Beautiful and rich in history! A beautiful place to rest along your stroll exploring the squares in Savannah!

Monterey Square, a shaded alcove that welcomes visitors to pause and view the towering monument pays homage to General Casimir Pulaski....located away from the historic district, closer to Forsyth Park. At the southeast corner, the Mercer-Williams House opens its doors daily to guests for tours. The story of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil revolves around this house. John Norris designed the house, erected in 1871. There is also the Comer Jefferson House by the square. Former president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, temporary resided here. He came to visit with his daughter to celebrate the centennial of the Chatham Artillery. So this part of Savannah has a lot of offer for those who are willing to explore this part of the city... read more

See all

Most well known of the 22 squares in Savannah Monterey Square is said to be one of Savannah's most beautiful squares and is only two blocks north from Forsyth Park. The surrounding historic buildings and landmarks were certainly pretty! We did not get off the trolley tour on Monterey Square (which now I wished we did) but our tour guide noted the landmark buildings surrounding this Ward particularly the monument of Casimir Pulaski. He is a Polish soldier and a Revolutionary War general who contributed to the Independence of the United States. When our tour guide asked us if we lived in a state with a town or a county named Pulaski... I googled the question for California and we have none. Apparently his birthday is celebrated as a legal holiday in Illinois. Sights and landmarks around Monterey Square: * Congregation Mickve Israel Synagogue - located on the eastern side of Monterey Square, this was constructed in the late 1870s. It's one of America's oldest Jewish congregations. * The Comer House - located in the heart of historic old Savannah on the northeast corner of Bull and Taylor Streets * The Mercer-Williams House - one of Savannah's most famous historic houses located west of Monterey Square. It is also a location setting of the movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" * The Armstrong Mansion - located across from Forsyth Park. It is in Monterey Ward * Candler Oak Tree - one of the oldest living landmarks in the area growing since the 1700s. It is located adjacent Forsyth Park Review #1856 read more

See all

Monterey Square was laid out in 1847 in honor of the Battle of Monterey during the Mexican American War. Monterey Mexico was captured by the United States Army by General Zachary Taylor on May 24, on 1846. Taylor became the 12th President of the United States when he was elected in 1849. The 55 foot marble obelisk monument in the center of the square is in honor of Polish Revolutionary War hero General Casimir Pulaski. Pulaski was a nobleman from Warsaw Poland. At the request of Benjamin Franklin he emigrated to the colonies to aid in the revolution. While fighting with the Continental Army he was credited with saving George Washington's life. He fought during the Seige of Savannah about a half mile northwest of the square when the Continental Army tried to take control of Savannah from the British on October 9, 1779. They were unsuccessful and Pulaski was mortally wounded at the age of 34 while charging into enemy fire in an attempt to disrupt the British line. 800 other soldiers who were killed or injured. He was one of only seven people in history to be granted honorary U.S. citizenship. Pulaski's monument was designed by Russian artist Robert Eberhard Launitz. He chose Monterey Square for the monument because of the scale of the surrounding buildings. The cornerstone for the monument was laid on October 11, 1853. It cost $17,000 to construct the monument and it was dedicated on January 9, 1855. Some controversy surrounds whether or not it is actually Pulaski buried in the grave at the base of the monument. The confusion stems from the fact that Pulaski did not die on the battlefield. He had the grapeshot seed removed from his leg by a doctor from South Carolina. He is believed that he died on a ship and had a burial at sea while other people believe he died at Greenwich Plantation and was buried there. Seventy-five years after Pulaski' death, the body at Greenwich Plantation was dug up and examined by doctors who determined it looked to be the right height and age to be Pulaski so the body was placed in a metallic case underneath the monument in 1854. Several famous buildings surround Monterey Square. The Mickve Israel Temple is home to one of the oldest practicing Reform Judaism congregations in the U.S. They came to Georgia on July 11, 1733, five months after it became a colony. This Gothic synagogue was built in 1878. On the south east corner of the square is the Mercer-Williams home. The home was designed by John S. Norris for General Hugh Mercer. Construction was started in 1860 but it was interrupted by the Civil War. The house was completed in 1868 but it was vacant when respected antiques dealer Jim Williams bought it in 1969 and restored it to it's full glory. The house was made famous by the novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil which told the story of how prostitute Danny Hansford was shot and killed in the house in 1981 by Jim Williams. There was also a 1997 film based on the book. Located near the square is the Comer Jefferson House where Confederate President Jefferson Davis resided when he visited Savannah with his daughter to celebrate the centennial of the Chatham Artillery. The monument in this square and the surrounding buildings make this square a must see when you visit Savannah. read more

