Haunted Telfair Square

The History of Telfair Square

Savannah’s squares were planned as communal oases amid the grid of the new colony, and Telfair Square was one of the first four laid out by General James Oglethorpe in 1733. Originally called St. James Square (after London’s St. James Park), it was a fashionable address in colonial Georgia. Elegant homes once lined this plaza’s perimeter, hosting the city’s leading families. In 1883 the square was renamed to honor the Telfair family, whose influence looms large in Savannah history. Edward Telfair (state governor) and his daughter Mary Telfair helped shape the city’s early culture and civic life.

One of Savannah’s notable historic structures stands directly on the square: Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, the neoclassical mansion built in 1818 by Alexander Telfair (Mary’s brother). When Mary Telfair died in 1875, she bequeathed her home to the city. In 1886 it opened as Telfair Academy – the South’s first public art museum. Across the square sits the sleek Jepson Center (opened 2006), a modern counterpart to the old academy, both now part of the Telfair Museums. This blend of antebellum and contemporary architecture reflects the square’s layered history.

Religious life also flourished here. Trinity Methodist Church anchors one corner of the park. Founded in 1807, its current Greek Revival sanctuary was built in 1850. Trinity’s congregation (Savannah’s oldest Methodist church) adds another chapter to the square’s story. Sidewalks on the park’s north and south edges lead to these institutions, while an unobtrusive monument to Juliette Gordon Low (Girl Scouts founder) sits in the northeast corner, marking a 20th-century legacy.

While Telfair Square itself was never a battlefield or execution ground, the years have added rich context. Savannah endured epidemics, fires, and wartime occupations, and every local family felt these events.

Today, little green lawns and live oaks grace the square. The formal layout – four trust lots for institutions around four corner lots for residences – still exists, even if some original homes are gone. Instead, visitors find cultural landmarks: the Telfair Academy and Jepson art museums, Trinity Church, and those two small memorials (a chambered nautilus and a Girl Scout dedication). Together they make Telfair Square a living museum of Savannah’s past.

Why Is Telfair Square Considered Haunted?

Telfair Square’s haunted reputation comes less from one tragic event than from its association with Savannah’s broader ghostly lore. The square itself has no official record of an epic haunting, but its environs do. Storytellers and tour guides have long tied Telfair Square to the city’s paranormal tales, especially those surrounding its historic buildings.

Mary Telfair’s legacy at the Telfair Academy and nearby hospital contributes to the square’s eerie aura. Guides claim Mary Telfair (the last Telfair family member) still “patrols” the art museum she endowed, enforcing her 19th-century rules about silence and decorum.

In sum, Telfair Square inherited its spooky vibe by proximity. Early Savannah ghost tours (pioneered in the late 20th century) always circled back here because of the Telfair family mansion. Visitors began reporting odd phenomena: flickering lights in the museum or cold spots near a statue. Over time these stories became part of the narrative. In essence, the square is considered haunted because its historic neighbors are haunted in legend. Tour guides often answer “Yes, it’s haunted” when asked, citing appearances of Civil War–era ghosts or unsettled spirits from Savannah’s olden days. The supernatural lore has become woven into the square’s history, and the very atmosphere – Spanish moss under moonlight, centuries-old buildings lit by lamplight – makes even skeptics pause.

Visiting Telfair Square: What to Expect

Day vs. Night: By day, Telfair Square is a leisurely spot shaded by live oaks, with tourists snapping photos of its historic facades. You’ll hear birds and daytime chatter – it feels like any charming Southern park. As dusk falls, however, the atmosphere shifts. The square empties out, the old bricks cool, and lamplight creates deep shadows. At night the scene is quiet and mysterious, perfect for a ghost-story vibe. Many visitors report a palpable change after sunset: the hush of the square makes every creak of a branch or rustle of moss stand out. If you’re a photographer, plan a visit at twilight for “golden hour” shots of the Telfair Academy’s columns. As the sky darkens, the old buildings and monuments take on a cinematic quality – just be mindful that the park itself is not brightly lit, so use a flashlight or tripod for night photos.

Atmosphere: Expect a peaceful, park-like setting. The square is small but elegant: benches, brick paths, and two historic churches on opposite corners. The Girl Scout memorial and a chambered nautilus marker add local interest. At midday you might enjoy a break on a bench in the shade, surrounded by greenery and city sounds. Late at night, the mood is different – almost ethereal. If you visit alone after dark, you’ll likely feel as though you’ve stepped back a century; the square is usually empty and echoes only the distant sound of footsteps on nearby King Street.

Accessibility & Parking: The square is flat and paved, making it easy to walk or roll through. Sidewalk ramps connect to all four surrounding streets. There’s no dedicated parking lot for the square itself. On-street parking is available on nearby Barnard and Whitaker Streets (pay attention to meters/permits). A larger public lot is a few blocks north by Ellis Square (free after 7pm). If you’re coming by tour or trolley, note that many downtown ghost tours meet at or near Telfair Square; the Marshall House hotel (near Johnson Square) is a common starting point and is just a 5-minute walk away.

Things to Do Near Telfair Square

• Telfair Academy & Jepson Center: These art museums flank the square (north and south). Tour the classic Telfair mansion gallery and the modern Jepson Center galleries.

Is Telfair Square Worth Visiting?

Yes. While Telfair Square itself is a serene little park, it packs Savannah’s signature mix of history and mystery into one place. When you leave, you won’t just remember a pretty plaza – you’ll recall an experience. In daylight, the square offers a tangible link to the city’s colonial past, with museum galleries and park benches that invite reflection on bygone eras. By moonlight, it takes on a spine-tingling mood as if the stories we told you were true. The subtle interplay of live oak shadows and century-old brick pathways makes a walk through Telfair Square feel like roaming a film set infused with real history. Emotionally, visitors often note a shiver when they sit beneath the lantern-lit oaks at night – maybe from an autumn breeze, maybe from something unseen.

In historical terms, Telfair Square is a microcosm of Savannah. It is where you can appreciate Savannah’s art and architecture (Telfair Museums), Southern culture (Trinity Church), and quirky traditions (the Girl Scout monument) all at once. Those who come seeking ghosts won’t be disappointed either. Even if every haunting is up for debate, the atmosphere is undeniably evocative. For these reasons, travel writers often include Telfair Square on “most haunted places in Savannah” lists. The square’s legends bring added depth to its beauty; knowing the stories makes the bricks and walls feel alive. All told, whether you’re a history buff, paranormal enthusiast, or just love a moody Southern square, Telfair Square delivers on every front. It remains one of Savannah’s must-visit haunted spots, precisely because it engages your curiosity, your heart, and yes, a bit of your spine.

Frequently Asked Questions About Telfair Square