Wright Square’s biggest claim to fame is that it’s considered one of the most haunted places in Savannah. In fact, a few of the ghost tour guides have even nicknamed it the “hanging square.”
It’s a very popular square, so it’s not the best place to go for relaxation (in my opinion). The ghost tour groups crowd the square at night, and it’s common to find members of the homeless community resting there both during the day and at night.
Note: This guide contains affiliate links to my trusted travel partners.
Wright Square | Located at Bull Street between State and York streets
Table of Contents (Skip to Any Section)
Origins of the Square
Originally known as Percival Square, Wright Square was one of the four original squares in the city of Savannah. It was the second one established, following Johnson Square.
The square was named after Lord Percival, but it was later changed to honor James Wright, the third royal governor of Georgia.
Notable Structures in Wright Square
Tomo-Chi-Chi was the Native American who assisted General James Oglethorpe when he landed along the banks of the Savannah River in the early 1700s.
He acted as a mediator between the natives and settlers, and he had an integral part in Oglethorpe’s founding of the city.
Tomo-Chi-Chi’s Grave Marker is located in the southeast corner of Wright Square. There’s also a historic marker dedicated to him in the center of the square.
At one point in time Tomo-Chi-Chi’s remains were located in the center of the square with a pile of rocks above marking his final resting place.
They aren’t there anymore, though…
Unfortunately, his “final” resting place was disturbed in order to make way for the William Washington Gordon Monument, which is currently located in the center of the square.
The exact location of Tomochichi’s remains is currently unknown.
Like those of many important figures in Savannah, his remains were “misplaced” over the years.
Mrs. Gordon insisted on having a new granite monument designed to honor Tomochichi, and that monument is currently located on the southeast corner of the square.
You can’t miss her husband’s monument, though, since it’s as tall as the beautiful oaks surrounding it.
There are four cherubs at the top of the monument, and they have a globe resting atop their shoulders.
Notable Structures Around the Square
The Tomochichi Federal Building and United States Courthouse for the Southern District of Georgia faces the west side of Wright Square.
It was constructed in the 1890s and has been featured in many movies filmed in Savannah.
The first burial ground in Savannah was located along the southwestern edge of the square.
Check out the historic marker on the wall near XIII West York if you want to read more about the cemetery.
Located near the NW corner of the square, a CVS at the corner of Bull and State streets is where the city’s original wooden courthouse and jail were located.
It’s yet another spot in Savannah that has a haunted reputation.
The jailers would hang convicted criminals from the beautiful live oaks lining the northern end of the square, so that’s how the square’s nickname as the “hanging square” came about.
Favorite Photo Spot
I really love the historic John Schwartz brick building that faces the southeastern corner of the square.
It was built in 1890 and makes such a quaint little backdrop for scenic city shots. It looks like something straight out of a movie set…
There are plenty of pretty spots to take photos within the square, but it’s a very busy area. You might need to be patient to capture a shot without any people in the background.
Side note, but Wright Square Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants in Savannah, and it’s located nearby on W York Street.
I highly recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the restaurant while you’re in the area! (Here is their menu.)
Plan Your Trip: Wright Square
Where is Wright Square located?
Address: At Bull Street between State and York streets
Safety Level: Expect panhandling and members of the homeless community
Restrooms: The closest public restrooms are at Ellis Square in City Market
What else is popular in the area?
The Plant Riverside District | 0.7 miles
City Market Savannah | 0.4 miles
Stay Nearby
The Marshall House
Home Rentals
Show me more like this!
A Self-Guided Walking Tour of 11 of the Most Haunted Places in Savannah
Do you have any questions about Wright Square? If so, please ask in the comments below 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.