Savannah

As Georgia's oldest city, Savannah lays claim to centuries of history stretching back to its founding by James Oglethorpe in 1733. The northern barrier islands had supported indigenous populations for thousands of years prior to this date; an alliance struck between Oglethorpe and Yamacraw Chief Tomochichi became fundamental for Savannah's early development, though Native Americans were increasingly displaced by European land acquisition. Also central to Savannah's identity are its historically Black communities. The creole language Gullah is spoken in some neighborhoods. Memories of the Revolutionary War, Spanish-American War, Civil War, and both World Wars find expression in the city's physical aspect and historic landmarks.