Savannah, Georgia
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| Savannah, Georgia | |||
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| Location in Chatham County and the state of Georgia | |||
| Coordinates: | |||
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| Country | United States | ||
| State | Georgia | ||
| County | Chatham | ||
| Government | |||
| - Mayor | Otis S. Johnson | ||
| - City Manager | Michael M. Brown | ||
| Area | |||
| - City | 78.1 sq mi (202.3 km²) | ||
| - Land | 74.7 sq mi (193.6 km²) | ||
| - Water | 3.4 sq mi (8.7 km²) | ||
| Elevation | 20 ft (15 m) | ||
| Population (2000) | |||
| - City | 131,510 | ||
| - Density | 1,759.5/sq mi (679.4/km²) | ||
| - Metro | 293,000 | ||
| Time zone | EST (UTC−5) | ||
| - Summer (DST) | EDT (UTC−4) | ||
| Area code(s) | 912 | ||
| FIPS code | 13-69000GR2 | ||
| GNIS feature ID | 0322590GR3 | ||
| Website: Savannah, Georgia | |||
Savannah is a city located in the state of Georgia, United States. It is the largest city and the county seat of Chatham County.
Contents |
[edit] Location and geography
Savannah is located at (32.050706, -81.103762).GR1 According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 78.1 square miles (202.3 km²), of which, 74.7 square miles (193.6 km²) of it is land and 3.4 square miles (8.7 km²) of it (4.31%) is water. It is the primary port on the Savannah River and is located along the U.S. Intracoastal Waterway.
Because of its marshiness and flat topography, Savannah is prone to flooding. Four canals and pumping stations have been built to help reduce the effects: Fell Street Canal, Kayton Canal, Springfield Canal and the Casey Canal, with the first three draining north into the Savannah River.
[edit] Climate
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| Monthly normal and record high and low temperatures | ||||||||||||
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rec High °F | 84 | 86 | 91 | 95 | 100 | 104 | 105 | 104 | 98 | 97 | 89 | 83 |
| Norm High °F | 60.4 | 64.1 | 71 | 77.7 | 84.3 | 89.5 | 92.3 | 90.3 | 86 | 78.1 | 70.5 | 62.6 |
| Norm Low °F | 38 | 40.9 | 47.5 | 52.9 | 61.3 | 68.1 | 71.8 | 71.3 | 67.3 | 56.1 | 46.9 | 40.1 |
| Rec Low °F | 3 | 14 | 20 | 32 | 39 | 51 | 61 | 57 | 43 | 28 | 15 | 9 |
| Precip (in) | 3.95 | 2.92 | 3.64 | 3.32 | 3.61 | 5.49 | 6.04 | 7.2 | 5.08 | 3.12 | 2.4 | 2.81 |
| Source: USTravelWeather.com [1] | ||||||||||||
[edit] Population and demographics
The city's population was 128,500 in 2005, according to the most recent U.S. Census estimate.
The Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, has a population of 320,013 (2006 estimate), and includes three Georgia counties: Bryan, Chatham, and Effingham. Savannah's MSA is ranked third among Georgia cities. According to the Census Bureau, Savannah's Combined Statistical Area (CSA), which includes metropolitan Savannah and micropolitan Hinesville, has a population of 394,036.
As of the censusGR2 of 2000, there were 131,510 people, 51,375 households, and 31,390 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,759.5 people per square mile (679.4/km²). There were 57,437 housing units at an average density of 768.5/sq mi (296.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 57.08% African American, 38.86% White, 1.52% Asian, 0.23% Native American, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.93% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.23% of the population.
There were 51,375 households out of which 28.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.2% were married couples living together, 21.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.9% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.13.
In the city the population was spread out with 25.6% under the age of 18, 13.2% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 89.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.6 males.
[edit] Economy
The median income for a household in the city was $29,038, and the median income for a family was $36,410. Males had a median income of $28,545 versus $22,309 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,921. About 17.7% of families and 21.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.4% of those under age 18 and 15.1% of those age 65 or over.
