House -- faces the square. There are many interesting features about the Owens-Thomas House. It is one of just three homes in Savannah designed by William Jay. Built in 1819, it was one of the first homes in the United States to have running water. Many tourists with an appreciation for architectural history recommend The Owens-Thomas House to be the first stop of any tour of historic homes in Savannah.

Savannah's first six squares (Johnson, Wright , Ellis , Telfair , Reynolds & Oglethorpe Square ) would stand alone for almost fifty years until Savannah would erect more squares in the 1790s.

Who is James Oglethorpe?

Oglethorpe Square is named for the founder of Savannah, James Edward Oglethorpe. In fact, he's the founding father of the State of Georgia. His arrival in 1733 on the banks of the Savannah River are a pivotal moment in the history of our city and our state.

A number of other sites are named for him including Oglethorpe Avenue, the James Edward Oglethorpe Statue in Chippewa Square, and a number of local businesses including Oglethorpe Mall.

Walk to Nearby Squares

Walking to one of the other nearby squares takes just a few minutes. Head east and you'll be in Columbia Square where you can visit the Isaiah Davenport House, which is significant in Savannah's preservation movement. If you head south, you'll end up in Reynold's Square where there's a statue honoring John Wesley. Go south and discover Layfayette Square with its beautiful fountain and within steps of Savannah's Historic Cathedral. Finally, start walking west and in no time you'll be in Wright Square, where the famous Indian chief Tomochichi is buried.