Rising Voices: Underrepresented History (by Walk With Me Savannah Tours)

Rising Voices: Underrepresented History (by Walk With Me Savannah Tours) – A Deep Dive into Savannah’s Hidden Stories

If you’ve visited Savannah and think you’ve seen it all, this tour will surprise you. For just $40, you get a two-hour walk through some of the city’s most iconic squares and streets, but with a fresh perspective that shines a light on underrepresented voices. Led by knowledgeable guides like Sargon, this tour takes you off the beaten path to explore stories from Black, queer, female, and Native residents that are often overlooked in traditional sightseeing.

What we love about this experience is how it turns familiar landmarks into platforms for telling powerful stories—like how Haiti’s volunteers fought during the American Revolution, or how women like Juliette Gordon Low helped shape Savannah’s future. Plus, walking instead of riding means you get a close-up view of hidden corners and less touristy sights that make Savannah so special.

A possible consideration is the physical aspect—this tour involves walking about 15 minutes at each stop, so it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues. But for most travelers, especially those eager for a thought-provoking, authentic experience, this tour offers incredible value. It’s perfect for history buffs, social justice advocates, or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Savannah’s diverse past.

Who Should Join?

If you’re curious about stories seldom told and want to see Savannah through a different lens, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially well-suited for visitors who enjoy walking tours with context and insight, and who want to connect historical facts with contemporary issues. The reviews confirm that guides like Sargon are passionate and knowledgeable, making it a meaningful addition to any Savannah itinerary.

Key Points

• Unique perspective on Savannah’s history focusing on underrepresented groups
• Walking tour reveals hidden sights and adds intimacy to storytelling
• Expert guides like Sargon keep the experience engaging and informative
• Affordably priced at $40 for two hours of in-depth exploration
• Accessible and flexible, with options for start times to suit your schedule
• Highly rated for authenticity, depth, and storytelling quality

A Closer Look at the Tour: What to Expect

Overview of the Experience

This tour is designed to amplify the voices of Savannah’s marginalized communities—from Native Americans to Black residents, LGBTQ icons, and pioneering women. It’s a walk through history that aims to showcase stories often left out of mainstream narratives, delivered in a lively, approachable manner.

The Itinerary in Detail

Franklin Square: The Foundations of Resistance

Your journey begins at Franklin Square, where you’ll hear about Haiti’s volunteers during the American Revolution and clandestine schools that taught literacy to Black students at a time when education for Black Americans was illegal. The First African Baptist Church —home to the oldest African Baptist congregation in the US—also plays a role in stories about the Underground Railroad. Expect to hear about clandestine efforts for education and freedom, figures that helped forge African American history in Savannah.

Reviewers like James mention how much they appreciated the “wealth of knowledge” and the way the guide pivoted based on questions, adding depth to each story. This makes Franklin Square a compelling start, revealing hidden acts of resistance beneath the usual tourist surface.

City Market: From Oppression to Liberation

Next, you’ll stroll through City Market, where history and culture converge. You’ll see the iconic Club One, home of Lady Chablis, a Savannah LGBTQ icon. The tour also points out the building that once traded human beings, which was transformed into a freedmen’s school after emancipation—run by former slaves. It’s a powerful reminder of how spaces can be reclaimed and repurposed.

As Ashley notes, this segment was “refreshing to hear,” providing a perspective on Savannah’s LGBTQ history and Black resilience that isn’t often front and center.

Telfair Academy: Women Who Shaped Savannah

At Telfair Academy, the focus shifts to Mary Telfair, a woman who defied gender roles and championed preservation efforts. You’ll see how her legacy helped safeguard Savannah’s historic architecture and cultural identity. It’s a subtle but meaningful story of female agency in the city’s preservation movement.

Jeri comments that the guide’s enthusiasm and clarity made these lesser-known stories come alive, giving a sense of how individual actions can shape a city.

Wright Square: Native Voices in Savannah

Wright Square is a highlight, featuring Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief, and Mary Musgrove, a Creek woman who played a crucial role in Savannah’s founding. These native figures are often overshadowed by Oglethorpe, but here, you’ll learn how Native leadership was fundamental in shaping early Savannah.

Reviews praise the guide’s ability to connect a broad spectrum of stories, making this stop both educational and emotionally impactful.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace: Women’s Legacy

At this stop, you’ll learn about Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, and explore her unconventional family background, including her hearing loss, which didn’t stop her from making a global impact. The story emphasizes female empowerment and perseverance.

