Johnson Square is one of the 22 squares of Savannah. Located in the northernmost row of the city's five rows of squares, it was the first of the squares to be laid out, in 1733, and remains the largest of the 22. We loved walking around the square as well as sitting around, watching people go by....there's plenty of street parking around....some free, some metered, some inside parking garages Johnson Square is east of Ellis Square, west of Reynolds Square and north of Wright Square. Situated on Bull Street and St. Julian Street, it is named for Robert Johnson, colonial governor of South Carolina and a friend of General James Oglethorpe. Interred under his monument in the square is Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene, the namesake of nearby Greene Square. Greene was a Rhode Island native who died in the South.....us being from RI, found this very interesting and eye opening. An obelisk in the center of the square serves as a memorial to General Greene. Johnson Square contains two fountains, as well as a sundial. read more

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Johnson Square was a nice place to visit while we were in town. We really like taking photos and looking around the sites and seeing everything that had to offer. read more

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Quintessential square in the good ol South. If you have ever read the book " midnight in the garden of good and evil" this will take you back to those pages. Tons of history here. Take a walking/Biking tour to visit many of these wonderful meeting places. read more

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Laid out in 1733, this is the oldest and largest of the squares designed by city founder General James Oglethorpe. It was the first of the Bull Street Squares. This square is named for Robert Johnson, the Royal Governor of South Carolina who helped the new colony of Georgia. The square held the public mill and oven. It also contained the earliest church, Christ Church which is still here but not in the original building. Lining the square was a tabernacle, courthouse, and public house but these buildings were destroyed by the Savannah fire of 1796. Several historic events happened in this square. Chekilli, Chief of the Creeks recited their origin story here. In 1735, Reverend John Wesley posted a notice in the a square of his intention to return to England. In 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read in the square. In 1819 a ball was held for President James Monroe. Today the square is surrounded by City Hall, Christ Episcopal Church which is Savannah's oldest congregation, and several banks. Johnson Square contains two fountains. The focal point of the square is a large monument to Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene. The square also contains a sundial in honor of Colonial William Bull of South Carolina who helped to design Savannah and assisted with Oglethorpe's grid pattern. In this square you will also find Savannah song writer Johnny Mercer's memorial bench. On the ghost tour I took, I learned that this is the only square that does not have Spanish moss in Savannah. It is said that in life Nathanael Greene hated Spanish moss because he believed that it caused Yellow Fever. Apparently he never got the memo that is spread by mosquito's and his ghost is said to keep the moss from growing in the his square. If you only have time to stop at one of the squares, move this one to the top of your list. read more

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I'd say Johnson Square is the most notable of the squares of Savannah. It's the oldest, it's the biggest and it's the busiest. It is also distinguish with a central monument in the form of an obelisk honoring General Nathanial Greene of the Revolutionary War with its corner stone hand set in place by French aristocrat and military leader Marquis de Lafayette. It also has the Johnny Mercer bench which was dedicated to him as a song writer and native of Savannah. Then there is a huge sundial dating back to 1933. Unfortunately, try as I might, I couldn't read the time due to the shade from the trees. Then on the east and west sides of the square are fountains which really makes Johnson Square outstanding. read more

Johnson Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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Beautiful square. I was obviously too excited, I forgot to check into all the other squares but I would say this one is most notable and definitely more picturesque. All the squares are in walkable distance from one another. We got through most of them in 30 minutes. Savannah is beautiful and historic. I recommend visiting it if you're every in the area and taking a stroll through a couple of the squares. read more

Johnson Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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Beautiful square! Lots of history, beautiful fountain, beautiful trees, & an old sundial. This should be a stop through for sure! You can't miss it. Many tours start or end here. It's also by Jens and Friends martini bar. read more

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The busiest and most popular of the squares of Savannah. Exactly how many squares are there in Savannah? 24... and not only is this one the busiest, it's the largest. It was named for Robert Johnson, colonial governor of South Carolina and a friend of General Oglethorpe. Most of Savannah's squares are named in honor or in memory of a person, persons or historical event, and many contain monuments, markers, memorials, statues, plaques, and other tributes. Johnson Square seemed to be mainly dedicated to Nathaniel Greene, whose monument is beautifully placed. SO why is it named Johnson Square instead of Greene Square? That I don't quite know, I ask that question myself. Most of the walking city tours start and meet up here. And although I'm not a big history buff, I would recommend stopping by here if you are... or even if you're not. read more

