The bench is curved granite with scrolled ends, two semi-circular steps lead to the bench with the top step decorated with a stone tile mosaic, oval-shaped with a Mediterranean style scroll motif around the perimeter.

A growing desire to resurrect a monument to General Oglethorpe had loomed in Savannah for many years prior to the decision of the bench.  The earliest notation of creating a memento was in 1890 with patriotic societies such as the Sons of the Revolution, the Daughter of the American Revolution, The Colonial Dames, The Daughters of the Confederacy, etc. and in 1901 the ad hoc Oglethorpe Monument Association was incorporated from the aforementioned societies and was unable to receive appropriation for a statue.  Without assistance from other groups, The Colonial Dames seemed impatient and selected the bench memorial rather than awaiting consensus.

Text from the historical marker reads:

LANDING OF OGLETHORPE AND THE COLONISTS

James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, landed with the original colonists, about 114 in number, at the foot of this bluff on February 1 (February 12, new style), 1733. The site where he pitched his tent is marked by the stone bench located about 100 feet west of this marker.

Savannah was for more than 100 years built according to Oglethorpe’s unique city plan. Bull Street, the principal street of the city, is named in honor of colonel William Bull of Charleston, S.C., who assisted Oglethorpe in laying out the city.

The colonists sailed in the ship Anne from Gravesend, England, November 17, 1732; landed at Charles Town, S.C., January 13, 1733; proceeded later to Beaufort, S.C., and thence, in small boats, through the inland waterway to Yamacraw Bluff. The town site had already been selected by Oglethorpe in friendly negotiation with Tomo-chi-chi, Mico of the Yamacraws, and with Mary Musgrove, the English- speaking, half-breed Indian princess who later, as niece of Emperor Brim of the Creek Nation, claimed sovereignty of southeastern Georgia.

025-1 GEORGIA HISTORICAL MARKER 1982

Look into the sky this Saturday night for NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS as presented by Wet Willie’s! Make your way to Savannah’s riverfront and no matter where you choose to bring in the New Year… step outside at midnight and enjoy a sky full of fireworks over the beautiful Savannah River!

Please note the New Year’s Eve Fireworks show will be in lieu of the January 6, 2012 First Friday Fireworks.

Bring in 2012 safely: designate a driver and celebrate responsibly! For anyone in the Savannah area who plans on celebrating New Years with libations in a favorite pub, club, restaurant or at friends, Budweiser and AAA have teamed up again for TOW TO GO. Do not drive under the influence! All you have to do is call 1-800-AAA-HELP (1-800-222-4357) and a tow truck will pick you and your vehicle up – and take you both home… ALL FOR FREE! Holidays are meant for fun and friendship; do not jeopardize yours or someone else’s life, or risk getting a DUI. For info go to http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_news/tow_to_go.asp

The fireworks are sponsored by Wet Willie’s and Savannah Riverfront.

Haul out the holly, bundle up and experience the magic of the season – Savannah Style! It’s two days of holiday celebration on historic River Street! Join the Savannah Riverfront and a plaza full of artisans and crafters offering unique, one-of-a-kind shopping right before the holidays! It’s all on Historic River Street December 2nd and 3rd, 2011!

Start your holiday weekend off right with Wet Willie’s First Friday Fireworks exploding over the Savannah River at 9:30PM and then head back to the river Saturday for exceptional shopping for the good boys and girls on your list – you might even find a present for yourself! There will be plenty of seasonal music, performances, dancing and more to put that old Grinch in the holiday spirit! You’ll find it all Rousakis Riverfront Plaza from 9am to 8pm (Saturday.) Be sure to visit A&D Concessions for some holiday inspired food! Historic River Street has more than 100 shops, restaurants, and pubs to complete your weekend!

DJ’s-to-Go will fill the air with holiday music and you will not want to miss all the special performances including: Coastal Performing Arts Academy, Marylin Youman’s School of Dance, CC Express Cloggers, Ivy Eilerman, The Gretchen Greene Dancers, and more!

Savannah’s Lighted Christmas Parade starts on West River Street at 5:30PM and then meanders throughout downtown via Bay, Abercorn, Broughton, and Montgomery Streets, ending at Ellis Square – so nice, you can watch it twice! Savannah’s streetcar, “Dottie” will lead off this completely lighted parade that has over 40 units, nearly 600 walkers and marks the official arrival of Santa Claus himself in a horse-drawn carriage! We are very proud to announce the 2011 Parade Grand Marshall: Honorable Mayor Otis S. Johnson!

