Emmet Park in Savannah GA
Emmet Park is a metropolitan park located in the city of Savannah, well known for its rich history and grandiose live oak trees that line the perimeter. Located on Bay Street near the northern edge of Savannah's Historic District, Emmet Park is a popular stop for locals and tourists alike.
This park was previously known as the Strand, and also the Irish Green because of its close proximity to the city’s Old Fort Neighborhood. This neighborhood was inhabited primarily by Irish residents. To date, the census shows that Georgia has the most extensive Irish ancestry than any other country aside from England. This makes sense when we consider that Savannah was established as an English colony, and some of the first colonists in Georgia were Irish.
In 1902, this park was renamed to honor the Irish patriot, Robert Emmet. Emmet was an Irish orator and rebel leader who is remembered as a hero of Savannah’s Irish community.
Savannah continues to honor its rich Irish history with big festivals, primarily for St. Patrick’s Day. Emmet Square comes alive at this time and a week of celebration is typically kicked off with a mass held on Sunday at the Celtic Cross located on the park grounds.
Monuments & Memorials Located Within Emmet Park
Emmet Park is a sight to see, with multiple monuments and memorials spread throughout including:
The City Exchange Bell
A replica of what is known to be the oldest bell in the state of Georgia. The original bell was used to announce shop closing times, fire warning signals, and the arrival of important visitors to the Port of Savannah.
The Chatham Artillery Monument
A memorial that honors the military unit formed back in 1786.
The Vietnam War Monument
This memorial was dedicated in 1991 and commemorates the armed force members who died during the Vietnam War.
The Korean War Memorial
Erected in 2006, this memorial honors the 182 soldiers from the D Company, and the 10th Infantry Battalion Marine Reserve units who served during the war.
Hussar’s Memorial
An iron cannon that has been preserved since the Siege of Savannah. This memorial commemorates the Georgia Hussars, which were a military organization that protected the early Colony of Georgia in 1736.
The Old Harbor Light
Located on the easternmost end of the park, this light was installed in the 19th century as a rear range light that helped ships entering the Savannah Harbor.
The Celtic Cross
This memorial was sculpted in Ireland and brought to the city of Savannah. It was installed in Emmet Park in 1983 and honors the city’s rich Irish roots and Georgia’s Irish community. It’s surrounded by delicately manicured landscaping and has been well maintained through the years.
Noble Wimberly Jones Memorial
A memorial that honors Noble Wimberly Jones, one of the earliest settlers of Savannah, and one of its first physicians is located on the easternmost section of Emmet Park, near the Old Harbor Light. Jones would go on to be a statesman and politician during the second half of the 18th century.
In Conclusion
Emmet Park celebrates the Irish culture that is a big part of the city’s history. With its various memorials and monuments, it’s worth a stop next time you’re near the historic downtown area. If you’re visiting during
St. Patrick’s Day, you can witness one of the biggest Irish celebrations in the whole country!
