This square was laid out in 1734. It was the center of colonial government and was the original location for the House of Assembly, where the first reading of the Declaration of Independence took place in Georgia. Named for Georgia’s first colonial Governor, Reynolds square is one of the oldest areas of the city but many buildings have not survived to modern times due to the location of the square in the heart of the city’s present commercial district. The square started out as home to the colony’s Filature, which housed a failed experiment in Silk making. When the colony was founded there were great hopes that silk could be produced in Georgia to eliminate the need to import more costly material via the Silk Road that was established from China through Italy. Unfortunately, the cocoons of the silk worm could not mature properly in the humid Georgia climate. The Filature was converted to a meeting house, and even hosted a dance in honor of George Washington in 1791. Sadly, the building has not survived to present times.

• REVEREND JOHN WESLEY STATUE – The center of the square boasts one of Savannah’s most photographed monuments, a bronze statue of Reverend John Wesley, founder of the Methodist Church. John Wesley lived and ministered in Savannah for two years and was rector of nearby Christ Church for that period. It is said to depict him preaching outdoors to the Native Americans, a practice that caused some controversy. Church officials in England are said to have been scandalized by this practice.
• LUCAS THEATRE – Many important houses and buildings surround Reynolds Square and perhaps the most prominent is the Lucas Theater. A lovely example of how old treasures can be restored, the Lucas Theatre sits at the corner of Abercorn & Congress Streets. Built in 1921 to host silent film and vaudeville acts, the theater was refitted to show “talkies” when they made their debut. The theater fell into disrepair and was closed in 1976. Eventually in danger of demolition, a community partnership was formed to save the Lucas. Now beautifully modernized and painstakingly restored, the Lucas Theater is once again a notable entertainment venue in Savannah.
• OLIVER STURGIS HOUSE – (Southwest corner of square) Located at 27 Abercorn Street, it is one of Savannah’s most architecturally significant houses. Built in 1813, the home has many unique features. For example, it is one of only a few homes in Savannah known to have incorporated stabilizing iron earthquake rods into its construction, a feature seen more commonly to the north in Charleston. Note the decorative dolphin spouts that finish the rain gutters. Other features include an octagon shaped room added to the rear of the home before 1819 and a distinctive window above the portico.
• THE OLDE PINK HOUSE – Located at 23 Abercorn Street, is so named because of the distinctive color that comes from its walls which have a light, translucent layer of stucco applied over red brick. The magnificent home was built in 1789 for one of Savannah’s most successful cotton factors, James Habersham Jr. The building has served many purposes over the years, having been a private residence, a bank, and headquarters for Union General Zebulon York following the city’s surrender to General Sherman in 1864. Now home to an upscale restaurant and tavern, the home is often sought out by ghost hunters who claim the house to be haunted by the original owner’s ghost. James Habersham Jr. is reported to have hanged himself in the basement, and his spirit is said to be the most restless on Sunday afternoons.