Savannah’s Historic River Street

The historic River Street, paved with 200-year-old cobblestones, runs along the Savannah River. Once lined with warehouses that housed King Cotton, the neighborhood never fully recovered from the yellow fever epidemic and the subsequent quarantine of 1818. Abandoned for more than a century, it was rediscovered in the 1970s by local landowners and urban planners Determined to relive the history and glory of the old River Street.   In June 1977, at a cost of $ 7 million, a new coastline was inaugurated for the city of Savannah. Some 80,000 square feet of abandoned warehouse space was transformed into a colorful variety of shops, restaurants and art galleries.   The urban renewal project stabilized the center and revitalized the Historic District. Since then, the area has become a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Today, more than 70 businesses, stores and restaurants call River Street home. Informal and exclusive restaurants are located next to quaint specialty stores and art galleries.