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Surrounded by some of the most magnificent buildings downtown - including City Hall and the Christ Episcopal Church to name a few- is Johnson Square, the oldest and largest square in Savannah. It was laid out in 1733 and named after Robert Johnson because of his help growing the colony. Not only was this the largest square downtown, but it was also one of the central hubs for social activities for decades. Significant events that have occurred at this square include: Chekilli, the head Chief of the Creek Nation, reciting of the origin myth of the Creeks, Reverend John Wesley posting a public notice revealing his plans to return to England, a reading of The Declaration of Independence in 1776 and a ball for President James Monroe in 1819. Johnson Square has two fountains and a 50-foot marble monument to honor General Nathanael Greene, a hero during the American Revolution. read more

Beautiful spot. A must see if you visit Savannah. Nathaniel Greene, one of the heroes of the American Revolution is buried under the obelisk. Lots of history to learn and lots of "green space" to see. read more

Johnson Square - Johnson Square. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

Another lovely park in Savannah. This one is near The Olde Pink House and has a big fountain in it.

This is a beautiful square of many in downtown Savannah. The city does a great job preserving their landmarks and Johnson Square has a great vibe. Surreal place to stroll through the walk ways under the giant southern oaks and take in the energy of its history....the good and the bad. :/ read more

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Walking around to as many squares as I could was fun. Especially at night! I love the ambiance and vulnerability of seeing monuments and statues at night. There are never too many people around so you can reflect on the historical info without too many people in the way. read more

Johnson Square - Walking at night is lovely.There are over 20 squares to see in Savannah. See how many you can visit just casually strolling around the city! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

Johnson Square's claim to fame is being the oldest and largest square in Savannah, and it was a great first-square stop for us on a recently walking tour. The square was named after Governor Robert Johnson, who was the Governor of what is now South Carolina and is surrounded by what some claim to be the most magnificent buildings of downtown, including City Hall, the Christ Episcopal Church and several large banks. There's something interesting here for everyone, whether it's the white marble bench that pays tribute to Johnny Mercer, Savannah's popular and successful songwriter, the tall white obelisk memorializing the Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene or the haunting tale of Little Gracie, who might be seen running through the square on late, erie nights. Your eyes might be led to the beautiful fountain or sundial that inhabit the park, or they might wonder at the lack of Spanish moss hanging from the trees, a sure sign of hauntedness according to the locals. Either way, this is a great start to any tour of Savannah! read more

Johnson Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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Another awesome Square in Savannah. This was one of the first of Savannah's squares and remains the largest of the twenty four. It was named for Robert Johnson, colonial governor of South Carolina and a friend of General Oglethorpe.Interred in the square is Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene, the namesake of nearby Greene Square. Greene died in 1786 and was buried in Savannah's Colonial Park Cemetery. His son, George Washington Greene, was buried beside him after drowning in the Savannah River in 1793. Following vandalism of the cemetery by occupying Union forces during the Civil War the location of Greene's burial was lost. After the remains were re-identified Greene and his son were moved to Johnson Square. An obelisk in the center of the square now serves as a memorial to Gen. Greene. The cornerstone of the monument was laid by the marquis de La Fayette in 1825. At that time the obelisk did not yet commemorate any specific individual or event. In fact, due to financial restrictions the unmarked obelisk served for several years as a joint monument to both Greene and Casimir Pulaski. Inscriptions honoring Greene were added in 1886, but the Greenes' physical remains did not arrive until 1901, following their "rediscovery." Johnson Square contains two fountains, as well as a sundial dedicated to Colonel William Bull, the namesake of Savannah's Bull Street. Bull was a South Carolinian who assisted Oglethorpe with the establishment of Savannah and, as a surveyor, laid out the original street grid. The sundial has four panels, one on each side of its square granite base. The dial itself is bronze, set atop a marble shaft. One of the base panels reproduces a 1734 map of Savannah. Johnson Square is located on Bull, between Bryan and Congress Streets. read more

Love all of the squares in savannah! This was the first square we visited on our trip. A nice size with beautiful trees and fountains! A must visit! read more

Johnson Square - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

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Johnson Square Park is a must see on your visit to Savannah! There is so much history not just in this park but in the surrounding blocks and streets. Many walking tours use this park as a starting point and much time is spend on the historic Oglethorpe and Nathaniel Greene. You're able to see the City Hall from the park and take pictures from a great vantage point. The park seems well maintained and the oak trees are well maintained. My only recommendation here is for the city to really stay on top of aggressive panhandlers which can detract from the value provided by local vendors and performers. read more

One of the nicer squares in Savannah, leafy and large with excellent views of the surrounding streets. Interesting revolutionary war history can be found on the plaques in the square as well. read more

Johnson Square, also knows as Banker's square, is one of Savannah's most popular and heavily trafficked squares. Dotted with banks, local businesses and old oak trees, Savannahians and tourists mix throughou the day. read more