Columbia Square Savannah: Location, History & Visitor Guide

Close-up of the historic green fountain in Columbia Square, with water spraying from the ornate basin and the Kehoe House visible through the trees
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Let me be straight with you. Columbia Square Savannah doesn't always make the top of the tourist lists. But it should.

I've visited Savannah's squares more times than I can count. This one has a fountain, two landmark buildings, live oak canopies, and a history that goes back to 1799.

If you're here, you want real information. Not a list of vague tips.That's exactly what this blog gives you.

I'll cover the location, the key details, how to get there, nearby attractions, and the best time to visit.

Trust what's here. It comes from actual research and real visits.

Let's get into it.

Columbia Square Savannah at a Glance

The iconic Forsyth Park fountain surrounded by live oak trees with Spanish moss and lit gas lamps at dusk in Savannah, Georgia

Columbia Square Savannah is a historic public square in Savannah's famous landmark district.

It sits at the corner of Habersham and State Streets and is home to the Wormsloe Fountain.

The square is surrounded by notable buildings, including the Isaiah Davenport House and the Kehoe House.

It's shaded by live oak trees and offers a quiet green space in a walkable area. Free to visit and open year-round, it's an easy stop on any Savannah sightseeing plan.

Nearby parking and public transit make it simple to reach.

Where Is Columbia Square Savannah Located?

Historic green fountain in Columbia Square with Old Savannah Tours trolley passing by and Davenport House Museum visible in the background

Columbia Square sits in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, at the intersection of Habersham Street and State Street.

Exact Address of Columbia Square Savannah

The square is located at Habersham Street and State Street, Savannah, GA 31401. It doesn't have a formal street address since it's a public square.

But this intersection is the center point. Most GPS apps and maps apps will take you right to it. It's easy to spot once you're in the area.

Streets Surrounding the Square

Columbia Square is bordered by Habersham Street on the east and west sides and by State Street on the north and south. These are two well-traveled streets in the Historic District.

Walking along either one gives you a clear view of the square's layout, the fountain, and the buildings that line its perimeter. Traffic is usually calm here.

Location Within Savannah's Historic District

The square falls inside Savannah's protected Historic District, which is one of the largest in the country. It's a short walk from other well-known squares like Greene Square and Reynolds Square.

The area is part of the original city grid designed by James Oglethorpe in 1733. That planned layout is what makes Savannah so walkable today.

Basic Place Details About Columbia Square Savannah

White Victorian-style gazebo framed by large oak trees in Whitefield Square, Savannah Georgia

Here's a quick reference of key facts about the square.

Type of Attraction: Columbia Square is a public historic square. It's part of Savannah's original city plan and serves as a green gathering space open to everyone at no cost.

Year Established:The square was laid out in 1799 as part of Savannah's expanding city grid. It's one of the original squares in the city's historic plan and has been maintained as a public space ever since.

Size and Layout of the Square: The square covers roughly one acre of land. It follows the standard Savannah square format, with a central green area, a fountain in the middle, and pedestrian paths running through it in a simple grid pattern.

The Wormsloe Fountain: The fountain was installed in 1939 by the Colonial Dames of America. It's named after the nearby historic plantation estate.

Historic Buildings Around the Square: The Isaiah Davenport House and the Kehoe House are the two most notable buildings on the square. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and draw regular visitors throughout the year.

Live Oak Trees and Green Space: The square is shaded by large live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The green space underneath provides natural cooling and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a pleasant spot even on warm days in Savannah.

Accessibility Information:The square is fully accessible. Paved paths circle the square, and the terrain is flat and easy to move through. There are benches available for resting. Wheelchair users can access all main pathways without difficulty.

Visitor Amenities Nearby:Cafes, restaurants, and shops are within a one to two block radius on State Street and Habersham Street.

How to Get to Columbia Square Savannah

The Kehoe House, a red brick Renaissance Revival mansion and historic bed and breakfast, overlooking Columbia Square in Savannah's Historic District

Getting to Columbia Square is straightforward no matter how you're moving around Savannah.

On foot, it's an easy walk from most Historic District hotels, especially those near Bay Street or Ellis Square.

From City Market, it's roughly a ten-minute walk heading east on State Street. If you're driving, street parking is available on Habersham and surrounding blocks.

Though it fills up quickly on weekends. Paid lots are nearby on State Street.

Savannah's DOT bus system and the free Dot Shuttle both run routes close to the square, making public transit a solid option too.

Best Time to Visit Columbia Square Savannah

Brick pathways and green lawns of Columbia Square in Savannah, featuring the historic fountain surrounded by live oak trees and 19th-century homes

The best time to visit Columbia Square depends on what you're looking for, but most visitors enjoy it most in spring and fall.

March through May brings mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and some of the best natural light for photos.

The square looks especially good in the morning, when the light filters through the oak trees and the fountain catches the sun.

Fall, from September to November, is also pleasant and less crowded. Summer is hot and humid, but early mornings are manageable.

Winter is quiet and calm, with smaller crowds and a more relaxed pace through the Historic District.

Why Visit Columbia Square Savannah?

Tree-lined path with Spanish moss and historic lamp posts leading to the Forsyth Park fountain in Savannah, Georgia at golden hour

Columbia Square Savannah is worth a stop for more than just its looks. It sits in a part of the Historic District that still feels lived-in and real.

The Davenport House gives you actual history you can walk through, not just read about. The Kehoe House adds a layer of Savannah's more personal, residential past.

The square itself is peaceful, shaded, and free to visit. If you're already walking through the district, it adds almost no extra time to your route.

And if you're building a full day out, it fits naturally between other nearby stops without any backtracking.

Conclusion

I've been to Columbia Square Savannah a few times now, and it never feels like a tourist stop. It feels like a real piece of the city.

If you're heading to Savannah, add it to your list. Sit by the fountain. Check out the Davenport House. Take your time.

Have you visited before? Drop a comment and let me know what you thought. And if this post helped, share it with someone planning a Savannah trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Columbia Square Savannah known for?

It's known for the Wormsloe Fountain, the Isaiah Davenport House Museum, and being one of Savannah's original Historic District squares.

Is Columbia Square Savannah free to visit?

Yes, the square itself is free and open to the public at all times, though the Davenport House Museum charges a small entry fee.

Where exactly is Columbia Square in Savannah?

It's located at the intersection of Habersham Street and State Street in Savannah's Historic District.

Can you park near Columbia Square Savannah?

Yes, street parking is available on surrounding blocks, and paid parking lots are located nearby on State Street.

Is Columbia Square Savannah wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the square has flat, paved pathways that are easy to move through for visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids.

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