Behind the Plaques – 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour in Savannah

Exploring Savannah’s Past: Behind the Plaques – 2 Hour Historical Walking Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Savannah, a city famous for its beautifully preserved squares and haunting stories, then the Behind the Plaques tour is a fantastic way to get acquainted with its history. This guided walk takes roughly two hours, covering some of the most iconic locations in the historic district, all while sharing fascinating stories about battles, notable figures, and ghostly legends.

One of the things we love about this tour is how it balances educational content with engaging storytelling. The guides seem to know their stuff — and they’re happy to answer questions, making it a very interactive experience. A potential consideration is that the tour involves a good amount of walking, so it’s best suited for those with moderate fitness levels who enjoy exploring on foot.

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, first-time visitors wanting a rundown, or anyone curious about Savannah’s mysterious side. Whether you’re solo, traveling with friends, or in a small group, this experience offers meaningful insights without overwhelming you with overly commercialized content.

Key Points

• Authentic Stories: Guides share inside information and tales that you won’t find in guidebooks.
• Focus on Landmarks: The tour covers historic squares, cemeteries, and significant city features.
• Haunted Legends: Includes stories about haunted cemeteries, houses, and parks, appealing to ghost lovers.
• Great for Orientation: Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a broad understanding of Savannah’s history.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 10 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.
• Value for Money: At $35, it offers a well-rounded tour compared to other options in the city.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The Behind the Plaques tour is thoughtfully designed to walk you through Savannah’s most significant squares and landmarks. Starting at Chippewa Square, the journey immediately immerses you in the city’s military past, with a focus on the Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812. Here, you’ll see the famous Forest Gump bench (the original location), which is often a fun photo opportunity, but more importantly, a gateway to stories about Savannah’s film history and local culture.

Wright Square follows, where guides highlight James Wright, the last Royal Governor, and share tales of Tomo-Chi-Chi, a Yamacraw chief and Oglethorpe’s friend. The stories range from the political to the personal, especially with the fascinating details about the original cemetery inside the court house, a glimpse into Savannah’s layered past.

Next, at Oglethorpe Square, the focus shifts to the city’s founder, James Oglethorpe, and his vision for Georgia. Although this square is more tranquil, it’s rich with history, giving travelers a sense of the city’s colonial roots.

The tour continues through Columbia Square, where the first Savannah city gate and the Davenport House are located. You’ll also pass the Wormsloe Fountain and the Historical Society House, each with stories about Savannah’s development and architecture.

A highlight for many is Colonial Park Cemetery. Here, you’ll encounter graves of Revolutionary War heroes, yellow fever victims, and notable figures like a signer of the Declaration of Independence. The stories of these buried souls are sometimes intertwined with ghostly legends, which adds a mysterious layer to the walk.

Moving on to Lafayette Square, named after the French hero of the American Revolution, the tour touches on Mary Musgrove, a vital translator for Oglethorpe, and visits the childhood home of Flannery O’Connor, adding literary flavor to the historical mix.

Madison Square wraps up the journey, with its monument honoring Sergeant William Jasper, a Revolutionary War hero. The square is also home to historic buildings like the Green-Meldrim House and the Sorrel-Weed House, further showcasing Savannah’s architectural grandeur.

What to Expect at Each Stop

Throughout the tour, you’ll see a mix of public parks, historic homes, cemeteries, and landmarks—each with stories that connect to Savannah’s past. Expect to hear tales of battles, notable figures, and ghostly legends, which add depth and intrigue to each site. Guides seem particularly skilled at weaving these stories seamlessly, making each stop feel like part of a larger narrative.

The duration at each stop varies, but the total walking time amounts to about two hours, covering roughly two miles. Reviewers mention that the guides are very knowledgeable, often sharing inside stories and answering questions with enthusiasm. For example, one reviewer appreciated how their guide, Bob, made the haunted stories and history come alive, creating a personable and memorable experience.

Group Size and Interaction

With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate vibe. You won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the guide can tailor their storytelling based on your interests. Many reviewers praised the guides’ depth of knowledge and friendly demeanor, which made the experience feel personalized. People especially enjoyed the ability to ask questions about Savannah’s haunted legends or architectural details during the walk.

Practical Details and Value

The tour is priced at $35 per person, which we find to be quite reasonable given the quality of storytelling, the small group size, and the historical breadth covered. The price includes the tour itself and GST, but note that parking fees are not included, so plan accordingly.

It’s recommended to book about 15 days in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, and to arrive prepared for weather conditions—it’s not advised in very hot summers if you’re sensitive to humidity, as the walk involves a lot of outdoor exposure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Savannah’s history, as well as those interested in haunted tales and ghost stories. History buffs will appreciate the depth of information, especially given the guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge. It’s also a good choice for travelers who prefer a small, intimate tour with a personal touch.

If you’re a person who enjoys walking tours that blend history and storytelling without being overly commercialized, this is a solid pick. However, if you have difficulty walking two miles or are visiting in the extreme heat, you might want to consider the best time of day or alternative options.

Final Thoughts

The Behind the Plaques tour offers a well-rounded, engaging glimpse into Savannah’s past, blending landmarks, historical narratives, and ghostly legends into a compact two-hour journey. With knowledgeable guides, a small group setting, and a price that reflects the quality of the experience, it’s a fantastic way to orient yourself in the city.

Travelers who love stories—whether about battles, notable figures, or haunted cemeteries—will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s especially suited for those who prefer an interactive, personal experience that goes beyond just looking at pretty squares.

All in all, this tour delivers strong value and authentic insights, making it a must-do for history lovers and curious explorers alike.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, as it involves walking approximately two miles over the course of two hours, so a moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Reviewers consistently mention guides like Bob and others as very personable and well-informed, sharing inside stories and answering questions enthusiastically.

Can I see haunted sites on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes stories of alleged haunted cemeteries, houses, and parks, adding a spooky element for those interested in ghost stories.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee of $35 covers the guided walk and GST. Parking fees are not included, so plan to find parking nearby.

How far in advance should I book?
It’s recommended to book about 15 days ahead, especially during busy seasons, to secure your spot in this small group experience.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While suitable for most ages, the walking and historical content are best appreciated by those comfortable with moderate physical activity and outdoor walking.

By choosing this tour, you’ll gain a genuine sense of Savannah’s character—its history, legends, and vibrant stories—all told by guides who are passionate about sharing their city’s secrets.