Oglethorpe Square is a free historic public square at 127 Abercorn Street in Savannah’s Historic District, between East State and East York streets. Laid out in 1742 and originally called Upper New Square, it honors Georgia’s founder, James Edward Oglethorpe. Travelers come for live-oak shade, brick walking paths, and an unusually rewarding architectural backdrop: the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters stands immediately beside it. This is a place for a short, observant pause rather than a park packed with attractions.
What to Expect at Oglethorpe Square
One of Savannah’s six earliest squares, Oglethorpe Square makes the city’s planned landscape easy to understand. Streets frame a compact green divided by pedestrian paths, with benches beneath mature live oaks and hanging Spanish moss. Walk the perimeter first to appreciate the surrounding buildings, then cross through the center for closer views of the planting and historical markers. Despite the name, the celebrated statue of General Oglethorpe is not here; that monument stands in Chippewa Square.
The square’s strongest architectural pairing is the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, completed in 1819 to designs by English architect William Jay. Its English Regency exterior contrasts with the square’s informal greenery. Operated by Telfair Museums, the property interprets both the wealthy household and the enslaved people whose labor sustained it; visiting its interiors requires separate paid admission. Across the square, the President’s Quarters Inn occupies adjoining nineteenth-century townhouses, adding another layer to the residential streetscape.
- Live-oak canopy: Broad branches and Spanish moss provide shade and frame photographs of the surrounding architecture.
- Moravian marker: A stone memorial recalls the Moravian settlers who lived in early Georgia during the 1730s.
- Owens-Thomas frontage: View William Jay’s Regency design directly from the square before considering a house tour.
- Historic street plan: The relationship between the green, surrounding streets, and residential blocks illustrates Savannah’s ward-based layout.
- Shaded benches: Seating makes this a useful break between Broughton Street shopping and nearby house museums.
Oglethorpe Square at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 127 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Historic District; Abercorn Street between East State and East York streets |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday: open 24 hours |
| Admission / Price Range | Free; $ overall. Nearby museum admission is separate. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 15 to 30 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | CAT connections at Joe Murray Rivers Jr. Intermodal Transit Center; State Street Parking Garage, 100 E State St |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Savannah square information; +1 912-234-2273 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Come in the morning for cooler walking conditions, particularly from late spring through early fall. Summer humidity remains noticeable beneath the trees; carry water and watch for afternoon thunderstorms. Spring brings fresh foliage, while winter generally offers comfortable walking without the summer heat. No reservation is needed. Drivers can use the nearby State Street Parking Garage rather than circle for metered curbside spaces. For bus connections, CAT’s Joe Murray Rivers Jr. Intermodal Transit Center on West Oglethorpe Avenue is roughly a 15-minute walk west.
The square is largely level, with paved approaches and brick paths suitable for many wheelchairs and strollers, although joints, roots, and uneven sections require care. Use curb ramps at surrounding crossings; benches offer regular resting opportunities. There are no dedicated public restrooms within the square. Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them. Lamps provide evening illumination, but daylight is better for assessing uneven paving. Extend your walk to Colonial Park Cemetery, about five minutes south, Reynolds Square, about five minutes north, or the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, roughly ten minutes south.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Oglethorpe Square’s hours, and when is best to visit?
The square is open 24 hours daily. Morning is the most comfortable choice during hot weather, while daylight makes historical markers and architectural details easier to appreciate.
Is admission free, and do I need a reservation?
Entry to Oglethorpe Square is free, with no ticket or reservation required. The adjacent Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is a separate museum attraction with paid admission and its own touring arrangements.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 15 to 30 minutes to walk the paths, read the markers, and sit beneath the oaks. Budget additional time separately for a museum tour or a longer Historic District walk.
Is the square suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Families can enjoy a short outdoor break, but there is no playground and traffic surrounds the square. Mostly level paths and benches help visitors with limited mobility; uneven brickwork means wheelchair users may need to choose their route carefully.
When planning your Savannah travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Savannah, pair this stop with standout local spots including Monterey Square, Telfair Museums, The Olde Pink House, and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters (nearby).
