In 1966, Savannah's Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark by the US Interior Department. In awarding Savannah the prestigious status, the Department stated the Savannah's Historic District "retains much of James Oglethorpe's original city plan from 1733 of open-space squares surrounded by the rhythmic placement of streets and buildings. This plan was followed well into the 19th century and the district includes many buildings of architectural merit from that century."
Savannah's original city plan, envisioned by Oglethorpe, stands today with a grid of more than twenty city squares throughout the Historic District. Oglethorpe envisioned the squares to serve as a meeting place for town residents and more than 250 years later, it still is. Of course, those squares are now surrounded by, in most cases, beautiful buildings that date back to an earlier time.
Savannah's preserved architecture is a living legacy to James Edward Oglethorpe and our National Historic Landmark District is a testament to his 1733 vision.