Savannah: Civil War Walking Tour with Historic Squares

Summary

Savannah’s tangled Civil War past comes alive as you walk its shaded squares, hear untold stories from locals, and see where history left its marks

You’ll walk Savannah’s historic streets with a local guide who brings Civil War stories to life—from Reynolds Square to Colonial Park Cemetery and Factors Walk. Feel the weight of history beneath live oaks, see where Sherman stayed, and hear tales of secession and survival woven into every corner. This isn’t just facts—it’s memory you can almost touch.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment—standing under the live oaks in Reynolds Square—when our guide, John (who grew up here), just stopped talking for a second. The air felt heavy, like it was pressing down with all that history. I could smell the faint sweetness of magnolia and something earthy from the brickwork after last night’s rain. He pointed out a faded plaque I’d probably have missed, then started telling us about the first secessionist rally that happened right there. It’s strange how you can feel echoes of old arguments in a place if you stand still long enough.

We wandered through Colonial Park Cemetery next. The sun kept shifting behind clouds—one minute everything looked washed out and quiet, then suddenly golden again. John told us about Sherman's March to the Sea and how some of these gravestones had been moved or marked by Union soldiers. I touched one stone (I know you’re not supposed to) and it was cool and rough under my hand. There was this couple nearby arguing softly about directions; it made me smile because even in a place so loaded with memory, life just keeps happening.

Walking down Factors Walk, you can almost hear old footsteps on the cobbles if you let your mind wander. John talked about Special Order #15 and how General Howard tried to answer impossible questions after the war ended—reconstruction or retribution, he said, but I kept thinking about how complicated people are. We passed Sherman's old headquarters; it looks ordinary now except for the stories layered over it. Someone asked if Robert E. Lee really visited as often as folks say—John just grinned and said “More than once, less than legend.” That stuck with me.

I didn’t expect to leave feeling both heavier and more curious. Savannah’s Civil War history isn’t just facts—it’s voices, decisions, regrets still hanging in the humid air. I keep thinking about that quiet pause under the trees at the start—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Savannah Civil War history walking tour

• Meet guide at Reynolds Square
• Walk through Antebellum historic district
• Learn about Savannah's secession reasons
• Explore Sherman's March to the Sea
• Discuss Special Order No. 15
• Visit Sherman's headquarters
• See Robert E. Lee's Savannah locations
• Learn roles of Generals Geary and Howard
• Walk through Savannah's historic squares
• Discuss Reconstruction versus Retribution

Top questions

How long is the Savannah Civil War walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours through Savannah’s historic district.

Where does the Civil War walking tour start?

The tour begins at Reynolds Square in downtown Savannah.

Is this walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible throughout the tour route.

What will I see on this Savannah Civil War history tour?

You’ll visit places like Factors Walk, Colonial Park Cemetery, several historic squares, Sherman's headquarters site, and more.

Are infants or small children allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join in a pram or stroller.

Does this tour include a professional guide?

Yes, your experience includes a professional local guide knowledgeable about Savannah's Civil War history.

Are service animals permitted on this walking tour?

Service animals are allowed during the entire experience.

Is public transportation available near the meeting point?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near Reynolds Square.

What’s included

Your guided day includes all taxes and fees plus two hours exploring Savannah’s Civil War history on foot—with stops at Colonial Park Cemetery, Factors Walk, several storied squares, and Sherman's headquarters—all brought to life by your professional local guide before finishing back downtown.