Savannah Then and Now

Exquisite archival images are paired with the same views as they look today

The early settlers of Savannah built their houses around a geometric street plan on a bluff above the Savannah River. They were aided by the Yamacraw tribe and their aged chief, Tomochichi, who became firm friends with Savannah’s founder, Englishman James Oglethorpe, and both their names are commemorated across the city. Oglethorpe’s vision for “open-space squares surrounded by the rhythmic placement of streets”would later earn Savannah the prestigious status of becoming a National Historic Landmark. Savannah boomed as the cotton trade expanded in the South, and by the mid-19th century the city was thriving as it exported cotton bales to Europe and acted as a staging post for travelers. During the Civil War, in 1864, Savannah was surrendered to General William T. Sherman following his March to the Sea, which began in Atlanta and ended in Savannah. Thankfully, General Sherman spared Savannah the torch, and the elegant Georgian residences were saved. However, it took a group of resolute Savannah ladies to preserve some of the best architecture in the city in the 1950s, as many historic buildings were scheduled for demolition. Their hard work and enterprise has helped preserve the city’s architectural heritage. The book features images of some of the sites referenced in John Berendt’s influential book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil such as Mercer House, Armstrong House, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Telfair Academy, along with architectural gems such as the Cotton Exchange, Davenport House, and the Green-Meldrim House—historic buildings that make Savannah a cherished city.

Polly Cooper has authored and coauthored several books on her home town of Savannah, includingThe Visitor’s Guide to Savannah, Tybee Days: One Hundred Years on Georgia’s Playground Island, andSand Between Our Toes: The Tybee Island Family Photo Album. She now lives near the Skidaway River on the Isle of Hope.Ted Eldridge is a licensed Savannah tour guide. He lives in Savannah, Georgia.