Savannah: African American History Tour

Savannah’s African American history tour provides an in-depth exploration of the city’s complex past. Participants journey through significant landmarks, uncovering the pivotal role enslaved Africans played in shaping the region’s identity. From the iconic Green-Meldrim House to the Second African Baptist Church, this 3-hour experience delves into Savannah’s intricate legacy of slavery and the African American struggle for freedom. As visitors uncover the resilience and cultural contributions of the enslaved, they’re left with a deeper understanding of how this history continues to impact the city today.

Key Points

1. The tour explores Savannah’s history of slavery and the African American struggle for freedom, visiting historic landmarks like the Green-Meldrim House and Second African Baptist Church.

2. The tour highlights the significant contributions of enslaved Africans to Savannah’s development, including their cotton cultivation techniques, weaving and pottery skills, and the creation of the Gullah language.

3. The tour emphasizes the role of cotton shipping in Savannah’s economy and its dependence on the labor of enslaved individuals, illustrating the essential contributions of enslaved Africans.

4. The tour provides insights into Savannah’s involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, including the Savannah Chapter of the NAACP’s desegregation efforts and the Savannah Movement.

5. The tour aims to foster meaningful dialogue and reflection on African American history, encouraging participants to engage thoughtfully and explore connections to the Gullah culture.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The Savannah: African American History Tour provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich African American heritage. Priced from CZK 1,445 per person, this 3-hour tour is conducted in English and includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

With a knowledgeable guide, you will journey through Savannah’s history of slavery and the African American community’s fight for freedom. The tour visits historic landmarks like the Green-Meldrim House, Second African Baptist Church, River Street, and Johnson Square, shedding light on the role of West African tribes in Savannah’s slave labor and the significance of cotton shipping and slave auctions.

This tour offers a thought-provoking and interactive experience, with opportunities to understand the path towards reconciliation and healing.

Experience Highlights

This tour journeys into Savannah’s history of slavery and the African American community’s fight for freedom.

Travelers will explore historic landmarks like the Green-Meldrim House, Second African Baptist Church, River Street, and Johnson Square.

Along the way, they’ll learn about the West African tribes and their role in Savannah’s slave labor, as well as the historical significance of cotton shipping and slave auctions.

The tour provides an extensive overview of the enslaved Africans and their contributions, with a focus on truth, reconciliation, and healing.

Connections to Gullah culture and robust storytelling make this an interactive and detailed exploration of Savannah’s African American history.

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless experience for participants.

Travelers will also benefit from the expertise of a knowledgeable tour guide who’ll share insights into Savannah’s rich African American history. The guide’s tips are included in the tour price, allowing guests to focus on the experience without worrying about additional costs.

This comprehensive package provides an immersive and informative journey through the city’s past, shedding light on the pivotal role of enslaved Africans and the community’s ongoing fight for freedom.

With all the key inclusions covered, participants can fully engage with the tour’s educational and thought-provoking content.

Participant Information

Participants should be aware that this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, as the itinerary involves navigating historic landmarks and sites.

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, the following items are recommended:

1. Wear comfortable shoes.
2. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
3. Stay hydrated by bringing water.
4. Dress appropriately for the weather.

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on the tour.

The goal is to provide a thought-provoking and enriching exploration of Savannah’s African American history, encouraging participants to engage in meaningful dialogue and reflection.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Savannah: African American History Tour, awarding it an exceptional 4.9/5 rating based on 33 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the tour’s exceptional overview of enslaved Africans and their contributions, calling it well-researched, interactive, and detailed. They emphasized the importance of truth, reconciliation, and healing, as well as the connections to Gullah culture.

The robust storytelling captivated participants, who recommended further exploration of the Civil Rights Movement.

Enslaved Africans’ Contributions

Over 400,000 enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to Savannah, making profound contributions to the region’s development. Their backbreaking labor fueled the cotton and shipping industries, while their rich cultural traditions influenced Savannah’s architecture, cuisine, and music.

Some key contributions include:

1. Pioneering techniques in cotton cultivation and processing.
2. Introducing West African weaving and pottery-making skills.
3. Developing the Gullah language, a unique creole dialect.
4. Preserving African spiritual practices that evolved into Savannah’s vibrant Voodoo culture.

The resilience and ingenuity of enslaved Africans left an indelible mark on Savannah’s history and continue to shape the city’s cultural identity today.

Significance of Cotton Shipping

Savannah’s rise as a major cotton shipping hub was inextricably linked to the forced labor of enslaved Africans. Cotton production in the region depended heavily on the grueling work of enslaved men, women, and children, who were subjected to brutal conditions. The significance of this cotton trade is illustrated in the following table:

Year	Cotton Exported (bales)	Enslaved Population
1820	60,000	39,000
1840	180,000	60,000
1860	300,000	103,000

This staggering growth in cotton exports was built on the backs of the enslaved, whose contributions were essential to Savannah’s economic rise and the nation’s burgeoning textile industry. Their story is a critical part of the city’s African American history.

Exploring Civil Rights Connections

The Savannah African American History Tour provides valuable insights into the city’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement.

The tour highlights several key connections:

1. The Second African Baptist Church, founded in 1788, served as a meeting place for civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and W.E.B. Du Bois.

2. The tour explores the legacy of the Savannah Chapter of the NAACP, which played a crucial role in the desegregation of public facilities in the 1950s and 1960s.

3. Participants learn about the Savannah Movement, a local civil rights campaign that protested racial segregation and inspired the national movement.

4. The tour emphasizes the ongoing work of community organizations dedicated to preserving African American history and promoting reconciliation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, but it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments. It’s recommended for participants who can comfortably walk and stand for the 3-hour duration of the tour.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to take photographs during the tour, though they’re advised to be respectful and avoid disrupting the experience. The tour guide can provide guidance on appropriate times and locations for photos.

Is Food and Drink Provided During the Tour?

Food and drink are not provided during the tour. However, visitors are encouraged to bring their own refreshments to stay hydrated and energized throughout the 3-hour experience exploring Savannah’s African American history.

Can We Purchase Souvenirs at the End of the Tour?

The tour does not include the opportunity to purchase souvenirs. However, participants are free to explore the local shops and markets in Savannah on their own after the tour concludes.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, as it states that it’s "Not suitable for people with mobility impairments." Participants will need to be able to walk and navigate historic landmarks during the 3-hour experience.

Recap

The "Savannah: African American History Tour" offers a profound exploration of the city’s complex legacy of slavery and the African American struggle for freedom. It encourages reflection on the resilience of enslaved Africans and their pivotal role in shaping Savannah’s identity and history, from West African cultural contributions to the significance of cotton shipping and civil rights connections. This immersive experience provides participants with a deeper understanding of Savannah’s African American heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: