Our first day in Savannah we decided to take the 15 stop Trolley tour they have. It lasts about an hour and a half, and it goes over some of the history of the city. But first a little about Savannah and it’s founding.

In 1732 a ship called The Anne landed here by the bluff. It had some forty families. There leader a man called Oglethorpe, quickly became friends with the indian chief called Tomo-Chi-Chi, and they both decided that the city should be on the high bluff, near where they came ashore. There the city of Savannah was born

The city was also in the center of the American Revolutionary war. A key battle took place here in 1779, the young American army did not do so well here.

Way out in the distance is where the battle started at one of the redouts (forts)

Plaques to the Americans who gave there lives.

 

 

THE TROLLEY

The first thing we did was take a trolley sightseeing tour because it was the best way to see the city. The trolley driver stopped at 15 designated stops while highlighting all the attractions and told different stories of the area.

As you head into downtown Savannah, where the rich history still blows strongly through those live oak trees throughout the city. It does have great architecture, history, natural beauty and good food.   The city has some of the oldest houses in the country, dating as far back as the early-mid 1700s. You’ll notice some maintain their original brick structures, with elegant wrought-iron railings and staircases. Iron at that time was a sign of wealth, Savannah has lots of iron.

Sure sign of wealth are these dolphin shaped down spouts made of solid iron.

 

 

When walking or taking the trolley you will notice the squares, 22 of them. The city’s squares were originally developed as a fire prevention method, people who lived in a certain square would bring their buckets there to fill up and put out a fire. But today they serve as peaceful gardens and grassy areas.

“Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” and “Forrest Gump” are the two movies to be filmed in Savannah, and “Something to Talk About”, “Cape Fear” and “Glory” also feature scenes in the city.

It’s also known for it’s horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks such as Forsyth Park shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. At the center of this picturesque district is the landmark, Gothic-Revival Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.

The Savannah River is a nice spot to get something to eat and drink and watch the huge freighters go passing by. We did not take any photos on the trolley tour.

Next we headed to the

Savannah History Museum

The Savannah History Museum is housed in the old Central of Georgia Railway passenger shed, a National Historic Landmark begun in the 1850s and completed in the 1870s. The railway used the building until 1972 and in 1990 it became the museum. It holds the city’s earliest history from 1733 through its important roles during the American Revolution and Civil War. It also features many exhibits featuring Savannah’s musical, cultural and artistic influences and the famous bench from Forrest Gump “Life is like a box of chocolates.” And being a Girl Scout in my younger days, I had to see the exhibit to the life of Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low

State Motto Flag

 

Then we were off to the

Georgia State Railroad Museum

The railroad museum is believed to be the largest and most complete historic railroad repair facility still in existence in the world. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark District and has been designated by the State Legislature as the Georgia State Railroad Museum. We walked the grounds of the exhibits which include a large collection of steam and diesel locomotives, rail cars, steam-powered machinery, model railroads, and a 126-foot brick smokestack. A large model train layout of Savannah, and exhibits explaining steam engines and belt-driven machinery. We even got to paddle a road car down the tracks, what fun!

Originally the site of the Central Georgia Railway Headquarters, the Roundhouse Railroad Museum was considered to be the most up-to-date, revolutionary facility of its time. Handling freight, passengers, maintenance and manufacturing at this single location, the Railway Headquarters was an indispensable site for a number of years. After being abandoned in the 1960’s, several local enthusiasts worked to save the buildings from destruction.

The large smokestack

The huge turntable to bring in the cars

We even took a ride on the push car

One of the early 1920’s executive railway cars. Had every modern convience you could ask for in the day.

All aboard!!!

Inside of the workers car. When they had to travel this was what they went in, just the basic comfort.

Extra kitchen workers car.

After that the day was about over so we had a early dinner about 3 or so. We ate at a place called the Distillery, close to our pick up point to go back to the campground.

I had a chicken sandwich with fries.

Melissa had one of her favorite meals of the whole 8 month trip, Grits and schrimp dinner. That ended out first day in Savannah.