Rising Voices: Underrepresented History (by Walk With Me Savannah Tours)

When it comes to Savannah, most visitors arrive expecting charming squares, moss-draped oaks, and historic homes. But there’s an entirely different side to this city—a tapestry woven from stories of Black, queer, female, and Native residents whose contributions are often overlooked. That’s exactly what the Rising Voices: Underrepresented History tour offers. It’s a two-hour stroll that promises to shed light on some of Savannah’s untold tales, providing a fresh perspective on a well-trodden city.

What we really love about this tour is its ability to connect visitors with stories that aren’t typically found in guidebooks. The guide’s enthusiasm and profound knowledge turn ordinary streets into a living history book, full of characters who shaped Savannah in ways you might never have known. Plus, exploring on foot lets you get up close to the city’s hidden corners — often missed when zipping by in a trolley or car.

One possible consideration: since the tour involves walking for about 15 minutes at each stop, it’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable on their feet, and who are interested in stories that challenge the mainstream narratives. If you’re after a more conventional sightseeing tour, this might not be your best fit. But if you’re open to uncovering the city’s less-glamorous, more authentic side, then this tour is likely to resonate.

This experience is ideal for history buffs, social justice advocates, and anyone eager to see Savannah through a different lens. It’s a thoughtful, heartfelt journey that rewards curiosity with stories of resilience, activism, and overlooked contributions.

Key Points

• Focus on underrepresented voices: Black, queer, female, and Native residents’ stories shine through.
• Two-hour walking experience: An immersive way to see the city’s hidden history firsthand.
• Authentic local insights: Guides share stories not typically covered in guidebooks.
• Accessible and flexible: Multiple start times, mobile tickets; suitable for most travelers who can walk.
• Affordable value: At $40 per person, it offers deep insight without breaking the bank.
• Highly praised guides: Knowledgeable, passionate storytelling that brings history alive.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Rising Voices tour is designed for those who want more than just surface-level sightseeing. It takes you through several key sites, each with a story that broadens your understanding of what makes Savannah unique. Here’s a detailed look at each stop:

Franklin Square: Hidden Histories of Liberty and Resistance

Your journey begins in Franklin Square, a place where history and activism intersect. The guide will tell you about Haiti’s volunteer efforts during the American Revolution — a story seldom highlighted in traditional narratives. You’ll also learn about clandestine schools that operated secretly in Savannah, teaching Black students literacy at a time when education was outlawed for them. The First African Baptist Church, housing the nation’s oldest African Baptist congregation, is central to these stories. The church also played a role in the Underground Railroad, which adds a layer of bravery and resilience to its history.

Expect a concise but meaningful fifteen-minute exploration that sets the tone for the entire tour. You might find that the stories of resistance and clandestine education resonate deeply — a reminder that Savannah’s Black community has long fought for freedom and dignity against the odds.

City Market: From Oppression to Liberation

Next, you pass through Savannah’s bustling City Market, historically a hub of commerce that also carried the weight of darker histories. The building that was once a marketplace for human trafficking — slave trading — has since been transformed into a space of community and activism. The guide will point out Club One, the venue of LGBTQ icon Lady Chablis, and share stories about Savannah’s vibrant queer scene.

Many reviews praise Sargon’s storytelling here, noting his ability to weave in stories of resilience, like the Black community’s efforts to convert a former slave market into a freedman’s school after emancipation. One reviewer called this part of the tour “a walk through the city that shows its resilience and hope,” emphasizing how each building and street has layers of meaning.

Telfair Academy: Celebrating Women Who Made a Difference

Standing in front of the Telfair Academy, the tour shifts to gender history, highlighting Mary Telfair, a woman who challenged the expectations of her time. Her legacy includes initiating preservation efforts that helped save many of Savannah’s historic buildings. The guide will share how her influence paved the way for future generations of women committed to cultural preservation and social change.

You’ll find this stop offers a glimpse into the role women played in shaping Savannah, beyond the typical stories of male founders. It’s a reminder that women like Telfair helped build the city’s cultural foundation.

Wright Square: Native Voices and Their Legacy

Wright Square is a pivotal stop where the stories of Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief, and Coosaponakeesa (also known as Mary Musgrove), a Creek woman, take center stage. These Native figures were instrumental in the founding of Savannah alongside James Oglethorpe. Their stories often get overshadowed by colonial narratives, but this tour ensures their vital contributions are acknowledged.

