Located just northeast of Forsyth Park, Monterey Square is hands-down one of the prettiest squares in Savannah.
It has plenty of mature live oaks to provide shade, and the square is surrounded by architectural beauties like the Mercer Williams House, the Noble Hardee Mansion, and Congregation Mickve Israel.
The square is located in the southern section of the Historic District and wasn’t established until 1847, so many of the surrounding buildings are originals!
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Monterey Square | Located at Bull Street between Taylor and Gordon streets
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Notable Structures in Monterey Square
The Casimir Pulaski Monument is located in the center of the square, and it stands an impressive 55-feet tall. It’s protected by a beautiful iron fence.
General Pulaski hailed from Poland and was wounded during the Siege of Savannah.
He — or she, since there is some debate — died two days later and was reportedly buried at sea.
Then again — perhaps not?
Some folks believe Pulaski was buried at nearby Greenwich plantation, and that his remains were dug up many years later and placed beneath the Pulaski Monument.
If you want to learn more about the mysteries surrounding Pulaski’s death, plus other unique stories about Savannah, I suggest this walking tour.
Jim definitely has the scoop on all the quirkiest happenings in this city!
Notable Structures Around Monterey Square
Congregation Mickve Israel faces the southeast corner of the square.
It was established July 11, 1733 and is the oldest congregation now practicing Reform Judaism in the United States, according to the historic marker placed at the northwest corner of the building.
The Mercer Williams House, which was featured in the movie, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” is opposite the synagogue.
If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure you read the book first! The book is leaps and bounds better than the movie.
Finally, the stunning Noble Hardee Mansion, which is also known as Alex Raskin Antiques, faces the southern end of the square.
It’s one of the few grand mansions left in the downtown area that has yet to be restored, and it’s easily one of my top five favorite houses in Savannah!
Favorite Photo Spot
The entire square is beautiful, so you can’t go wrong taking photos anywhere within it.
As for the adjacent homes, I absolutely love taking photos of the Noble Hardee Mansion.
The home is on tap for an extensive renovation, so I try to take as many pics of it as possible while its still in its unrestored state. You might want to do the same!
Plan Your Trip: Monterey Square
Where is Monterey Square located?
Address: Located at Bull Street between Taylor and Gordon streets
Safety: Little to no crime or homelessness
Restrooms: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily at the Forsyth Park Pavilion
What else is popular in the area?
Forsyth Park | 0.1 miles
Jones Street | 0.2 miles
Stay Nearby:
Eliza Thompson House
Bellwether House
Home Rentals
Show me more like this!
The Ultimate Guide to Savannah’s Squares – coming soon
An Insider’s Guide to Taylor Square – coming soon
An Insider’s Guide to Whitefield Square – coming soon
Do you have any questions about Monterey Square? Please let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer.
Historic Photo Citations
Historic Pulaski Monument: Detroit Publishing Co, P. Pulaski Monument and Monterey Square, Savannah, Ga
. United States Georgia Savannah, None. [Between 1900 and 1915] [Photograph] Retrieved from the Library of Congress, https://www.loc.gov/item/2016814939/.
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.