Did you know that Chatham Square is one of Savannah’s quieter squares? It is nestled in a neighborhood on Barnard Street. Completed in 1847, Chatham Square is one of the 22 squares in Savannah. The square occupies a spot in the southernmost row of the city’s five rows of squares. You will find it on Barnard Street and West Wayne Street.
Chatham Square is named for William Pitt. He was the 1st Earl of Chatham. Pitt never actually visited Savannah. However, he was an early supporter of the Georgia colony. Both Chatham Square and Chatham County honor him.
While strolling here, you might hear locals call it Barnard Square. This nickname comes from the Barnard Street School. The school was built in 1901. The Barnard Street School actually stands at 212 West Taylor Street. Since 1988, the building has served as a building for the Savannah College of Art and Design. The college renamed it Pepe Hall.
Look around, and you will notice a sundial. It is dedicated to Louis Burke Toomer. Toomer was an African-American politician. The dedication happened in 1964. The oldest building on Chatham Square is the Enoch Hendry Row House. It is located at 108–112 West Taylor Street. It dates back to 1851.
If you are curious about the buildings surrounding Chatham Square, here are a few details. Each building occupies a spot in one of the eight blocks around the square. These blocks include four residential blocks and four civic blocks. This layout is now known as the Oglethorpe Plan.
On the northwestern side of the square, you’ll find the Barnard Street School, now Pepe Hall. Constructed in 1901, it stands at 212 West Taylor Street. The northeastern residential block includes several notable properties. There’s the William Kine Property at 419–425 Barnard Street. Also, don’t miss the Edward Lovell Duplex at 126–128 West Taylor Street. You can also admire Quantock Row at 114–124 West Taylor Street. The Enoch Hendry Row House, the oldest building on the square, is located at 108–112 West Taylor Street. Finally, the Frederick Kuck Property is at 411–417 Whitaker Street.
The northeastern civic block features the William Bradley House at 424 Barnard Street. Next to it is the William Bradley Commercial Property at 426 Barnard Street. You can also see Meinhardt Row at 101–107 West Taylor Street.
The southeastern civic block includes the building at 106–108 West Gordon Street. Finally, the southeastern residential block is home to Gordon Row. These homes, located at 101–129 West Gordon Street, include their respective carriage houses. The carriage houses back onto West Gordon Lane.
Chatham Square offers a peaceful retreat in Savannah. It is a place to reflect on history and admire the city’s architectural beauty. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquility of Chatham Square. It’s a special place in Savannah.