The city of Savannah, Georgia is situated in Chatham County where it likewise serves as the county seat. The former state capital of Georgia and the former colonial capital of the Province of Georgia is now an essential seaport and thriving industrial center. Savannah is the 4th largest city within Georgia State and part of the 3rd largest metropolitan area.
Savannah is a famous location for individuals to visit. Millions visit the city of Savannah each and every year, particularly to see the historic architecture. There really are many historic buildings, like for example the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, among the South's very first public museums, as well as the nation's oldest standing antebellum rail facility. The First African Baptist Church has among the oldest African American Baptist congregation in the nation. The historic home of Juliette Gordon Low, who founded of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America, is also within Savannah.
The history of the city dates as far back as 1733, when British General James Oglethorpe led an expedition along the Savannah River. Oglethorpe and Tomochichi, the local Yamacraw Indian chief, developed a friendship, which paved the way for the serene settlement of the city of Savannah. The 120 inhabitants on the ship founded the colony of Georgia, which was named in honor of England's King George II. As the first city of the colony, Savannah represented a new start for the poor emigrants from England. Its purpose was to strengthen the colonies by fostering trade. The fertile soil and mild climate of the region led to a significant industry of rice and cotton. But it was the cotton gin invention which boosted the city's fortunes. The city of Savannah became a successful commercial port.
Savannah suffered from an economic hardship and a protracted blockage during the Civil War, that ended in capture by the Union forces. Savannah once again flourished during the post-war reconstruction and also because of the cotton business. However, the Great depression and the devastating infestation of boll weevils brought Savannah down once more. The city was able to recoup after World War II.
The military, manufacturing and tourism are significant contributors to the city's economy. As among the biggest container ports in the country, the Port of Savannah contributes significantly to the economy. Transportation as a whole is an important sector. A lot of local residents are working in the diverse manufacturing sector, which consists of more than 250 manufacturing facilities within the county. One of the city's biggest companies is International Paper. One more is Gulfstream Aerospace, which manufactures private jets. The North American headquarters of JCB, amongst the largest manufacturers of construction equipment within the globe, is situated within the city.
The military has a strong presence in the region, and employs a large number of individuals at Hunter Army Airfield and Fort Stewart.