I've walked through a lot of Savannah's squares. But Wright Square Savannah always feels different.
It's one of the oldest squares in the city. It has real history, real monuments, and real stories attached to it.
If you're trying to find out what this square is, where it is, and what makes it worth visiting, you're in the right place.
In this blog, I'll cover the history, the monuments, the key buildings nearby, and the best time to go.No fluff. Just clear, useful information you can trust.
I've done the research.
Let's get into it.
What Is Wright Square Savannah?
Wright Square Savannah is one of the four original squares laid out in James Oglethorpe's 1733 city plan. That makes it one of the oldest public spaces in the entire city.
From the beginning, it served as a central gathering point for the community.
Over the centuries, it grew into a cultural landmark filled with monuments, historic buildings, and layers of colonial history.
Today, it sits in the heart of Savannah's Historic District and draws visitors who want to connect with the city's past. It's not just a square. It's a living piece of Savannah's story.
Where Is Wright Square Savannah Located?
Wright Square is located in Savannah's Historic District, at the intersection of Bull Street and State Street.
It's right in the middle of the downtown grid, which makes it one of the most accessible squares in the city.
On foot, it's a short walk from City Market, Ellis Square, and Chippewa Square. The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is just steps away.
The Chatham County Courthouse sits right on the square's edge. Sidewalks surround the square completely, and the flat terrain makes it easy to get around.
Most downtown hotels are within a ten-minute walk.
The History of Wright Square Savannah
Wright Square has carried more than one name and more than one purpose over the centuries.
From Percival Square to Wright Square
The square was originally called Percival Square, named after John Percival, the Earl of Egmont and a key supporter of the Georgia colony.
It was one of the first four squares established in Oglethorpe's original city layout.
Later, it was renamed Wright Square in honor of Sir James Wright, the last royal governor of Georgia before the American Revolution. That name has stayed ever since.
Wright Square's Role in Early Savannah
In the early years of Savannah, Wright Square served as a civic center of sorts. It was a place where residents gathered, decisions were made, and community life played out.
Oglethorpe designed his squares to be functional, not just decorative.
Wright Square followed that purpose closely throughout Savannah's early development and growth.
The Story of Tomochichi and Wright Square
One of the most important figures in Savannah's history is honored right here at Wright Square.Tomochichi was the chief of the Yamacraw people and one of the most important figures in early Georgia history.
He welcomed James Oglethorpe and the first English settlers when they arrived in 1733.
Without his cooperation and support, the founding of Savannah would have looked very different.
When Tomochichi died in 1739, Oglethorpe honored him with a burial in Wright Square, a significant act of respect. A large boulder now marks the spot as a memorial.
It stands as a quiet but powerful reminder of the relationship between the Yamacraw people and the early colonists who built Savannah.
The William Washington Gordon Monument
William Washington Gordon was a prominent Savannah businessman and one of the driving forces behind the Central of Georgia Railroad, the first railroad built in the state.
His work helped connect Savannah to the rest of Georgia and opened up major trade routes in the region. The monument honoring him stands at the center of Wright Square.
It's a tall granite column topped with a carved urn. The design is simple but striking.
Gordon is also the great-grandfather of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA, which adds another layer to his legacy in Savannah.
Notable Buildings Around Wright Square
The square is surrounded by some of Savannah's most historically significant buildings.
Tomochichi Federal Building
The Tomochichi Federal Building sits directly on Wright Square. It was named in honor of the Yamacraw chief to recognize his role in Savannah's founding.
The building is a large, classic federal-style structure that has served various government functions over the years.
Its placement on the square makes it one of the first things visitors notice when they arrive.
Chatham County Courthouse
The Chatham County Courthouse is another major building bordering Wright Square. It's an active courthouse that handles county legal matters.
The building's presence gives the square a civic weight that goes back to its original purpose as a community gathering point.
The architecture fits the historic character of the surrounding district.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Just off Wright Square sits the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, one of the most visited historic homes in Savannah.
Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912, and her childhood home is now a museum. It's open to the public and offers guided tours.
Given that her great-grandfather William Washington Gordon is honored by the monument in the square, the connection between the two sites is something worth noting.
Historic Architecture That Surrounds the Square
Beyond these main buildings, the streets around Wright Square are lined with well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
Brick facades, iron railings, and historic storefronts make the area feel like a step back in time.
The overall setting adds real context to everything you see in and around the square.
What Can Visitors See and Do at Wright Square Savannah?
Wright Square gives you a lot to take in, even if you only have an hour. Here's what you can do:
- Check out the William Washington Gordon Monument at the center of the square
- Visit the Tomochichi Memorial Boulder and learn about his role in Savannah's history
- Walk through the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace for a guided tour of her childhood home
- Look at the Tomochichi Federal Building and Chatham County Courthouse from the square
- Join a history or ghost tour that includes Wright Square as a stop
- Take photos under the live oak trees that shade the square throughout the day
- Sit on one of the benches and take your time reading about the history markers in the area
The square is free to visit. Most of the activity happens outdoors, so it works well as a self-guided stop.
Best Time to Visit Wright Square
The best time to visit Wright Square Savannah is in the morning between 8 and 10 AM. The light is soft, the crowds are thin, and the oak trees cast good shade.
Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons weather-wise, with March to May and September to November being the sweet spots.
Summer mornings are manageable, but afternoons get hot and humid fast. Evening visits are popular for ghost tours, which often include Wright Square as a key stop.
Winter is quiet and calm, making it a solid off-season option for visitors who prefer fewer crowds and a slower pace.
Conclusion
Wright Square Savannah stayed with me long after I left. It doesn't demand your attention. It just sits there, quiet and full of history.
If you're heading to Savannah, add it to your list. Walk around it. Read the markers. Spend a minute by the Gordon Monument.
Have you visited before? Drop a comment and tell me what stood out. And if this helped, share it with someone planning a Savannah trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wright Square Savannah known for?
It's known for the William Washington Gordon Monument, the Tomochichi Memorial Boulder, and being one of Savannah's four original squares from 1733.
Where is Wright Square located in Savannah?
It's at the corner of Bull Street and State Street in Savannah's Historic District.
Who is buried at Wright Square Savannah?
Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief, was buried here in 1739 and is honored with a memorial boulder on the square.
Is Wright Square Savannah free to visit?
Yes, it's a public square and free to visit any time.
What buildings are near Wright Square Savannah?
The Tomochichi Federal Building, Chatham County Courthouse, and Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace are all nearby.
