Isle of Hope Historic District | Savannah, Georgia
Isle of Hope GA 31406Phone:
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The Isle of Hope National Historic District, with its expansive live oaks, magnolias, and azaleas, is as charming as its name implies. But it is somewhat false advertising because Isle of Hope is not really an island, but a sandy peninsula with a high blufflooking over to Skidaway Island across the intracoastal waterway at Skidaway Narrows and the Isle of Hope River. Whether on foot, bike, or car, visitors can view Isle of Hope's beautiful antebellum homes and old summer cottages in this picturesque community, which has been used many times as a setting for movies.
The Isle of Hope Methodist Church, located 412 Parkersburg Road, was built in 1859 prior to the start of the Civil War. The grounds were used as a Confederate battery, consisting of two 8-inch Columbiads and two 32-pound cannon. The church was used as a Confederate hospital during the Union occupation of the area in 1864, and the pews, still in existence, were used as beds. Carvings in the pews made by patients are still visible today. General Sherman, who didn't have much respect for organized religion, melted the church bell for cannonballs. A gallery in the back was for slaves. The historic cemetery holds the graves of 33 Confederates from Effingham County.
First settled in 1736 by Noble Jones, John Fallowfield, and Henry Parker, the area was recognized as an important defensive outpost on the young colony's inland U1Clrp"UF1U south from Savannah. Noble Jones's Wormsloe Plantation was the site of a fort that defended Savannah from Spanish attack until 1742. During the 1800s, the area attracted more residents and a small community known as Parkersburg was established. The area was fortified during the Civil War, but saw little action. After the Civil War, Isle of Hope became a popular resort community, with daily train service in the 1870s. Where the river met the railroad was Barbee's Pavilion, which became world renowned in the 1920s.
Historic Wormsloe Plantation; Bethesda, the oldest still-operating orphanage in America; and the Isle of Hope Marina are located on Isle of Hope. AlI these attractions are located a few miles away from each other and can be reached by car or bike.
