Monterey Square

Monterey Square is one of the 22 historic squares in Savannah, Georgia, located on Bull Street between Gordon and Taylor Streets. Laid out in 1847, the square was named to commemorate the Battle of Monterey during the Mexican-American War, in which a Savannah military unit, the Irish Jasper Greens, participated.

The centerpiece of Monterey Square is a towering monument dedicated to General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman who died fighting for American independence during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. The 55-foot tall Italian marble and granite monument, designed by Russian-born sculptor Robert Eberhard Launitz, was erected in 1853 and stands as a focal point of the square.

Surrounding Monterey Square are several notable historic buildings. The Mercer-Williams House, located on the southwest corner, is perhaps the most famous due to its association with the book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Built in the 1860s, this Italianate mansion now serves as a museum. On the eastern side of the square stands the Mickve Israel Synagogue, home to one of the oldest Jewish congregations in the United States, housed in a striking Gothic Revival building constructed in 1878.

The square itself is characterized by its lush landscaping, featuring towering live oak trees draped with Spanish moss, creating a picturesque canopy over the brick pathways. Benches scattered throughout the square provide visitors with places to rest and admire the historic surroundings. Monterey Square is often regarded as one of the most beautiful of Savannah's squares, offering a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city's historic district.