See all

We stumbled upon this beautiful square while wandering through the city of Savannah. I had never been to Savannah before (other than staying at a nearby hotel off I-95) but this square is exactly what I envisioned this city would be like. Elegant historic homes surround this small park. A monument honoring the 1846 Battle of Monterey is also situated here. This square oozes southern charm. There were beautiful colored flowers blooming, touches of Spanish moss and some park benches. The Mercer House is also conveniently located right across the street from Monterey Square. If you have time while in Savannah, I recommend stopping by for a few minutes. It's very romantic too! read more

See all

This place has the Pulaski monument, dedicated to a Polish nobleman. It's surrounded by trees and paths, looked after perfectly. Located just north of Forsyth Park. read more

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

Amazing amount of history right here! And great food and drink/coffee close by. Casimir Pulaski was mortally wounded here in Savannah. The remains of Pulaski are said to be buried at the base of the monument. They have exhumed the body and similar height/bone density as Pulaski's, but found bones of a female and there is speculation that Casmir, who came to America to fight for freedom, was actually a female who disguised herself as a male. Mickve Israel is the oldest Jewish congregation in the state and the only synagogue built in a gothic crucifix form. Per history, The woman who deeded the land to the synagogue insisted on this crucifix form. Life and it's lemons! Also, according to history, Savannah didn't want the Jewish faith here during those times but they didn't have a doctor and relented since the Jewish refugees had a doctor. Lemons I tell ya'. The synagogue has many historical religious and medical artifacts in it's museum including a circumcision device. Rabbi is very friendly and has a great sense of humor. The Jewish Food Fest, Shalom Y'all, is held here in the square. The Comer House invited Jefferson Davis and daughter Winnie Davis, "daughter of the Confederacy" to dinner in 1886. I always thought odd since that was 20 years after the civil war. read more

See all

Monterey Square's name pays homage to the American Victory in the Mexican - American War of 1846. This Square was laid out in 1847. Monterey Square is one of the twenty two (22) squares of twenty four (24) designed by English visionary, General James Oglethorpe. Interestingly, this square, as well as others along Bull Street, are the home of memorials and monuments honoring American Revolutionary War heroes. Highlights of Monterey Square: *The focal point of Monterey Square is the Pulaski Monument. It is placed here in honor of American Revolution War hero Casimir Pulaski, Polish nobleman, and was dedicated in 1855. * R.E. Launitz sculpted the monument from Italian marble. *The bas-relief depicts the Revolutionary hero mortally wounded on October 9, 1779. *According to sculptor Robert E. Launitz, "...the eagle, emblem of liberty, independence, and courage, rest on both shields, bidding proud defiance - the eagle being the symbolic bird of both Poland and America." *Lady Liberty stands atop of the monument. *Remains of Pulaski are said to be buried at the base of the monument. Some historians believe he was buried at sea. The mystery remains. * The oldest synagogue in the state, founded 1733, stands on the SE corner of Monterey Square. It is the third oldest congregation in the United States. * The Comer House, on the NE corner, was host to Jefferson Davis in 1886. See historical marker. * In 1860 construction began on the Mercer-Williams House, on the SW corner, by confederate General Hugh Mercer. Construction was halted during the Civil War. General Mercer lost his fortune during the war, was unable to complete construction, and sold the property. Therefore, he never lived in the house for which he is the namesake. *The Mercer-Williams house is well known for its last occupant, the late Jim Williams, and the murder that took place here as featured in the book and movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The movie was filmed at this location. read more

See all

Its beautiful here at Monterey Square. I stepped out of my office to feed the meter and could not resist stepping into the square and taking a seat for just a moment. Tip:Its nicely shaded on the east facing side. Its direct sunlight in the center. I sit in this square often and there's always people walking around or taking photos but its never overly crowded. read more

Monterey Square - Purple and pink hydrangeas in full bloom - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Savannah, Georgia

See all

Monterey Square is named after the Battle of Monterrey. Note the spelling difference. I like to think of that as subtly representing the linguistic differences of the belligerents in the Mexican-American War, but more likely someone is 19th Century middle management screwed it up. It's a beautiful square though. It's not as old as some of the city's other squares, but it has managed to retain all but one of its original buildings. That leaves the space dripping with old southern charm. read more

This is my most favorite square. Homes are original ( except one). Not so commercial - relaxed . So many interesting stories to know about it's environs! read more

This is a cute square and right next to the Mercer Williams House from the book Garden of Good and Evil.

Another favorite Savannah Square of mine. Great place to relax and read a book. Monterey Square is located on Bull, between Taylor and Gordon Streets. read more