After Johnson, Savannah’s second square was laid out in 1733 and named after the Irish politician John Percival, who was involved in the founding of Georgia. Later, however, Percival Square was renamed in honor of Georgia’s last royal governor James Wright.
Table of Contents
The marble monument in the middle of the square is to William Washington Gordon, a successful businessman and politician, who was highly-regarded among Savannah society. When he died, his influential friends suggested that the city honor him with a lavish memorial in Wright Square. “There should be no trouble”, they reasoned. “Right now, there are just some Injun bones.”
These weren’t just any Indian bones, though; they were the remains of Tomochichi, who had been buried in the center of the square 144 years prior. The leader of the Yamacraw Tribe had worked with Oglethorpe during Savannah’s harrowing first years, helping the fledgling colony survive, and the city had repaid his kindness with a burial ground in the center of one of its primary squares.
When Gordon’s monument was erected over the bones of Tomochichi, most of the city’s citizens were outraged. In consolation, a memorial stone was placed in a corner of Wright Square, and the nearby Tomochichi Federal Building was named in his honor. Not enough, if you ask me.
There’s always something going on in Wright Square. During our time in Savannah, the northernmost bench in the square was always occupied a big old guy, singing a sort of ad-hoc blues. “Girl, you done me wrong. Girl, why you do that to me? Girl, I wish you was dead“. On our return to Savannah, five years later, he was still there… and his song hadn’t change. Man, that girl must have really done him wrong.
Wright Square Info
This site contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase. More Information!
Wright Square Photos
Most images can be licensed for commercial and editorial use, please contact us to find out more.
Wright Square Map
Wright Square FAQs
What is Wright Square?
Located in downtown Savannah, Georgia, Wright Square is one of the 22 historic squares in the area. It was the second square to be established, dating back to 1733, and is named after James Wright, the last royal governor of the Province of Georgia.
Who was Chief Tomochichi, and why is he important?
As the leader of the Yamacraw tribe, Chief Tomochichi was an important ally to General James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah. He worked tirelessly to build friendly relations between the English settlers and the indigenous communities, a crucial factor for the colony’s continued existence.
Is Wright Square haunted?
A lot of guests believe that Wright Square ranks as one of Savannah’s spookiest places. Tales circulate about the wandering spirit of Alice Riley, the first woman executed in Georgia, who met her fate near the square in 1735. It’s common for local ghost tours to include Wright Square in their itineraries.
Squares Coffee Book
Savannah Square by Square is an eye-catching coffee table book filled with more than 300 colorful images of Savannah’s lovely historic downtown squares. Authored by Michael Jordan, a respected local filmmaker and historian, the book dives into the captivating history of all 22 current squares, as well as the two that have been lost and the lesser-known squares of Savannah.
This site contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase. More Information!
Leave a Reply