Memorial Day 2009 in Savannah

Looking to commemorate fallen war heroes this Memorial Day? Head to Savannah’s Historic District.

The famed downtown area hosts multiple Civil and Revolutionary War landmarks that are free and open to the public.  It’s also only 20 minutes by car to Fort Pulaski, a famous marker in the Civil War.

While there are many historical landmarks, here are some of our favorites:

-  The Siege of Savannah landmark. This tribute, just off of Martin Luther King Boulevard in the Historic District, is paid to the second bloodiest battle of the Revolutionary War.  The Siege occurred in 1779, when Franco-American forces attempted to retake Savannah from the British during the Revolutionary War. The siege failed, leaving Savannah in British control until 1782. The landmark  is open 24/7 with no admission fee.

Pulaski Square – This free downtown square commemorates Revolutionary War Hero Count Pulaski, who was the highest ranking foreign soldier to die during the American Revolution.  The square is located on Barnard Street between Harris and Charlton Streets, and was laid out in 1837.  One of the houses on the square used to belong to Francis Bartow, a Confederate hero.

Warren Square – This is another free downtown square. It’s named after General Joseph Warren, a Revolutionary War hero who died in the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. It is located at the corner of St. Julian and Habersham Streets.

Fort Pulaski – This fort, named after the war hero,  is about 15 minutes away by car from the Historic District. It became famous in the Civil War, when Union soldiers penetrated the fort with a rifled canon and mortar. The fort holds Memorial Day events on May 23 and May 24th, including Civil War cannon firings and soldier demonstrations. Admission is $3 for adults and free for children 15 and under.

Need a place to stay this Memorial Day?  The Heritage House and Gaston Street Getaways have discounted pricing.