Some of the most recognizable buildings in Savannah are situated around Lafayette Square.

The twin steeples of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist can be seen throughout downtown Savannah. Situated on the corner of Abercorn and Harris, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Georgia. However, the cathedral as it stands today is not the original structure. The original cathedral was destroyed in a fire in 1898 and was entirely rebuilt and restored within a year.

The Hamilton-Turner House, now the Hamilton-Turner Inn, was the home of businessman Samuel Pugh Hamilton in the late 1870s and became the first home in Savannah to get electricity in 1883. Located at 330 Abercorn Street, the property is now a historic bed and breakfast.

The Andrew Low House, located on the corner of Charlton Street and Abercorn Street, was the home to early Savannah residents Andrew Low and Juliette Gordon Low. Following her husband’s death, Mrs. Low founded the Girl Scouts of America, and left the carriage house to the Girl Scouts upon her passing. Now owned by the Society of Colonial Dames, the Andrew Low House serves as a Girl Scouts museum.

Orleans Square, founded in 1815, was established to honor the victory of General Andrew Jackson at the War of 1812’s Battle of New Orleans,

This historic square contains the German Memorial Fountain, a gorgeous feature that pays tribute to the early German immigrants that supported and contributed to the establishment of the Georgia colony. 

The architecture of the homes surrounding Orleans Square is reminiscent of the style found in New England. According to local historians, many of the early residents of Savannah migrated from New England and brought their unique style to the new city.

To pay tribute to General James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah, Oglethorpe Square contains no monuments. Originally instituted as Upper New Square in 1742, the Square was renamed to honor General Oglethorpe. Oglethorpe Square was one of two squares established by General Oglethorpe in 1742, and was the final of six squares he helped create during his time in Georgia. 

Additionally, many of the streets running into the square and the surrounding neighborhood had names associated with the monarchy, such as King Street and Prince Street. Following the Revolutionary War, the streets were renamed and given streets with democratic connotations, such as State Street and President Street.

The Owens-Thomas House, designed with English Regency architectural influences by William Jay in 1819. The uniqueness of the historic house, including Roman arches and Greek columns, showcases the wide range of architectural styles found in Savannah.