Other attractions include the tall ship Peacemaker near the Barnard Street Ramp and a glimpse of the USS Normandy (CG 60), interactive games to thrill children of all ages, and Verizon Wireless will be on site with fun and exciting give-aways, displays, and more! Be sure to visit all of our wonderful Savannah area non-profit organizations!

The Westin First Friday Oyster Roast 7:00PM until 10:00PM with fireworks at approximately 9:30PM! This monthly event features a traditional Low-country Oyster Roast and entertainment all situated in the resort setting with great views of downtown Savannah, the River, and Wet Willie’s First Friday Fireworks! S’mores and grill items also available as well as a full bar. Free parking or free ferry service to the island from River Street.

This Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributing Event is hosted by the Savannah Riverfront, and is sponsored by Wet Willie’s, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, and your friends at Clear Channel Radio!

The Liberty was captured on May 11, 1775 during a raid on Skenesboro.  The raid was led by Capt. Samuel Herrick and allowed The Liberty to come under American control.

The vessel, later named Liberty in honor of the patriotic cause, sailed to Fort Ticonderoga to obtain a full crew of 35 men.  After rowing all night in smaller boats to ensure the secrecy provided by the night fall, the crew raided St. Jean – the British Shipyard on the lake – surprised the fort and its protectors – and
captured sloop George.  George was quickly renamed the Enterprise – giving the Americans undisputed control of the entire lake – as well as a look at its first Naval Armada.

The two ships returned to Skenesboro to enlist new vessels to their charge and became mainstream forces during the Canadian campaign’s fight against the British.  During the battle of Valcour Island, The First Liberty was fortunate to be away on a supply run and escaped the devastatingly horrific and tragic ending of The Enterprise.

Unfortunately, The First Liberty met with its final battle nearly seven months later by the Burgoyne’s march south.  The untimely demolition of The First Liberty has made her history a difficult one to track.

The monument forever seals Savannah’s glory as being the first port to launch what would ultimately become the beginnings of The Naval Fleet.  The First Liberty’s success allowed the Americans to know that even prior to the Revolutionary War, battles at sea were winnable.

Before heading to Picnic in the Park at Forsyth Part this afternoon – come play on Savannah’s Riverfront.  Musicians Jeff Beasley and Rhinelander’s Oompah start at noon and Southern Explosion Dancers begin at 2pm.  Bring the whole family to enjoy!

Oktoberfest on the River has been named one of Georgia’s top three “Best Oktoberfests” (Yahoo Travel, September, 2010), so pull your dirndls and lederhosen out of the closet, put on your Bavarian dancing shoes and head to historic River Street to Get Your Oompah On!                     

The Savannah Riverfront’s Oktoberfest is presented by Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributing and is Sponsored by Wet Willies, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Roger Wood Foods, Savannah Morning News, Repicci’s Italian Ice, The Real Yellow Pages, 98.7 The River and all our friends at Clear Channel Radio!

The Savannah Waterfront Association, LTD. d/b/a Savannah Riverfront promotes the eclectic vitality of the shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels that create the one-of-a-kind, family-friendly experience found nowhere else in the world than Savannah’s historic riverfront.  The SWA is a 501 (c)(3) private organization whose mission is to promote, preserve and enhance the historic character and productive use of the Savannah riverfront community for all to enjoy.  For more than 30 years, Savannah Riverfront has been a integral partner on such projects as First Friday Fireworks, public docks, the hospitality center, streetcar, Maritime History Panel project, cleaning initiatives and other improvements to the riverfront.  Through sponsorship, membership and events, the Savannah Riverfront produces and funds improvements, firework shows and the world class River Street festival series at no cost to the public.   For more information on the Savannah Riverfront, (Bay Street, Factors Walk, River Street, Hutchinson Island), please visit us at  RiverStreetSavannah.com!