Agriculture was the background of Savannah's economy in its first two centuries. Silk and indigo production, both in demand in England, were early export commodities; by 1767 almost a ton of silk per year was exported to England. [1]
The Savannah region's mild climate offered perfect conditions for growing cotton, which became the dominant commodity after the American Revolution. Its production (under the plantation system) helped the city's European immigrants to achieve wealth and prosperity.
The Port of Savannah was one of the most frequented in the United States and Savannah's inhabitants had the opportunity to consume some of the world's finest goods, imported by foreign merchants. Savannah's port has always been a mainstay of the city's economy. In the early years of U.S. history, goods produced in the New World had to pass through ports such as Savannah's before they could be shipped to England.
For years, Savannah was the home of Union Camp, which housed the world's largest paper mill. The plant is now owned by International Paper, and it remains one of Savannah's largest employers. Savannah is also home to the famous Gulfstream Aerospace company, maker of private jets, as well as various other large industrial interests.
In 2000, JCB, the third largest producer of construction equipment in the world and the leading manufacturer of backhoes and telescopic handlers, built its North American Headquarters in Savannah on I-95 near the airport.
[edit] Education
Savannah is home to most of the schools in the Chatham County public school system. The city is the home of four colleges and universities offering bachelor's, master's and professional doctorate degree programs: Armstrong Atlantic State University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah State University, and South University. Bachelor’s, Master’s and Ph.D. programs in engineering are also offered through Georgia Tech Savannah, the Savannah campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology. [2] Georgia Southern University maintains a satellite campus in the downtown area. Savannah Technical College, a public, 2-year institution of technical and adult education also operates in the city.
Other notable schools include:
- Benedictine Military School
- Calvary Day School
- Herschel V. Jenkins High School
- Savannah Christian Preparatory School
- Savannah Arts Academy
- The Savannah Country Day School
- Savannah High School
Oatland Island Education Center also a part of Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools,and the premier environmental education center in the southeast, serving thousands of students from school systems throughout the region. Located just east of Savannah on a marsh island, the Center features a 2-mile (3.2 km) "Native Animal Nature Trail" that winds through maritime forest, salt marsh, and freshwater wetlands. Along the way, visitors can observe native animals such as Florida panthers, Eastern timber wolves, alligators, and many more in their natural habitat.
[edit] Transportation
Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport is located west of Savannah off Interstate 95. Airlines serving this airport are Delta, Delta Connection, Northwest Airlink, Continental Express, United Express, US Airways, Airtran and American Eagle.
Amtrak operates a passenger terminal at Savannah for the Palmetto and Silver Service trains running between Boston, Massachusetts and Miami, Florida with three southbound and three northbound trains stopping at the station daily.
[edit] Interstates and major highways
Interstate 95 - Runs north-south just west of the city; provides access to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, and intersects with Interstate 16 which leads into the city's center.
Interstate 16 - Terminates in Downtown Savannah at Liberty and Montgomery Streets, and intersects with Interstate 95 and Interstate 516.
Interstate 516 - An urban perimeter highway connecting Southside Savannah, at DeRenne Avenue, with the industrialized port area of the city to the north; intersects with the Veterans Parkway and Interstate 16, as well. Also known as Lynes Parkway.
Harry S. Truman Parkway - Runs through the eastside of town, connecting the east end of Downtown with Southside Savannah. The road has been under construction since 1992, and is opening in phases with the latest phase opening in 2004. The highway will eventually complete a chain of highways that form a loop around the city that include Interstate 516, Veterans Parkway and the Truman Parkway.
Veterans Parkway - Links Interstate 516 and Southside/Midtown Savannah with South Savannah, and is intended to move traffic quicker from north-south by avoiding high-volume Abercorn Expressway. Also known as the Southwest Bypass.
Abercorn Expressway (S.R. 204) - An extension of Abercorn Street that begins at 37th Street (which is its northern point) and terminates at Rio Road and the Forest River at its southern point, and serves as the primary traffic and commercial artery linking downtown, midtown and southside sections of the city.
