Savannah's Slavery, Cotton & Freedom Walking Tour

$9.99

1 to 2 hours

Estimated Time

1 mile

Distance

Works Offline

Tours & Maps Included

Tour Highlights

Florence Martus, the Waving Girl

For forty-four years, one woman waved at every ship that passed her lonely island home. Her statue marks the start of your walk today.

The River Street Market Place

Modern shops and food stalls sit on the exact ground once lined with cotton warehouses.

The African-American Monument

An eleven-foot bronze monument marking the very spot where enslaved people once stepped off ships onto Savannah soil.

The Cluskey Vaults

Mysterious brick archways built into the bluff, still debated today for what, or who, they once held.

The Savannah Cotton Exchange

Once called King Cotton's Palace, this grand building set world cotton prices until an insect brought it all down.

The Haitian Monument & First African Baptist Church

A monument to hundreds of Haitian soldiers who fought for American freedom, right across from a church built by enslaved and free hands together.

Wright Square & the Tomochichi Memorial Stone

The story of a Yamacraw chief, a broken promise, and the women who fought to set the record straight.

The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

One of the best-preserved urban slave quarters in the South, with a ceiling painted haint blue still visible today.

Is This Tour Right for You?

Perfect if you:

Love history and fascinating stories

What To explore at your own pace

prefer a private experience

What to avoid expensive group tours

Maybe not if you:

Don't have a phone

Like to follow the tour guide

Don't like stories

Don't like to go at your own pace

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this tour take?

Most guests finish in sixty to ninety minutes, depending on your pace.

How long is the walking route?

The tour covers just over a mile and a half through downtown Savannah.

Do I need an internet connection?

No. Once you download the tour, it works offline, so you don't have to worry about spotty service.

Are there any admission fees along the way?

The tour itself doesn't require any entry fees, though a few optional sites along the route, like First African Baptist Church, Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum, and Owens-Thomas House, charge their own separate admission if you choose to go inside.

Is this tour appropriate for kids?

Yes, though some of the history covered, including slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, is heavy. We recommend it for families with older children ready for an honest conversation about the past.

Can I pause the tour along the way?

Absolutely. Pause anytime to browse a shop, grab a bite, or step inside a museum, then press play to pick up right where you left off.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable walking shoes are a must, since the route includes cobblestones. Bring water and sun protection, especially in warmer months.

Does this tour focus only on slavery and cotton?

The tour's main thread follows Savannah's cotton wealth and the enslaved people who built it, but you'll also hear about founders, generals, songwriters, and the women who shaped how the city remembers its own history.

Where does the tour start and end?

It begins at Morrell Park on the Riverwalk and ends at Oglethorpe Square, right by the Owens-Thomas House.

Can I do this tour at night?

The tour is designed for daytime walking, since several stops rely on details best seen in daylight. Evening hours may also affect visibility along parts of the route.