Chatham County, GA

Georgia

An Empty Ferry Boat Moves on Schedule Crossing the River in Savannah Georgia
Downtown Savannah, Georgia, USA
In 1851, businesswoman Mary Marshall, noting that Savannah was woefully in need of visitor accommodations, built the four-story Marshall House Hotel. It served as a hospital for soldiers during the Civil War. It was also home to Joel Chandler Harris, author of the famous Uncle Remus stories. By 1956, the hotel had closed and the first floor was used for businesses. In 1999, $12 million was invested in its spectacular restoration. Mary Leaver Marshall, the original proprietor of The Marshall House, was the daughter of Gabriel Leaver, a French cabinetmaker with a shrewd vision for developing Savannah's land. The Hotel has its original staircases (some of the spindles and gingerbread have been recreated), original wood floors, fireplaces, brick walls, and the doors to each guest room are original as well. The Atrium was the courtyard and has been encased with a glass ceiling to give the sensation of what once was. The artifacts displayed on floors two and three were found during the renovation.
Fort Pulaski was constructed after the war of 1812 and because of the damage taken during the American civil war, was outmoded shortly thereafter.
A lighthouse on Tybee was one of the first public structures in Georgia. Completed in 1736 by William Blithman of cedar piles and brickwork, its 90 foot height made it the loftiest in America. Destroyed in a storm, it was replaced by another built by Thomas Sumner in 1742 which Oglethorpe called "much the best Building of that kind in America." It was almost entirely rebuilt in 1757 by Cornelius McCarty and James Weyms. In 1773 John Mulryne built the third lighthouse on a third site. The Mulryne lighthouse forms the base of the present structure, making part of it of Colonial construction. In 1791 Georgia ceded it with 5 acres to the Federal government. Partially destroyed by the Irish Jasper Greens of Savannah during Union occupation of the island, it was repaired and today is one of the famous lighthouses on the Eastern seaboard.

Popular cities in Chatham County

Savannah
Savannah
Known for Historical, Rivers and Tours
With its elegant antebellum mansions, Spanish moss-draped trees and leafy public squares, Savannah is one of the South’s best-looking cities.

Reasons to visit

  • River Street
  • Forsyth Park
  • Savannah Convention Center
Explore CityFind Hotels
Tybee Island showing a sandy beach, skyline and a sunset
Tybee Island
Known for Beaches, Islands and Sea
Tybee Island, also known as Savannah Beach, has a laid-back Southern charm and entices visitors with its beach life, fresh seafood and heritage sites.

Reasons to visit

  • Tybee Island Beach
  • North Beach
  • Tybee Island Fishing Pier and Pavilion
Explore CityFind Hotels
Pooler, Georgia water tower in city near Savannah with dark dawn blue sky at sunrise with golden yellow light landscape view with nobody
Pooler
Known for Dining, Excursions and Family-friendly
Pooler awaits: its museums, food, and more!

Reasons to visit

  • Tanger Outlets
Explore CityFind Hotels
Aerial view of a mostly empty container ship leaving the port of Savannah, Georgia, USA.
Port Wentworth
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Excursions
Experience the local cuisine, riverfront, and history in Port Wentworth!
Explore CityFind Hotels
Bright scenic view of green parkland with sun shining through Spanish moss in Savannah, Georgia
Garden City
Known for Friendly people, Historical and Dining
Experience the gardens, festivals, and local cuisine in Garden City!
Explore CityFind Hotels
Talmadge Memorial Bridge - Savannah, Georgia
Bloomingdale
Known for Festivals
Bloomingdale awaits: its festivals and more!
Explore CityFind Hotels