JINGLE ALL THE WAY
If you ask a local which Savannah square is their favorite, chances are that many of them will say Troup Square. This peaceful, verdant oasis on Habersham Street is home to some of Savannah’s most fascinating historic sites as well as an iconic house of worship and much more.
Originally laid out in 1851, Troup Square was named for Georgia governor and U.S. Senator George Troup, who was still alive at the time, making Troup Square one of only two of Savannah’s squares named for a then-living person. Washington Square is the other, which was named for America’s first president in 1791.
Today, Troup Square offers a harmonious blend of historic single family homes, renovated condominiums, churches and restaurants overlooking one of the city’s most scenic green spaces. The square has its own unique style and picturesque environment that has appealed to Savannahians for generations.
Jingle bells
While the oldest original structure on the square is the 1852 Lewis Cook House at 313-315 Charlton Street, the Troup Square building with the most enduring legacy is the Unitarian Universalist Church on the square’s northwest corner. This 1851 Gothic Revival building, designed by the legendary architect John Norris, actually began life nearly a half-mile away, on Oglethorpe Square. In 1860, the entire building was moved 14 blocks to Troup Square by rolling it on logs.
In the late 1850s, the church’s music director was James Lord Pierpont, better known to the world as the author of the iconic Christmas carol “Jingle Bells,” which was originally titled “One Horse Open Sleigh.” Pierpont, who had just married the daughter of the mayor of Savannah, copyrighted the catchy tune in 1857. According to legend, it was first performed publicly at a Thanksgiving celebration in Savannah.
A Georgia Historical Society marker in Troup Square, located just outside the church, commemorates this delightful slice of Savannah history. The church itself underwent an extensive facade restoration in 2000 and remains a popular destination for many visitors to the Hostess City.
Historic Highlights
Troup Square is also home to the Armillary Sphere, which is located at the center of the square and serves as the undisputed centerpiece. This fanciful gold-plated rendition of celestial objects circling the heavens, carried atop six bronze turtles, was a gift from famed Savannah philanthropist and preservationist Mills B. Lane in 1968. The sculpture was repaired and restored after being hit by a drunk driver in 2004.
Another unique, albeit smaller, feature of Troup Square is the famous drinking fountain for dogs. This puppy- level refreshment spot is, in fact, a replica of a drinking fountain that was once located in Forsyth Park, a gift from Savannah Mayor Herman Myers in 1897, though the original drinking fountain was actually higher and intended for humans.
On the north side of the square is one of Savannah’s favorite plant-based restaurants, Fox & Fig Cafe. This popular all-vegan restaurant is part of the extended Foxy Loxy family of coffeehouses and eating establishments that is popular among Savannah residents and visitors alike.
When buying and selling properties in Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District and beyond, it’s important to seek the expertise of a professional, since the city’s residential real estate market is as multi-layered as its history. To explore the many options available in Savannah’s Landmark District, consult an established local professional with experience listing and selling historic property in the Hostess City.