It’s a Wiener Dog Racing, Bratwurst Tasting, Chicken Dancing heck of a good time September 30 through October 2 nd at the 28 th Annual Oktoberfest on the River presented by Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributors!  Enjoy a bit of Germany… Savannah style with multiple beverage stations offering a variety of beer, wine and Coke products, food vendors, Repicci’s Italian Ice, Savannah Kettle Corn, a large juried Arts & Crafts Show, tall ship Peacemaker  and of course the Wiener Dog Races!

Enjoy a bit of Germany… Savannah style with multiple beverage stations offering a variety of beer, wine and Coke products, food vendors, Repicci’s Italian Ice, Savannah Kettle Corn, Wet Willies a large juried Arts & Crafts Show and of course the Wiener Dog Races!

Visit the Oktoberfest Fun Zone and get your Oompah on with Verizon Interactive fun and games, food, beverages, Solid Rock Games (for all ages!) and more!   The area’s largest juried arts, crafts, non-profit and sponsor exhibitors make this a great and exciting event!  Start training early for the Roger Wood Foods Sausage Eating Contest at 2pm on Saturday ~ Cash Prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Places!  See the Southern Explosion dancers Sunday at 2pm!

Jeff Beasley will entertain along the WWII plaza and Rhinelanders Oompah will keep everyone chicken dancing Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoons!  Savannah’s Individually Twisted will open at 7pm on Friday night for Brandon Giles and the Tricky Two and The Variations will open at 7pm for Justine Blazer Saturday night on the Southern Eagle Arbor Stage!

The 12th Annual Wiener Dog Races, sponsored by Savannah Morning News and benefiting Dachshund Rescue of North America, will return to Morrell Park (Waving Girl) again this year; on-site registration begins at 8am and the races begin at 10am!  Four exciting new contests will take place during the races this year!  Register early online at Savannahnow.com/wienerdogs.

Visit the Bayou Café food booth and get your beer filled pretzel bites!  *NOTE: You must be at least 21 years of age to purchase!

Full Schedule

Festival Hours: Friday & Saturday 9am -12am, & Sunday 9am-6pm

Make it a safe weekend; if you decide to celebrate, designate!  Designate a driver or call Tow-to-Go.  AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser are teaming up once again to keep roads safe over the Oktoberfest weekend.  Anyone who has had too much to drink can secure a free ride and tow home. All you have to do is

Call Tow-to-Go at 1-800-AAA-HELP (4357).

Oktoberfest on the River has been named one of Georgia’s top three “Best Oktoberfests” (Yahoo Travel, September, 2010), so pull your dirndls and lederhosen out of the closet, put on your Bavarian dancing shoes and head to historic River Street to Get Your Oompah On!

The Savannah Riverfront’s Oktoberfest is presented by Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributing and is Sponsored by Wet Willies, Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, Roger Wood Foods, Savannah Morning News, Repicci’s Italian Ice, The Real Yellow Pages, 98.7 The River and all our friends at Clear Channel Radio!

The Savannah Waterfront Association, LTD. d/b/a Savannah Riverfront promotes the eclectic vitality of the shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels that create the one-of-a-kind, family-friendly experience found nowhere else in the world than Savannah’s historic riverfront.  The SWA is a 501 (c)(3) private organization whose mission is to promote, preserve and enhance the historic character and productive use of the Savannah riverfront community for all to enjoy.  For more than 30 years, Savannah Riverfront has been a integral partner on such projects as First Friday Fireworks, public docks, the hospitality center, streetcar, Maritime History Panel project, cleaning initiatives and other improvements to the riverfront.  Through sponsorship, membership and events, the Savannah Riverfront produces and funds improvements, firework shows and the world class River Street festival series at no cost to the public.   For more information on the Savannah Riverfront, (Bay Street, Factors Walk, River Street, Hutchinson Island), please visit us at  RiverStreetSavannah.com!

Visit on the web at RiverStreetSavannah.com                                     Enjoy historic River Street… Recycle and Oompah Responsibly!

Pier to Peer story:  DANMARK

Coming to Savannah on September 13 – 17, the majestic, training ship DANMARK, considered Denmark’s nautical ambassador.  Captain Kurt Andersen and Crew will host open ship for the general public.

Proud history with the United States

During World War II, Denmark became occupied on April 9, 1940 while the training ship DANMARK was on a routine training mission in U.S. waters (Jacksonville, Florida). In agreement with the Danish Ambassador to the United States, the Honorable Henrik Kauffmann, Captain Knud L. Hansen placed his training ship at the disposal of the U.S. Government; however, neutrality prevented the acceptance of the offer until December 7, 1941 when Pearl Harbor was attacked.