Reviewers like LindseyB highlight how this part of the tour “brought history to life,” showing how individual women influenced future generations.

Chippewa Square and Susie King Taylor

Here, you’ll learn about the Haitian community’s contribution to Savannah’s religious life, and about Susie King Taylor, a Black woman who served as a nurse and teacher during the Civil War. Her memoir and her efforts to open a school for Black children add vital layers to the city’s history.

RachelS mentions that despite the short stop, the stories of Susie King Taylor and the Haitian church enriched the experience.

Madison Square: The Roots of Reparations

This stop features the Green-Meldrim House and discusses Field Order 15, a promise of land and reparations led by Black community leaders during the Civil War. The story reveals how practical efforts for reparation were initiated but ultimately blocked—showing that pushback against racial justice isn’t new.

Famous for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Jim Williams is also discussed here, highlighting his role in Savannah’s restoration movement and his identity as a gay man—adding a layer of LGBTQ history to the city’s story.

Monterey Square: Celebrating Diversity and Resistance

Finally, at Monterey Square, you’ll see Count Casimir Pulaski’s monument and hear about his possible intersex identity—a recent discovery that challenges traditional narratives. The guide also discusses Jim Williams’ influence on Savannah’s preservation and the city’s LGBTQ scene.

Reviewers praise Sargon’s storytelling as “spectacular” and highlight how these stories deepen the understanding of Savannah’s complex social fabric.

Group Size and Accessibility

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour feels intimate enough to ask questions and engage directly with your guide. It’s mostly on foot, so expect about 15 minutes of walking at each stop—comfortable for most unless mobility is a concern. The tour starts at 901 W Saint Julian Street and ends at Monterey Square, making it convenient to continue exploring downtown Savannah afterward.

Practical Tips

• Book in advance, as the tour is popular and booked about 3 weeks ahead on average.
• The mobile ticket system makes it easy to join without fuss.
• It’s suitable for most travelers, including well-behaved pets and service animals.
• If weather looks bad, the tour may be canceled or rescheduled, so check the forecast.

Why This Tour Is a Must-Do

Beyond just sightseeing, this tour provides a meaningful perspective on Savannah’s history, shining a spotlight on voices traditionally marginalized. Guides like Sargon are praised for their enthusiasm, deep knowledge, and engaging storytelling—making these stories come alive. The value at $40 is evident in the wealth of insights, historical context, and the authentic experience of walking through a city that’s as layered as Savannah’s moss-draped oaks.

It’s particularly ideal for history lovers, social justice advocates, and curious travelers eager for a more nuanced understanding of the social forces that have shaped Savannah. If you want to see the city through a different lens and learn stories that will linger long after your trip, this tour is a genuine gem.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Since the tour involves walking about 15 minutes at each stop and is on foot, it’s best suited for travelers who can comfortably walk or roll. Those with mobility concerns should consider this before booking.

Can I join this tour if I have a tight schedule?
Yes, the tour offers flexible start times, making it easier to fit into your day. It lasts about 2 hours, which is a manageable amount of time for most itineraries.

What’s included in the price?
The $40 fee covers the guided walking tour, storytelling, and insights. The tour is free to join with a mobile ticket. Any admissions to sites are free since the stops are mostly outdoor or public spaces.

Are pets allowed on the tour?
Yes, well-behaved pets are welcome, so if you bring your furry friend, they can join you on this walk.

Is it a group tour?
Yes, the tour maintains a maximum of 20 travelers, fostering a personal and engaging experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to rain or storms, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Will I get a lot of walking?
The route involves walking to several key squares and sites, totaling approximately 15 minutes per stop, which should be manageable for most.

Can I customize the tour or ask questions?
Absolutely. Many reviewers appreciated the guide’s responsiveness to questions and ability to pivot the discussion based on interests.

To sum it up, Rising Voices offers a thoughtful and authentic look at Savannah’s diverse history, focusing on stories often ignored by conventional tours. The guides’ passion and knowledge make it not just educational but also genuinely engaging—bringing history alive through personal stories and community contributions. For travelers eager to go beyond the guidebook, this tour provides a meaningful, memorable, and valuable experience. It’s perfect for those who want to connect historical dots and leave Savannah with a richer understanding of its social tapestry.