Franklin Square in Savannah, Georgia was laid out in 1790 on Water Tank Square, later renamed in honor of Benjamin Franklin who was the colonists' London agent from 1768 to 1775. Surrounded by other squares such as Washington, Lafayette, and Madison, the Franklin Square was part of Savannah's original 1733 plans around four open squares, built in anticipation of the expansion and growth of this magnificent city during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1851, Savannah consisted of 24-city squares with three demolished in the 20th century. With the first four consisting of Johnson, Wright, Ellis and Telfair, the Franklin Square was the eighth total square to be added in the 1790 group of Washington, Warren, Columbia, Greene, and Liberty.
Adjacent to the Savannah
City Market, Franklin Square is located on Montgomery Street between Congress and Bryan Streets. Tours are available on horse carriages to see an area rich in history, along with boat tours, ghost tours, walking tours, and self-guided scooter tours in addition to the old trolley which includes the squares,
City Market, Mercer House, and more!
Savannah
City Market is considered the absolute Heart & Soul of Savannah, hosting the annual Savannah Folk Music Society's "Folkfest" in its romantic courtyards. Offering art, dining, shopping and entertainment, the
City Market had its early beginnings in 1755, memories that are still reminiscent to this very day when touring Franklin Square. Another nearby attraction is the Mercer William House Museum, designed by New York architect John S. Norris for General Hugh W. Mercer, who was the great grandfather of Johnny Mercer. Constructed in 1860, the Civil War interrupted the building until 1868 when the building was completed by its new owner, John Wilder. Presently the home is one of the 50 top homes in Savannah and its Lowcountry area that has been restored and preserved for its historical purposes.
