How long does it take to walk the Savannah Civil Rights route?

The full route takes approximately 2 to 3 hours. This includes walking time and about 20-30 minutes at each major stop like the Beach Institute and the museums.

Is the First African Baptist Church open to the public?

Yes, but hours vary. It is a working church, so visitors should check their official schedule for history-focused viewing times to see the Underground Railroad floorboards.

Is this Savannah walking route family-friendly?

Yes, it is very educational for families. The route is mostly flat, though the distance to the cemetery might be long for small children, so a stroller or short drive for the final leg is recommended.

Where can I see the Underground Railroad in Savannah?

The First African Baptist Church is the most prominent site. You can see the ventilation holes in the floorboards used by people hiding while escaping to the North.

Are there hills on this Savannah walking route?

No, Savannah’s historic district is famously flat. The only challenge may be the historic cobblestones and uneven brick sidewalks found near City Market.

Is it worth visiting Laurel Grove South Cemetery?

Absolutely. It offers a unique perspective on Savannah’s history that is often missed in the more famous Bonaventure Cemetery, highlighting the city's Black heritage and Victorian funerary art.

Can I do this walk in the afternoon?

You can, but Georgia heat can be intense. Most people prefer starting in the morning when the museums open to enjoy the cooler air and ensure they have enough time for the cemetery before it closes at dusk.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Savannah is world-renowned for its manicured squares and moss-draped oaks, but beneath the picturesque canopy lies a profound narrative of struggle, resilience, and triumph. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the 'Freedom’s Path,' a route that traces the African American experience from the era of enslavement through the pivotal moments of the Civil Rights movement. Unlike a standard neighborhood stroll, this journey connects the dots between historic sites that served as clandestine hubs for the Underground Railroad and the hallowed grounds where the first schools for formerly enslaved people were established. As you navigate the downtown streets, you will encounter landmarks that highlight the immense contributions of the Black community to Savannah’s cultural and political landscape. The route begins in the vibrant City Market, a place that once served as a center for both commerce and the slave trade, providing a sobering look at the city's origins. From there, you will visit Franklin Square to see the Haitian Monument, which honors the free Black soldiers who fought during the American Revolution. A major highlight is the First African Baptist Church, a site of immense spiritual and historical weight, where the very floorboards tell stories of escape and survival. This walking route Savannah provides is more than just a history lesson; it is an independent exploration of the figures—like Ralph Mark Gilbert—who organized boycotts and paved the way for modern equality. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this audio walk offers the flexibility to reflect on these powerful stories at your own pace, culminating in the serene and historic Laurel Grove South Cemetery.

Highlights

Discover the Underground Railroad secrets of the First African Baptist Church

See the Haitian Monument honoring the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue

Explore the Beach Institute, Georgia’s first school for African Americans

Walk through the historic City Market and reflect on its complex past

Visit the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, the 'Father of the Movement' in Savannah

Pay respects at the historic Laurel Grove South Cemetery

Tour Stops (6)

City Market

Begin your self-guided adventure at City Market, the 'Art and Soul of Savannah.' Since the 1700s, this four-block area has been the center of commerce. However, it holds a dual legacy. While it was a place for farmers and fishermen to sell their wares, it was also a site for the public sale of enslaved people. As you walk through the open-air squares, consider the resilience of the people who labored here. Today, it is a hub of galleries and cafes, but the bricks beneath your feet carry the weight of a complex history that shaped the very economy of the American South.

Haitian Monument

Located in Franklin Square, this striking bronze monument commemorates the Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue—a regiment of free Black soldiers from Haiti who fought for American independence during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. It is one of the few monuments in the United States dedicated to Black soldiers of the Revolutionary War. Notice the young drummer boy in the sculpture, representing a young Henri Christophe, who would later become a leader in the Haitian Revolution and the King of Haiti. This site serves as a powerful reminder of the international struggle for liberty.

First African Baptist Church

This is one of the most significant stops on your walking route. Organized in 1773, this is home to one of the oldest Black congregations in North America. The current building, completed in 1859, was constructed by both enslaved and free Black people. Look closely at the floorboards; you may notice holes arranged in a diamond pattern known as 'Congolese Cosmograms.' These were not just for ventilation; they provided air for people hiding beneath the floors as part of the Underground Railroad. The church served as a sanctuary in every sense of the word, standing as a beacon of hope for centuries.

Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum

Named after the man considered the father of Savannah’s Civil Rights movement, this museum is housed in the historic Union Administration Building. Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert was a pastor at First African Baptist and a leader of the NAACP who reorganized the local branch in the 1940s. Under his guidance, Savannah saw some of the most successful non-violent protests and boycotts in the South, leading to the early desegregation of the city. The museum chronicles these struggles, showcasing the bravery of local students and activists who challenged Jim Crow laws through sit-ins and marches.

Beach Institute

The Beach Institute was established in 1867 by the American Missionary Association as the first school in Savannah for formerly enslaved African Americans. Named after Alfred Ely Beach, the editor of Scientific American who donated the funds, the institute provided a foundation for education during the Reconstruction era. Today, it serves as an African American Cultural Center, housing the incredible wood carvings of local artist Ulysses Davis. It stands as a testament to the community's enduring commitment to education and the arts as tools for liberation and self-expression.

Laurel Grove South Cemetery

To conclude your journey, head to Laurel Grove South Cemetery. In the 19th century, Savannah’s cemeteries were segregated; while white citizens were buried in Laurel Grove North, the South section was designated for 'free persons of color' and enslaved people. This sacred ground is the final resting place for many of the figures mentioned on this walk, including Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert and early leaders of the First African Baptist Church. The Victorian-style monuments and mossy oaks provide a peaceful space to reflect on the lives of those who fought for the freedoms we recognize today.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 'Freedom’s Path' route is the best choice. It covers essential sites like the First African Baptist Church and the Ralph Mark Gilbert Museum, focusing specifically on the African American struggle for liberty.