 From that point onward and until the end of the WW II, DANMARK and Capt. Knud L. Hansen served under the Stars and Stripes training some 2500 U.S. officer cadets. These young men received a first-class education in responsible seamanship under Capt. Knud L. Hansen’s capable leadership and strict discipline; later they would serve in the U.S. Navy.

 The First Officer of DANMARK during the war was Knud Langevad, and he was in charge of training the U.S. cadets. He also convinced U.S. authorities of the value of learning seamanship on a tall ship, and following the war the U.S. Coast Guard purchased its well-known tall ship the U.S. EAGLE, to replace the DANMARK. This close Danish-American teamwork lasted until September 26, 1945, when DANMARK and her Captain were returned to the Danish Government with full honors. The Danish gesture is still remembered and appreciated in the USA.

Reflecting the special kinship between the DANMARK and the U.S. EAGLE, DANMARK sails as the first foreign ship behind the EAGLE in official Tall Ship Parades. This was the case on July 4, 1986, when DANMARK was honored with the number two position sailing behind the EAGLE during the Parade of Tall Ships celebrating the 100^th birthday of the Statue of Liberty, and again in 2000 when the DANMARK sailed as the first foreign ship behind the EAGLE during the Millennium Voyage of Tall Ships along the East Coast from Miami to Boston.

This year DANMARK is going to visit two ports at the US East Coast, Savannah, September 13-17 and Philadelphia, September 23-27. Afterwards the ship will cross The Northern Atlantic and return back to Denmark.

During the vessel’s stay in Savannah there will be open ship to the public on

Wednesday / 14 September, 2 – 4:30 pm

Thursday / 15 September, 2 – 4:30 pm

Friday / 16 September, 2 – 4:30 pm

Saturday / 17 September, 10 – 11:30 am

The Ship
Built in 1933, the DANMARK is a steel-hulled, three-masted fully-rigged ship. It has served as training vessel for young people seeking careers at sea.

The ship is property of the Kingdom of Denmark and is capable of sailing around the world.

The Sails
The ship has 26 sails and 219 ropes. A main engine is used in low wind conditions.

The Crew
The ship has a permanent crew of 15 consisting of: Captain, Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, Deck Officers, Doctor, Chief Steward, cooks and quartermasters.

The Trainees
DANMARK has 80 trainees – young men and women ages 17-23 whose voyage is part of a basic training program to qualify for a career in the merchant navy. 

The training
Training consists of safety at sea, navigation, engineering, maritime technology, electro technology, seamanship, watch duties, hygiene and English. Teamwork and co-operation are also important qualities developed to make the ship sail in a safe and efficient manner.

The challenge
When signing on the DANMARK, the trainees meet the challenge of living, studying and working in a maritime environment which is intense and challenging.  They all sleep in hammocks during a cruise which lasts 16 weeks. Their private life is limited to the hammock, a small cabinet and a small locker. 

The trainees perform nearly all the practical tasks; watch duties etc. on board under the supervision of the crew. They are also taught theoretical subjects by the crewmembers.The working hours can be very long – up to 10-12 hours daily divided in watch duties, practical work and theory lessons.

The DANMARK forms an excellent teaching environment which combines theory and practice.  The trainees achieve technical and social skills difficult to obtain in traditional training environments.

Facts about the ship:
Owner: Ministry of Economics and Business Affairs, Denmark
Operator:             MARTEC, Haanbaekvej 54, 9900 Frederikshavn, Denmark
Built:                       1933, Nakskov, Denmark shipyard
Hull:                        Steel
Gross tonnage:  737
Length:                 197 feet
Width:                   33 feet
Draft:                     16’
Height above water line:  131 feet
Crew:                     15
Trainees:               80
Rig:                         Square rigged – 3 masts
Sails:                      26
Rigging:                219 lines

The Savannah Waterfront Association, LTD. d/b/a Savannah Riverfront promotes the eclectic vitality of the shops, restaurants, pubs and hotels that create the one-of-a-kind, family-friendly experience found nowhere else in the world than Savannah’s historic riverfront.  The SWA is a 501 (c)(3) private organization whose mission is to promote, preserve and enhance the historic character and productive use of the Savannah riverfront community for all to enjoy.  For more than 30 years, Savannah Riverfront has been a integral partner on such projects as First Friday Fireworks, public docks, the hospitality center, streetcar, Maritime History Panel project, cleaning initiatives and other improvements to the riverfront.  Through sponsorship, membership and events, the Savannah Riverfront produces and funds improvements, firework shows and the world class River Street festival series at no cost to the public.   For more information on the Savannah Riverfront, (Bay Street, Factors Walk, River Street, Hutchinson Island), please visit us at  RiverStreetSavannah.com!