Expect a 15-minute discussion that emphasizes their leadership and negotiation skills, shaping Savannah’s early history. Some recent discoveries suggest that Count Casimir Pulaski, commemorated with a monument here, was likely intersex, adding another layer of complexity to the city’s history.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace: Pioneering Women

Moving to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, you’ll learn about the woman who founded the Girl Scouts. The guide will also highlight her family’s unconventional members and discuss her hearing loss, showing how personal challenges can fuel social change. This short stop provides inspiring stories of women breaking barriers.

Chippewa Square and Civil Rights: Unsung Heroes

The tour briefly touches on the original site of the Savannah Catholic Church, established by the Haitian community, and the remarkable Susie King Taylor—a self-freed woman who served as a nurse and teacher during the Civil War. Her memoir and efforts to open a school for Black children are stories that often go unnoticed.

Madison Square: The Roots of Reparation

In front of the Green-Meldrim house, the narrative shifts to Field Order 15, an early proposal for reparations—negotiated by Black community leaders and led by Garrison Frazier. The guide will explain how these efforts, although thwarted, laid groundwork for future reparations discussions and show the power of Black leadership in shaping policies.

Monterey Square: LGBTQ and Revolutionary Heritage

Finally, at Monterey Square, you’ll discuss Jim Williams, known from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, but also a key figure in Savannah’s LGBTQ community and the city’s preservation movement. The tour concludes with a look at the monument of Count Casimir Pulaski, exploring recent findings that suggest he was intersex, adding a surprising twist to Savannah’s revolutionary history.

The Walking Experience: How It Works

The entire tour lasts about two hours and covers several sites, with each stop lasting around 10–15 minutes. The group size is limited to 20 travelers, ensuring plenty of space for questions and discussion. The tour starts at 901 W Saint Julian Street and ends at Monterey Square, making it easy to plan your day afterward.

The tour is well-suited for most travelers, including those with pets or service animals. You should be comfortable walking for about 15 minutes at a time, as there are no long bus rides involved. It’s a mobile ticket experience, which simplifies check-in and makes last-minute bookings straightforward—most people book about three weeks in advance.

In terms of value, at $40 per person, the tour offers deep insights into Savannah’s underrepresented stories. Many visitors comment on the quality of the storytelling, with reviews praising the guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm. One reviewer even called it “absolutely incredible,” highlighting how much they learned and appreciated the guide’s ability to pivot and answer questions.

Practical Considerations

If you’re planning to join, consider the weather—this is an outdoor tour, and the experience depends on good weather. If it rains, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, but you’ll be notified in advance and offered options. The walking pace is moderate, but not strenuous, making it accessible for most.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who crave authentic stories and hidden histories rather than just the usual sightseeing. History buffs, social justice advocates, and those interested in Native or LGBTQ histories will find much to appreciate here. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a meaningful way to explore Savannah beyond the typical tourist spots.

If you prefer guided tours that challenge the status quo and present fresh perspectives, this is a must-do. Conversely, if you’re seeking a more traditional or leisurely tour, you might find this on the intense side, given the walking involved and the focus on less familiar narratives.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, covering several stops with a walk of about 15 minutes at each.

What is the cost?
The tour costs $40 per person, which provides access to a knowledgeable guide and a deep dive into underrepresented stories.

Is the tour suitable for children or pets?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and well-behaved pets and service animals are allowed. Keep in mind the walking duration if you’re bringing children or pets.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since it’s a walking tour. Dress for the weather, and bring an umbrella if rain is forecast.

Can I book this tour last minute?
Most travelers book about 3 weeks in advance, but last-minute availability depends on demand. It’s worth checking ahead.

What if it rains?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the tour accessible?
While most of the tour involves walking, it might not be suitable for people who cannot walk or roll for 15 minutes without stopping.

Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself, comfortable shoes, and curiosity. The mobile ticket makes check-in simple, so no need for printed documents.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a rare glimpse into the stories that shaped Savannah but often stay in the shadows. The combination of passionate guides, thoughtfully curated stories, and engaging walking makes for a compelling experience. It’s a meaningful way to connect with the city’s diverse past and see it through a different, more inclusive lens.

For anyone who values authentic storytelling and wants to understand Savannah beyond the tourist brochures, the Rising Voices: Underrepresented History tour provides a thoughtful, eye-opening journey. It’s particularly well-suited for history lovers, social justice advocates, and those eager to explore the city’s less-known but equally important narratives.

Choose this tour if you’re looking for a respectful, insightful exploration that challenges the conventional tales of Savannah and enriches your visit with stories of resilience, activism, and overlooked heroes.