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Savannah Historical Hike
Savannah, Georgia, was settled by General Oglethorpe in 1733. He came up the Savannah River looking for a good place for a new settlement. He discovered a high bluff on the Savannah River, went back to Charleston, and brought about 100 settlers to present day Savannah. His planned city was established with “squares” that provided several advantages to the survival of Savannah. First, each square was used as an interior fort if Savannah was attacked by an enemy. Secondly, each square had a major government building or Church building designed into its development. This would guarantee that a major government facility would survive any major attack by an enemy force. Thus, Savannah’s unique planning created “north – south – east –west” roads and grids resulting in its present day squares.
The Colonies were settled along the Atlantic Ocean by immigrants from Europe who brought with them a yearning for religious freedom. Quakers, Catholics, Episcopalians, Moravians, Jewish immigrants, all these religions found their way to America’s shore.
In 1733 forty-two Jewish emigrants landed at Savannah. These were the original founders of the first synagogue in the United States, Mickve Israel. They brought with them all the trappings and necessary items to begin a synagogue in the new world, thus bringing to the shores of America the earliest roots of Judaism.
The first “Colored” Church founded in America was in 1777 by George Leile. In 1855, black slaves raised money to buy the property and build the First African Baptist Church in Franklin Square. This was unusual because slaves were not allowed to own property in the 1850’s and the money raised was put towards a Church instead of buying freedom from their masters.
From these humble beginnings sprang forth some of the most Holy and God inspired Churches in the south. This hike is dedicated to those early believers that formed and built some of the finest Churches and Synagogues in America.
The Coastal Empire Council reminds all visiting Boy Scout Troops that Scouts are Trustworthy, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, and Reverent. Please pay the highest respect to all property, fences, and gardens you pass as you hike. Remember your manners, and hike in a single file when necessary. Do not disturb animal or plant life, and be advised that many door entrances to people’s homes are at “street” level. Savannah is unique; it still has building styles and homes that were designed in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Their front doors open directly onto sidewalks, so you are passing by many private residences in close proximity to their living space. Keep this in mind as you hike.
Respect all Church property; treat every Church and Synagogue with reverence. Most of all, take a lot of pictures! You will not find any city in the United States with a more picturesque presentation than Savannah Georgia.
Have fun hiking and send your answers to the address listed at the end of the hike. For more information on bolos and patches for the “Savannah Historical Church Hike” contact the Coastal Empire Boys Scouts of America 912-927-7272.
Before the Hike make sure you have good walking shoes, water (canteen or camelback pack), first aid kit, snacks, a map of historical Savannah, and money for lunch! Boy Scout Troop 665, of Rincon Georgia, established this hike on 8 December 2007 in honor of the United States’ dynamic Judeo-Christian Heritage.
In God We Trust – A Scout is Reverent