From the Humane Society hosting an information session and booking times for adoptions at their office to bouncy houses for the kids to Pink Fire Trucks…there really is something for everyone.

Even the dogs brought out to enjoy the festival had a great time.

“We’re excited.  We’ve had the opportunity to educate some people about the care of their dogs, the amount of pets we have currently for adoption at the shelter, and we’ve reserved a number of appointments for adoption this very weekend,” explained Kelly Nelson with The Humane Society Greater Savannah.

“We even have one puppy that’s going to his new home in New Jersey thanks to Savannah Riverfront.”

Of course it just wouldn’t be River Street without spontaneous line dancing in Rousakis Plaza.  We’re still going strong throughout the long weekend with lots of events, vendors, food, beverages, bouncy houses and more!

What goes better with a Labor Day weekend than Bull’s Eye BBQ? Free Bull’s Eye BBQ Sauce sampling will be available Saturday and Sunday on the plaza across from Washed Ashore!

Please make it a safe weekend; if you decide to celebrate, designate! Designate a driver or call Tow-to-Go. AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser are teaming up once again to keep roads safe over the Labor Day weekend. Anyone who is impaired can secure a free ride and tow home. All you have to do is Call Tow-to-Go at 1-800-AAA-HELP (4357).

River Street’s Labor Day Celebration is presented by Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributors and is sponsored by Wet Willie’s, Coca-Cola, Bull’s Eye BBQ, Wells Fargo, Repicci’s Italian Ice & Coffee and your friends at Clear Channel radio!

The event is hosted by the Savannah Riverfront and is free and open to the public!

Start this Labor Day holiday weekend off with a Pop! Boom! Bang as Wet Willie’s First Friday Fireworks fill the night sky at 9:30pm on September 2nd followed by two days of arts, crafts, food, drink and entertainment!

Let us do the work! On Saturday and Sunday, visit a plaza full of great artisans selling unique and distinctive works ranging from simple craft to fine art, plus DJ’s-to-Go, Repicci’s Italian Ices, Savannah Kettle Corn and fresh cooked concessions. Ice cold Coke products plus Bud Light, Yuengling and Fat Tire adult beverages will make your weekend labor-free and packed with fun!

The Savannah Craft Brew Fest is right across the river on beautiful Hutchinson Island. Start your day or end your day enjoying the many flavors offered at this great event, but be sure to make your way back to River Street and end the night dancing under the stars on Rousakis Riverfront Plaza to the sounds of The Variations performing live at 7pm!

Solid Rock Games will bring out the kid in everyone in the Labor Day Fun Zone across from the Exchange Tavern and Savannah’s Candy Kitchen all weekend long! The Humane Society will have pups on site as a part of their adoption campaign; other non-profits include the Savannah Art Association, our Civil Air Patrol and more! What goes better with a Labor Day weekend than Bull’s Eye BBQ? Free Bull’s Eye BBQ Sauce sampling will be available Saturday and Sunday on the plaza across from Washed Ashore!

Please make it a safe weekend; if you decide to celebrate, designate! Designate a driver or call Tow-to-Go. AAA Auto Club South and Budweiser are teaming up once again to keep roads safe over the Labor Day weekend. Anyone who is impaired can secure a free ride and tow home. All you have to do is Call Tow-to-Go at 1-800-AAA-HELP (4357).

River Street’s Labor Day Celebration is presented by Verizon Wireless and Southern Eagle Distributors and is sponsored by Wet Willie’s, Coca-Cola, Bull’s Eye BBQ, Wells Fargo, Repicci’s Italian Ice & Coffee and your friends at Clear Channel radio!

The event is hosted by the Savannah Riverfront and is free and open to the public!