The City is home to one of the nation's largest urban National Historic Landmark Districts.

In 1733, Georgia became the 13th and last of England's original colonies when English General James Edward Oglethorpe navigated his way up the Savannah River and laid out the lots and public squares that make Savannah one of America's most unique cities.

Savannah, a true Old World City, still retains Oglethorpe's original design.  Of his 24 original squares, 22 survive and flourish, while representing the crowning jewels of Savannah 's 2.2 square mile Historic District.  Oglethorpe's city plan, where each square was an area of fortification as well as a place for public gathering, has been heralded as a masterpiece of urban design.  Beautiful homes surround these lovely squares, replete with gardens and courtyards. Traffic is slow and touring is done by foot, pedi-cab, horse carriage or trolley.

One of 12 Counties making up Georgia 's Colonial Coast, the city offers a magnificent window into the past, framed by enormous live oaks, fragrant Confederate jasmine, and brilliant azalea blooms. River Street ... A Trip Back In Time Experience the magic of River Street - where Georgia was first founded in 1733. Walk along historic cobblestone streets that were once the ballast stones in mighty sailing ships. Dine in style in restaurants that once were "King Cotton" warehouses in the 1800's. Experience the First Saturday Arts and Crafts Festivals held each month and the grand festivals each year: St. Patrick's Day Celebration, Seafood Festival, 4th of July Celebration, and Oktoberfest. 

Climate
Savannah enjoys a temperate climate that makes outdoor activities possible year-round. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. According to the Southeast Regional Climate Center, the average minimum temperature is 56 degrees, and the average maximum temperature is 70.

General Facts:
Relative Humidity 86% a.m., 54% p.m.
Precipitation days 110 Freezing Days 27
90 degree Days 69.6
Average Wind Speed 7.9 knots
Annual Rainfall 49"
Annual Snowfall 0.3"

Famous Names: (a few from a long list)

• James Oglethorpe, the first governor of Georgia, founder of the City of Savannah
• Juliet Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, was born here in 1860.
• General Nathaniel Greene, who served brilliantly under George Washington in the Continental Army, is buried here.
• William Jay, world famous architect who designed the Owen-Thomas House
• Birthplace of author Flannery O'Connor
• Lowell Mason, famous hymn writer ("My Faith Looks Up to Thee" and "Nearer My God to Thee") was the organist at the Independent Presbyterian Church where
• Woodrow Wilson married Ellen Axon, granddaughter of the pastor of the church
• Burton Gwinnett -- signer of the Declaration of Independence -- who died in a bloody duel at the hands of General Lachlan McIntosh, Georgia's ranking officer in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. Both are buried in the Colonial Park Cemetery.
  

Metropolitan Savannah Hotel Market
Over 8,000 rooms in properties ranging from luxury to Historic Bed & Breakfast Inns are available in Savannah. 

Major Exhibit Facilities:
Savannah Civic Center - 2,600 seat auditorium; 25,000 square foot arena; 11,000 square foot meeting space. Savannah International Trade & convention center.

Transportation:
Savannah International Airport: The Savannah International Airport is located 16 miles from Downtown Savannah with daily flights to major U.S. destinations, non-stop service to major cities and convenient international connecting flights in several cities. The airport services 17 Georgia counties including Hilton Head, S.C. Complete passenger services, air cargo handling facilities,

The Savannah Foreign Trade Zone and extensive warehouse and office space are available within the perimeter. The airport is strategically located for business/ future business expansion and it is at the center of the transportation infrastructure that consists of one of the fastest growing container ports on the East coast.

Chatham Area Transit Public Transportation throughout Savannah & most of Chatham County . CAT Shuttle offers convenient service from Downtown hotels, inns, and the Visitor's Center to Savannah 's Historic District and other attractions.

Highways:

• I-95 is the major north/south interstate from New England to Miami and is located just 10 miles from Savannah 's Historic District.
• I-16 extends from the fringe of Savannah 's Historic District west to Macon where it intersects with North/South corridor, I-75.
• 18,000 miles of state highways in Georgia 107,000 miles of roads, streets & highways in Georgia

Economy:
The tourism industry in Savannah has exploded. Almost 5.8 million people visited here in 2002, and they spent $1.07 billion and supported more than 15,000 jobs while doing so. Tourism aside, Savannah 's economy is in good health and flexing its muscles. With the city's charm, aesthetics and historical significance as a foundation, the hospitality sector has blossomed since the mid-1990s due to Savannah 's growing tourism industry.

The services, health and manufacturing sectors are the forces that drive the economy by employing 50 percent of the citizens in the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which is made up of Chatham County and neighboring Effingham and Bryan counties. Other contributing sectors are government, retail and wholesale sales, transportation and utilities, and construction.

SAVANNAH MSA
Household Population 294,000
Total Households 112,000
Median Household Income $38,920
Source: Census 2003 Supplementary Survey

Education:
Savannah Public Schools

Academies (formerly Magnet)

Universities and Colleges
Armstrong Atlantic State University
Brewton-Parker College
Georgia Southern University
Georgia State University
Georgia Tech Savannah
Ogeechee Technical College
Savannah College of Art & Design
Savannah State University
Savannah Technical College
South College
Technical College of the Lowcountry
University of South Carolina at Beaufort