Reynolds Square is home to one of Savannah’s most famous restaurants, The Olde Pink House, as well as the Lucas Theater. It was named for Captain John Reynolds, an unpopular governor of Georgia in the 1750s, and yet the statue you see is of John Wesley, the founder of Methodism.

While the square is named for James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, his statue is located elsewhere — in Chippewa Square. This square is most well-known for the Owens-Thomas house (124 Abercorn St.) and its ties to slavery. You can take a guided tour of the Owens-Thomas house, which highlights Savannah’s history and troubled past with inequality.

Colonial Park Cemetery was constructed in 1750, which is when the first burial occurred there. It became the resting place for many Savannahians until 1850, when a new cemetery, Laurel Grove, became the preferred location. At the north end is a mass grave that contains an estimated 700 bodies, all of whom died in the yellow fever epidemic of 1820. There are many who believe the fence around the cemetery is not truly indicative of its borders, with some theorizing that bodies exist outside of its walls. One unfortunate event that probably contributes to the haunted feeling of this place is what happened when Sherman’s Army occupied Savannah. While they didn’t burn Savannah to the ground, as they had done in Atlanta, they did set up camp in Colonial Park Cemetery, and, while there, they vandalized many of the headstones, often changing dates, etc. You’ll notice that some people lived for over 1,000 years! So, if you see something that doesn’t make sense, that was the Union Army’s handiwork at gravestone desecration!

Though originally erected in the 1800s, this Catholic cathedral has endured both hurricane and fire damage, thereby requiring reconstruction efforts multiple times in its history. Unlike the majority of churches and cathedrals in the United States, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is dramatically ornate in both color and composition, occasionally being referred to as “The Sistine of the South.”

Continuing just past the Cathedral, you enter Lafayette Square. If you stand on the other side of the fountain and face the cathedral, it makes for a nice photo! The square is named for Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, the American Revolution’s French hero.

Also on this square is the Andrew Low House, a wealthy cotton merchant who had the house built by world-renown architect, John Norris. Andrew Low lost both a 4-year-old son and his wife, Sarah, within a short time while living here. The house eventually became the home of Juliette Gordon Low, Andrew’s daughter-in-law and founder/president of the Girl Scouts.

The building is now a museum that provides an excellent tour that exemplifies the qualities of 19th century Savannah.

When James Oglethorpe laid out Savannah, he designed each of the 24 neighborhoods, or “wards,” to have a public gathering space, also known as the square. Because Calhoun is our designated ward, it is our favorite :-) Just as it was then, you will see local residents of their ward gather in the evenings or throughout the day to mingle and socialize.

So, what is Calhoun Square known for? For one thing, it is the only square with all of its original buildings intact, which is quite significant when you consider how buildings change over time. But, what it’s mostly known for is the fact that there are approximately 1,000 bodies buried beneath it, making it, essentially, a slave burial ground. This is why you see tons of ghost tours swimming through it each and every night.

Personally, when I walk through it, I talk to those souls, acknowledging their hardship and insufferable life circumstances. I don’t find it creepy; I find it comforting. But that’s just me!