Lafayette Square is one of the quieter squares in Savannah, but it still sees a decent level of foot traffic.
It was laid out in 1837 and is centrally located within Savannah’s Historic District.
It was named in honor of the Marquis de Lafayette — French general, friend to George Washington, and Revolutionary War hero.
For anyone familiar with St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, Lafayette Square is one of the most popular spots for families to set up camp to watch the parade!
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Lafayette Square | Located at Abercorn Street between E Harris and E Charlton streets
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Notable Structures in Lafayette Square
The Colonial Dames of America gifted a beautiful fountain to the City of Savannah to celebrate the city’s 250th anniversary, so it’s the most recognizable landmark within the square.
The Mary Musgrove Historic Marker is located in the southwest quadrant of the square. Musgrove was an interpreter for General James Oglethorpe when Savannah was founded in the early 1730s.
In exchange for helping to build relations between the Creek Indians and the colonists, she was given land and financial contributions that ended up making her one of the wealthiest landowners in Georgia during the 1700s.
Notable Structures Around Lafayette Square
The stunning Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, one of Savannah’s most iconic structures, faces the northeast corner of Lafayette Square.
It’s a must-see spot in Savannah, and I highly recommend stopping inside for a visit.
The interior is quite impressive, with its 96-foot-high painted ceilings, dozens of colorful murals, and a series of intricately carved Stations of the Cross.
Hamilton-Turner Inn faces the east side of the square, and it’s one of the more iconic historic homes in Savannah. It even had a cameo appearance in the movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.”
The Andrew Low House is another historic home that faces Lafayette Square. This home is where Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, lived during the program’s early years.
There are two matching sad-faced lions that lazily guard the front entrance to the home, and they’re my favorite detail of the house!
You can also see the Flannery O’Connor Childhood Home, which faces the southern end of the square. O’Connor was a famous author who was born in Savannah in 1925.
Local writers celebrate her birthday each year with a fun party in the square!
Favorite Photo Spot
My favorite photo spot within the square is the fountain!
It looks so pretty when the sun sets and casts a warm glow through the Spanish moss hanging in the trees in the background, and it’s a very popular spot for elopements in Savannah.
If you stand on the south side of the fountain, facing north, you’ll be able to capture the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in the background.
Plan Your Trip: Lafayette Square
Where is Lafayette Square located?
Address: Abercorn Street between E Harris and E Charlton streets
Safety Level: Little to no crime or panhandling
Restrooms: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Forsyth Park Pavilion
What else is popular in the area?
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist | 0.1 miles
Colonial Park Cemetery | 0.2 miles
Stay Nearby
Hamilton-Turner Inn
Home Rentals
Show me more like this!
The Ultimate Guide to Savannah’s Squares – coming soon
An Insider’s Guide to Troup Square – coming soon
An Insider’s Guide to Chatham Square – coming soon
Do you have any questions about Lafayette Square? Please let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer.
Erin authored the Savannah First-Timer's Guide and loves helping first-time visitors plan their trips. She lives in the artsy Starland District and enjoys exploring Savannah's hidden gems, as well as the surrounding Lowcountry.