Emmet Park

Emmet Park, located in Savannah, Georgia, is a historic urban green space situated along Bay Street in the northeastern corner of the city's historic downtown area. Originally known as "The Strand" and later as "Irish Green," the park was renamed in 1902 to honor Robert Emmet, an Irish patriot who became a hero to Savannah's Irish community.

The park stretches for several blocks, providing a shaded respite with its canopy of mature live oak trees. These oaks, planted in 1857, replaced the original rows of Chinaberry trees that had stood since the late 18th century. The trees are draped with Spanish moss, creating a picturesque Southern landscape that has become iconic of Savannah.

Emmet Park serves as a repository for various monuments and memorials, reflecting the city's rich history. Notable among these is the Celtic Cross, sculpted in Ireland and installed in 1983 to honor Georgia's Irish heritage. Other significant monuments include the Chatham Artillery Monument, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Korean War Memorial, each commemorating different aspects of military service and sacrifice.

At the eastern end of the park stands the Old Harbor Light, a navigational aid from the mid-19th century that once guided ships entering Savannah's harbor. The park also features the City Exchange Bell, a replica bell tower housing a historic bell that once rang from the City Exchange Building to signal various civic events.

Emmet Park continues to play a significant role in Savannah's cultural life, particularly during Irish heritage celebrations. It serves as a focal point for the city's St. Patrick's Day festivities, one of the largest such celebrations in the United States outside of Boston.