Set against the backdrop of the Skidaway River, the Isle of Hope Historic District whispers tales of pirates, plantations, and Hollywood glamour. The Isle of Hope isn’t technically an island. It’s a peninsula, a finger of land reaching out into the waterways surrounding Savannah. Early French maps charmingly labeled it “L’Isle Desperance,” or “Isle of Hope.” This picturesque community, draped in Spanish moss and shaded by ancient oaks, has captivated hearts for centuries, even drawing the attention of Hollywood. Films like “Glory,” “Cape Fear,” “Forrest Gump,” and “The Last Song” have all used the Isle of Hope as a backdrop.
The Isle of Hope Historic District started as a strategic defense point. Settled in 1736, it served as Savannah’s first line of defense against potential Spanish invasion. Noble Jones, one of the area’s first settlers, established Wormsloe Plantation here, complete with a fort overlooking the Skidaway Narrows. This waterway, once a vital shipping route, now whispers tales of colonial skirmishes and the echoes of long-gone plantations. The Isle of Hope evolved from military outpost to tranquil village, then a summer haven for Savannah’s wealthy families. During the 1850s and 1860s, prominent Savannah families purchased lots and built grand homes along the waterfront.
The Isle of Hope United Methodist Church stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. Built before the Civil War, the church served as a Confederate hospital. The pews bear the initials of soldiers who carved them during their convalescence, a poignant reminder of a tumultuous era. Thirty-three Confederate soldiers rest in the church’s cemetery. In the early 20th century, the Isle of Hope blossomed into a renowned resort town. Barbee’s Pavilion, situated where the river met the railroad, hosted international Grand Prix races. It also housed a terrapin farm that shipped its delicacies to restaurants in New York City and even to the Czar of Russia.
The Isle of Hope Historic District also holds stories of resilience. After the Civil War, freed slaves from Wormsloe Plantation established a small community within the district, adding another layer to the area’s rich tapestry. The Isle of Hope continued to grow. With the arrival of the railroad in 1871, the summer retreat transitioned into a year-round community. Today, the historic district showcases a blend of architectural styles, from Greek Revival and Victorian to Neoclassical and Craftsman bungalows. Each home, nestled among the oaks and magnolias, contributes to the Isle of Hope’s timeless charm, a place where history and beauty intertwine. Walking these streets today, one can almost hear the whispers of pirates searching for buried treasure, the rustling of silkworms in Noble Jones’s mulberry trees, and the laughter of summer visitors strolling along the riverbank.