Tybee Vacation Information Center

Guided by lantern light and the desire for something better, slaves constructed their very own houses of worship beginning in the late 1700s. The very first of these congregations, recognized as the Ethiopian Church of Jesus Christ in Savannah, would later be known as Old Jerusalem. Four present-day Savannah congregations which started in slavery are still in existence today: First African Baptist, First Bryan Baptist, Second African Baptist and Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Churches.
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Savannah and the surrounding area are rich in African American history and sightseeing. In fact, we are one of the oldest and most historically significant African-American cities in the nation. Furthermore, about 58% of the current population of Savannah is African American, and Savannah was the place of many “firsts” for African Americans: the first nursing school, the first black police officer, the first order of black nuns, in the U.S., and the first black university in Georgia. And thanks to the efforts of civil rights leaders such as the Rev. Ralph Mark Gilbert, civil rights came about without violence in Savannah, unlike many other southern cities.

Savannah offers African Americans a variety of places and sights to visit and take pride in the history of a culture. In addition, Savannah offers anyone warm hospitality, cobblestone streets where century-old live oaks shade magnificent homes, winsome gardens and picturesque squares; first-class restuarants; family friendly venues; guided heritage tours; beach recreation; shopping and more. Feast on fresh seafood in restaurants overlooking the Savannah River or Atlantic Ocean, or enjoy an evening of jazz or blues at one of the many clubs in the famed City Market. We invite you to experience the soul of Savannah, where heritage is celebrated. Click on the subjects below for information about African American sights.

The Churches
Cultural Attractions
Laurel Grove South Cemetery
African Americans of Note in Savannah
Penn Center

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Savannah’s beauty extends beyond the living. She boasts three interesting and beautiful cemeteries that offer visitors a glimpse of her favorite sons and daughters, and the history surrounding them. All three are well worth a visit.

Colonial Park Cemetery is located in downtown Savannah at the intersection of Abercorn and Oglethorpe. It was founded in 1750 and closed for burials in 1853, then reopened as a park in 1896. Many famous Revolutionary War heroes are buried in Colonial Cemetery, including Button Gwinnett, a Georgia signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Georgia during the War. He died from injuries sustained in a duel.The Cemetery has some 10,000 bodies buried in it although only about 600 have markers. They include the 700 Yellow Fever victims of the great epidemic of 1820.

During the Civil War, Sherman’s troops were stationed in the Cemetery Continue Reading »

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