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Madison Square, on Bull Street between Chippewa and Monterey Square, is possibly the most monumental in Savannah. With a magnificent 1888 tribute to William Jasper as its centerpiece, Madison offers a wealth of things to see both inside the square and around it.

South Carolinian revolutionary hero Sgt. Jasper was mortally wounded during the Siege of Savannah. He had found fame during an earlier battle with the British, when he recovered a shot-down South Carolina flag and held it aloft in the midst of heavy fighting. The statue pays tribute to that event, and includes other scenes from his life. Cannons from the Savannah armory protect Madison’s southern flank, and a monument to the ill-fated rebel siege on British-controlled Savannah can also be found in the square.

Around Madison, there’s enough to occupy an entire afternoon. You can visit the Green-Meldrim House, where General Sherman famously stayed during his time in Savannah. With its cast-iron fence and extended covered porch, this National Historic Landmark from 1861 is a stunning example of the Gothic Revival style. It’s connected to the St. John’s Episcopal Church. According to legend, the ladies of the congregation, offended by the next-door presence of the enemy Yankee, rang the bells without pause, through the night. Sherman responded by having the bells removed.

On the northwest corner of Madison is one of Savannah’s most famous residences: The Sorrel-Weed House. One of Savannah’s best examples of Greek Revival and Regency architecture, the house has found itself the subject of numerous ghost stories. It was even the subject of a 2009 episode of Ghost Hunters. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the house is worth visiting.

Across Bull Street is of Savannah’s most unfortunate buildings: the Hilton DeSoto. An ugly, towering blight on the city’s skyline, the Hilton has loomed over the middle of Savannah since 1966, when it replaced the lovely red brick DeSoto hotel. Continuing clockwise around the square brings you to the most popular bookshop in Savannah: E. Shaver’s. We stocked up on Savannah literature here when we first arrived; the staff is helpful, knowledgeable and friendly. With every conceivable genre represented, it’s a fun place to browse.

On the southeast corner of Madison is the SCAD shop, which is a great place to hunt for unique gifts. And should you need a break while touring the houses, shops and churches of Madison Square, you can stop in at the popular Gryphon Tea Room. With its high ceilings, comfortable furniture and classy interior, this former pharmacy is a great place to relax your tired feet.

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Did you know you can buy Spanish Moss from Amazon?

I clearly remember the first time we entered Savannah, turning onto 37th Street nearly three months ago. Huge oak trees canopied the street and random rays of sunlight squeezed past the Spanish moss, hanging apathetically off branches like the embodiment of sorrow. We drove slowly, transfixed by the beauty of the scene in front of us. Years from now, when I shut my eyes and think “Savannah”, Spanish moss awash in sunlight will be what I see.

Spanish moss doesn’t come from Spain. It’s indigenous to the Southeastern US, spreading from Florida to Maryland and out to Texas. There are a bunch of stories for why it’s named after the Spanish … here’s a particularly poetic one. But most likely, when the English came to the region with Florida already settled by the Spanish, they named this new kind of plant “Spanish beard”.

Spanish moss isn’t a moss, nor is it a parasite. It’s an airborne plant which takes its nutrients directly from the air. It’s actually a member of the same family as the pineapple, which is so bizarre it must be true. Spanish moss doesn’t harm the trees it rests on, predominately Live Oaks and Bald Cypresses, except by making them more wind-resistant which is dangerous during hurricanes.

One of the first things we were told after moving here is that we shouldn’t touch it, because of little bugs which live on it. Of course, this was shortly after we had fashioned a “hilarious” moss outfit for our dog, and wigs for ourselves. I’ve also read that jumping spiders inhabit the plant. So: hands off.

I’ve wondered how much the Spanish moss influences life in the South, if at all. It fits perfectly here, creating an atmosphere of mystery and eccentricity, and also beauty. I don’t know how many pictures of Spanish moss Juergen’s taken during our time in Savannah, but I would guess around a thousand. That’s not hyperbole, that’s my honest guess. Even a cursory glance through our archives will turn up a ton.

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Capturing the Night with Your Camera

I know we’re a little tardy wishing you a happy new year, but better late then never. How’s 2011 treating you so far? We won’t be here for most of it, but is there anything you’re looking forward to in Savannah this year? For example, we’ve overheard people chatting excitedly about St. Patrick’s Day, the filming of the movie “Savannah”, and a happy couple who were planning a wedding in one of the squares.

These are a month late, but here are some pictures I took during the Holidays. Happy 2011!

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