Day 76 – Georgia’s Colonial Coast

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Day 76 of a Year Long Road Trip Along America’s Scenic Byways

We got a very late start to the morning today.  It was almost afternoon by the time I left my cousins as both the dogs had belly aches.  It must have been the rawhides I gave them.  Regardless, I had to do a little washing and drying before we left for Georgia’s colonial coast!

Savannah, Georgia

We spent a few hours on Georgia’s colonial coast in Savannah which was capital of the Georgia Colony in the 1700s.  We found some parking near River Street complete with candy shops, restaurants, tourist apparel, street musicians, and riverboat rides.  From here, the dogs and I crossed the cobblestone lane, climbed the stairs, and passed over the iron pedestrian bridges of Factors Walk to begin our stroll to the fountain in Forsyth Park.

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The sidewalk led us past restored homes, historic buildings, cafes, and shops as well as through countless squares.  Each square, lined with Spanish moss covered live oaks and magnolias, featured a fountain or statue honoring war heroes, governors, and the like.  Ornate ironworks enclosed the statues and intricately designed brick sidewalks wrapped through the squares.

Forsythe Park

Forsythe Park was conceived in the 1840s by William Brown Hodges who donated 10 acres of wooded land to be developed into Savannah’s first recreational park.  The park is named for former governor John Forsythe and is not only home to a lovely fountain, but also features a large field, statues, and a variety of activities.

Fort McAllister State Historic Park

After our stroll through downtown Savannah, we continued south along Georgia’s colonial coast to Fort McAllister State Historic Park.  Fort McAllister State Historic Park is located on the banks of the Ogeechee River among salt marshes and giant live oaks.  Fort McAllister was a three gun earthwork battery.  Union ironclads attacked the mud earthworks seven times.  The Confederates didn’t fall until Union General William Sherman captured the fort during his March to the Sea from Atlanta to Savannah.

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Smallest Church in America

After our walk through the fort, we headed farther south to a roadside church which is the Smallest Church in America.  The 10 by 15 foot chapel seats 13 and is open 24 hours a day to all denominations.  According to the docent, the church was built by Agnes Harper, a rural grocer, in 1949. The church includes a small pulpit, wooden pews, and stained glass windows from England. 

Just kidding, there wasn’t a docent for the tiny chapel, but there was a pamphlet!  The church was a final stop on this shortened day on Georgia’s colonial coast before proceeding to a Walmart near Darien.  ETB

Other Articles About Georgia You May Like

• Atlanta’s Attractions
• Alternative Atlanta Attractions
• 2nd Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the World
• Day 66 – North Georgia Highlands
• Day 67 – North Georgia Highlands – Part 2
• Day 77 – Georgia’s Colonial Coast – Part 2

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Check out the photographic note cards and key chains at my shop.  Each card has a travel story associated with it.  20% of proceeds are donated to charity.

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