Savannah's Troup Square

Troup Square

Built in 1851, Troup is one of Savannah’s smaller squares. It was named after George Troup, a former governor known his strident support of slavery and anti-Indian policies. It might be because of these unappealing views, that the square’s central monument is not a statue of Troup, but a strange, archaic globe.

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Armillary Sphere Troup Square in Savannah

Troup Square may lay claim to Savannah’s most curious monument, with its Armillary Sphere. This was a model used to track celestial orbits, invented by the Greeks and made obsolete by the invention of the telescope. The sphere an odd choice for the middle of a square in Savannah, which wasn’t founded until well after the instrument was out of use. (You know where else you can find an Armillary Sphere? Portugal’s flag. Don’t ask me why.)

Unitarian Universalist Church Troup Square in Savannah

Another strange feature of Troup Square is its doggy drinking fountain, moved here from its original location in Forsyth Park. It doesn’t even bother with spouts for humans, and is the reason some residents refer to this area as “Dog Bone Square”.

Troup Square isn’t done confusing you, yet. Another oddity is that this is the birthplace of Jingle Bells. You know that song that goes, “Dashing through pleasantly mild winters, in a picturesque Victorian district, round the squares we go, drinking from plastic cups all the way.” The Unitarian Universalist Church, on the square’s west side, is where James Pierpoint, the brother of the church’s reverend, wrote the famous song. Why he was inspired to write a song about sleighing and wintry fun, as he gazed out onto Troup Square is anyone’s guess.

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Troup Square Map


Troup Square FAQs

What Makes Troup Square Unique?

The centerpiece of Troup Square is its striking armillary sphere, a sculpture that illustrates a historical astronomical instrument. This representation of the universe celebrates the connection between nature and science. There is also and old fashioned dog fountain.

Where is Troup Square located?

Situated on Habersham Street, Troup Square is surrounded by Harris, McDonough, and Price Streets, right in the heart of the eastern part of Savannah’s historic district.

What is Troup Square?

Located in Savannah, Georgia, Troup Square is one of the city’s 22 historic squares. It was created in 1851 and is named in honor of George Troup, who served as the state’s governor from 1823 to 1827.


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This breathtaking photograph showcases the historic fountain adorned with festive decorations, its cascading waters transformed into glistening icicles. A rare and enchanting scene, this framed print is perfect for adding a touch of Southern charm and seasonal wonder to any home or office.

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5 responses to “Troup Square”

  1. Sandy Traub Avatar

    Love the quiet simplicity of this square, dog-lovers story, and your photos! Jingle Bells was written when the church was formerly located on Oglethorpe Square. A small modern building not sits where the church formerly sat on the northwest Trust Lot of Oglethorpe Sq.

  2. Gil Avatar
    Gil

    When my mother was a child she lived bor a brief time in the brick apartment building south of what is now the Unitarian Church. My great aunt lived in one of the houses on the southwest corner of Habersham and Charlton. On the northwest corner, Harris and Habersham, where the Firefly Cafe now sits, there was a neighborhood butchershop, Triple T Meats. It was a family owned and operated business that operated for many years.
    The square itself was fenced in and was the school playground for Cathedral Day School. The fence was covered with pyracantha bushes. In the fall, the red berry covered bushes would attract flocks of migrating cedar waxwings which would gorge themselves on the fermenting berries. Ever see a drunk bird?

  3. Elizabeth Avatar
    Elizabeth

    Thanks for sharing. As an alumna of St. Vincent’s Academy, I spent many mornings driving around that square looking for parking. It’s a gorgeous square! Thanks for all of the amazing photos you take of Savannah. Beautiful. You are definitely capturing Savannah’s charm.

  4. William Avatar
    William

    Nice to see that the Armillary is back up after it was knocked down by a drunk driver a few years back (thanks to commenter Gil for the memory jog).

  5. Rebecca Smith Avatar
    Rebecca Smith

    Love the photography! Going to visit my son in Savannah in March 2012. We are going to drive around out lying areas to view the scenery. He is a student at SCAD, any advice on where to go outside of city limits would be appreciated.becca

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