Savannah

Savannah was founded on February 12, 1733, by British General James Oglethorpe who landed on the coast of Georgia with 120 passengers. The goal was to create a place for debtors and the 'worthy poor' to begin anew. Savannah went on to play a key role in the American Revolutionary War and developed into one of the nation's premier cotton-producing cities.

The Siege of Savannah was a 1779 battle of the American Revolutionary War in which American and French troops attempted to retake Savannah, which had been captured by British forces. Despite the allied effort, the siege failed and Savannah remained under British control. The siege marked one of the bloodiest battles of the war.

Savannah experienced a devastating outbreak of yellow fever in 1818, which claimed over 700 lives. The disease was spread by mosquitoes in the warm, swampy environment of the city. The epidemic contributed to the ongoing research into the causes and prevention of yellow fever, and led to significant advancements in public health policies over the subsequent decades.

As part of his March to the Sea during the American Civil War, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman captured the city of Savannah on December 21, 1864. This event marked the end of Sherman's destructive campaign across Georgia, which significantly weakened the Confederacy. Sherman's decision to preserve Savannah as a Christmas gift for President Lincoln also helped preserve the city's historical architecture.

On December 31, 1907, a race riot erupted in Savannah between white and African American residents, stemming from racial tensions and labor disputes. The riot resulted in multiple injuries and widespread violence. It highlighted the racial inequalities and social unrest during that time, which would later influence the civil rights movement in the region.

On October 31, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA in Savannah. This organization was established to promote values such as leadership, community service, and outdoor activities among young girls. The event marked the beginning of a movement that empowered millions of girls across the nation to develop skills and confidence.

The original Talmadge Memorial Bridge was opened on April 7, 1937, spanning the Savannah River and connecting the city of Savannah with Hutchinson Island. Named after Governor Eugene Talmadge, the bridge was a key infrastructure development that facilitated trade and transport, boosting the local economy.

Savannah is recognized as the first planned city in the United States, featuring a unique layout pioneered by its founder General James Oglethorpe. The city is known for its distinct Oglethorpe plan, which includes a series of grids and public squares. This urban planning contributed to Savannah's national historical significance and its charming Southern aesthetic that attracts visitors worldwide.

Savannah's historic district was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1961, recognizing its significance as a well-preserved example of 18th and 19th-century urban planning. The district includes numerous historically and architecturally significant buildings, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts to Savannah for its charming aesthetics and historical value.

During the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta, Savannah was chosen as the site for the yachting events. The competitions took place on the waters adjacent to the city, bringing international attention to Savannah and contributing to its status as a prominent cultural and historical site in the United States.