Haunted Greene Square

The History of Greene Square

To understand the true history of Greene Square, one must look back to 1799, when Savannah was rapidly expanding its grid. The square was named to honor General Nathanael Greene, the Revolutionary War hero and second-in-command to George Washington. While Greene himself is buried under a grand monument in Johnson Square, this ward was carved out of the sandy Georgia soil to serve as the heart of a burgeoning residential district.

In the early 19th century, Greene Square became the center of a vibrant community. It was surrounded by the homes of merchants, shipbuilders, and free people of color. The architecture here tells a story of survival; the nearby Cunningham House, built in 1810, and the Davenport House Museum just a block away, have stood witness to fires, hurricanes, and the slow march of time.

The square’s historical weight intensified during the mid-1800s. It became a cultural hub for Savannah’s African American population, anchored by the Second African Baptist Church. It was from the steps of this very church in 1864 that General Sherman’s Special Field Orders No. 15 were read, promising “forty acres and a mule” to newly freed slaves. However, with such profound historical shifts comes an undercurrent of grief. The square has seen the devastation of the Yellow Fever epidemics and the quiet tragedies of the many orphans who were housed in the Savannah Female Orphan Asylum, which once stood on the square’s edge. These layers of human emotion, from the hope of liberation to the despair of loss, have seeped into the very ground.

Why Is Greene Square Considered Haunted?

When visitors ask, “Is Greene Square haunted?” the answer usually involves a look at the “hidden” geography of Savannah. Like much of the Historic District, the ground beneath Greene Square is more than just earth; it is a repository of the dead.

The primary reason for its haunted reputation lies in the sheer volume of trauma that occurred within a two-block radius. During the 19th-century Yellow Fever outbreaks, the city was so overwhelmed by death that burial practices became hurried and, in some cases, incomplete. Legend suggests that Greene Square sits near forgotten burial plots and that the restless energy of those who died suddenly, without proper rites, remains tethered to the site.

Furthermore, the square’s proximity to the old city limits meant it was often the site of military encampments and hospital overflows. Paranormal investigators often point to “residual hauntings” here, events that have left a permanent psychic imprint on the environment. The high concentration of original Federal and Victorian structures surrounding the square acts as a battery, storing the energy of the thousands of souls who lived and died in these rooms. When the sun goes down, the Greene Square haunted history begins to manifest as the modern world fades and the past reclaims its territory.

• The Children of the Asylum

  Near the site of the former Female Orphan Asylum, visitors often report the sound of light, running footsteps on the pavement. Occasionally, a cold hand is felt brushing against a visitor’s arm, or the faint sound of a child’s giggle carries on the wind. These spirits are said to be harmless but lonely, perhaps still playing in the square that was once their only playground.

Visiting Greene Square: What to Expect

Visiting Greene Square is a different experience than visiting the high-traffic areas like Forsyth Park or City Market. It is intimate, quiet, and deeply atmospheric.

Day vs. Night Experience During the day, Greene Square is a peaceful retreat. You’ll see locals walking their dogs or artists sketching the “Tiny House” (the John Dorsett House) on the northeast corner. However, after the streetlights flicker on, the vibe shifts. The square becomes one of the best haunted places in Savannah for those who prefer a chilling, solitary walk over a crowded tour.

Photography Tips If you’re hoping to catch evidence of the supernatural, use a fast shutter speed to account for the low light. Many people report “mist” in their photos that wasn’t visible to the eye. Respect the residents, as this is a quiet neighborhood, and keep your flash use to a minimum to preserve the natural shadows.

Tours and Accessibility While many ghost tours near Greene Square pass by on their way to the Pirate’s House or the Davenport House, only a few specialized haunted walking tours in Savannah spend significant time here. If you want the full story, look for guided ghost tours in Savannah that focus on the “Old Fort” ward or the Eastern side of the city.

Ultimately, whether you arrive on a self-guided evening walk or as part of a guided Savannah ghost tour, expect Monterey Square to feel atmospheric. The old lamp light, mossy trees, and historic facades combine to make any after-dark visit memorable – and maybe a little spine-tingling.

Things to Do Near Greene Square

Greene Square is perfectly positioned for a full night of exploration. After you’ve had your fill of the square’s spirits, consider these nearby historic haunted sites in Savannah:

• The Pirates’ House: Just a short walk north, this is one of the oldest buildings in Georgia and a legendary haunt for sailors and spirits alike.

• The Davenport House Museum: A masterpiece of Federal architecture that is rumored to be haunted by a ghostly cat and a young girl.

• Washington Square: Only two blocks away, this square offers a similar, quiet beauty and its own set of Revolutionary-era legends.

• River Street: A five-minute walk will take you to the waterfront, where the tunnels and old warehouses hold centuries of dark secrets.

• The Olde Pink House: Located a few blocks west, this is one of the most famous haunted places in Savannah and an excellent spot for a “spirits” infused dinner.

Is Greene Square Worth Visiting?

In a city defined by its ghosts, Greene Square stands out as a place of quiet, dignified mystery. It doesn’t need a massive monument or a neon sign to prove its importance; the history is written in the uneven bricks and the way the wind catches in the oaks.

Whether you come for the Greene Square ghost stories or the stunning Federal architecture, you will leave with a sense that you have touched something ancient. It remains one of the most evocative and best ghost tours in Savannah stops because it feels real. As the moss sways and the “Watchman” keeps his silent vigil, you’ll realize that in Greene Square, the past isn’t just remembered; it is still very much alive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greene Square