Islands Expressway - An extension of President Street to facilitate traffic moving between Downtown Savannah and the barrier islands, as well as the beaches of Tybee Island
Victory Drive (U.S. 80) - Runs east-west through Midtown Savannah and connects the city with the town of Thunderbolt, and the islands of Whitemarsh, Talahi, Wilmington and Tybee. Merges with the Islands Expressway and serves as the only means of reaching the beach by automobile.
[edit] History
Savannah was the first colonial and state capital of Georgia.[3]
[edit] Crime and consolidation
Savannah today is a city with a high rate of violent crime.[citation needed] The mayor, Otis Johnson, has held three open forums on the issue. Murder rates have increased by 50% since 2004 and other types of crime, such as theft, have seen similar spikes.[4]
In 2003, Savannah and Chatham County merged their city and county police departments. Although advertised as a way to cut costs and improve efficiency, the merger has cost more than expected and has not avoided a 100-officer shortage that the department is trying to fix.[citation needed]
While some see the police merger as a step toward city-county consolidation, Savannah is actually one of eight incorporated cities or towns in Chatham County. (The others are Bloomingdale, Garden City, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Thunderbolt, Tybee Island, and Vernonburg). Although these seven smaller localities would remain independent from a consolidated government, they have long opposed any efforts to adopt a city-county merger. One fear is that consolidation would reduce county funding to areas outside of Savannah. Efforts toward city-county consolidation are also opposed by some wealthier Chatham County communities, including The Landings on Skidaway Island, since these residents fear higher tax rates in a consolidated government. However, consolidation is favored by some city and county boosters, including Savannah's main newspaper, and merger plans have been presented to state legislators in the recent past. Should consolidation pass, Savannah would become Georgia's second-largest city, with a population of more than 205,000 (by state law, the almost 35,000 residents of the seven smaller incorporated towns remain independent; they are not included in a Savannah-Chatham consolidation plan).
[edit] Points of interest
Savannah's architecture and history are internationally known, as is its reputation for Southern charm and hospitality; for example, the city's former promotional name was "Hostess City of the South," a phrase still used by the city government. [5][6] Each year, Savannah attracts millions of visitors from across the country and around the world. [7] Savannah's downtown area is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States.[8]
The city's location offers visitors access to the coastal islands and the Savannah Riverfront, both popular tourist destinations. Tybee Island, formerly known as "Savannah Beach", is the site of the Tybee Island Light Station, the first lighthouse on the southern Atlantic coast. Other picturesque towns adjacent to Savannah include the shrimping village of Thunderbolt and two residential areas that began as summer resort communities for Savannahians: Beaulieu and Vernonburg.
The Savannah International Trade & Convention Center is located on Hutchinson Island, across from downtown Savannah and surrounded by the Savannah River. The Belles Ferry connects the island with the mainland, as does the Eugene Talmadge Memorial Bridge.
The Savannah Civic Center is located on Montgomery Street and is host to over 900 events each year, including the Memorial Health Hockey Classic.
[edit] Squares
Savannah's historic district has 24 squares. [9] The squares vary in size and personality, from the formal fountain and monuments of the largest, Johnson, to the playgrounds of the smallest, Crawford. Elbert, Ellis, and Liberty Squares are classified as the "lost squares," destroyed due to development in the 1950s. Elbert and Liberty Squares were paved over to make way for a realignment of US 17, while Ellis Square was demolished to build the City Market parking garage. Separate efforts are under way to revive each of the three lost squares. The city has recently razed the City Market parking garage in order to build a new parking facility underground, with a new park on the street level.[citation needed]
[edit] Historic sites
- Forsyth Park
- Riverfront Plaza and Factors' Walk—River Street's restored nineteenth-century cotton warehouses and passageways include shops, bars and restaurants
- City Market—Savannah's restored central market features antiques, souvenirs, small eateries, as well as two large outdoor plazas
- Historic homes—the Pink House, Sorrel Weed House, Juliette Gordon Low birthplace, Green-Meldrim House, Owens-Thomas House, Wormsloe plantation of Noble Jones, Mercer-Williams House, former home of Jim Williams, the main subject of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
- Historic cemeteries—Colonial Park Cemetery (an early graveyard dating back to the English colony of Georgia), Laurel Grove Cemetery (with the graves of many Confederate soldiers and African American slaves) and Bonaventure Cemetery (a former plantation and the final resting place for some illustrious Savannahians)
- Historic forts—Fort Jackson (near the historic district) and Fort Pulaski National Monument (17 miles east of Savannah via the Islands Expressway), both important in the American Civil War
- Savannah's Zoo - Oatland Island Wildlife Center, a facility owned and operated by the Board of Education, is a place to see animals that are or were found in this region.
- Savannah State University campus and Hill Hall—The Georgia Historical Commission and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have recognized both the Savannah State campus and Walter Bernard Hill Hall as a part of the Georgia Historical Marker Program. [10] Hill Hall, which was built in 1901, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981. [11]
- Telfair Museum of Art - the South’s first public art museum.
[edit] Historic churches and synagogue
Savannah is home to a number of historic houses of worship. The First Bryan Baptist Church is an African-American church that started in 1788.[citation needed] The original church building was built in 1793 on land that was owned by African-Americans (and still is as of 2005). In 1832 a split in the congregation occurred. The split produced the First African Baptist Church, Franklin Square; which was built in 1859 by its members, most of whom were slaves.
Other historic houses of worship in Savannah include: Trinity United Methodist Church(circa 1848), Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Temple Mickve Israel, and St. John's Church (Episcopal).
[edit] Shopping
- Abercorn Commons
- Historic Savannah
- Oglethorpe Mall
- Savannah Mall
- Abercorn Walk
[edit] Other attractions
- Bamboo Farm and Coastal Gardens
- Pinkie Masters Bar which has been the site of presidential visits and political aspiration. Pinkie Masters (a local political figure) was a friend of President Jimmy Carter, who made several visits to the bar and the city.
[edit] Sister cities
Savannah, Georgia has three sister cities, as designated by Sister Cities International:
| Image:Flag of Georgia.svg | Batumi (Ajaria, Georgia) |
| Image:Flag of Greece.svg | Patras (Akhaia, Greece) |
| Image:Flag of Burkina Faso.svg | Kaya (Burkina Faso) |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ Agriculture in Georgia: Overview. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
- ^ Georgia Tech - Savannah
- ^ Savannah, New Georgia Encyclopedia
- ^ Savannah Morning News on crime (requires login)
- ^ City of Savannah Home Page
- ^ About Savannah, City of Savannah
- ^ Savannah Convention and Visitors Bureau
- ^ Savannah, New Georgia Encyclopedia
- ^ Tour Savannah's Squares. Retrieved on 2007-11-16.
- ^ Georgia Historical Markers. University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government (2006). Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
- ^ National Register of Historic Places. Retrieved on 2007-05-04.
[edit] External links
- Official City Website
- Savannah Economic Development Authority
- Savannah Convention & Visitors Bureau
- Savannah Georgia Guide
- U.S. Census estimate
- Savannah travel guide from Wikitravel
- Savannah, Georgia is at coordinates Coordinates:
Municipalities and communities of Chatham County, Georgia | ||
|---|---|---|
| County seat: Savannah | ||
| Cities | Bloomingdale | Garden City | Pooler | Port Wentworth | Savannah | Tybee Island | |
| Towns | ||
| CDPs | ||
| Communities | ||
da:Savannah de:Savannah (Georgia) es:Savannah fr:Savannah (Géorgie) id:Savannah, Georgia it:Savannah (Georgia) nl:Savannah ja:サバンナ (ジョージア州) no:Savannah (Georgia) pl:Savannah (Georgia) pt:Savannah ro:Savannah, Georgia fi:Savannah sv:Savannah, Georgia vo:Savannah (Georgia) zh:沙瓦納
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