Emmet Park Explained

Emmet Park
Alt Name:The Strand
Irish Green (former name)
Type:Urban park
Location:Savannah, Georgia, United States
Area:4.55acres
Elevation:[1]
Owner:City of Savannah

Emmet Park, also known as The Strand, is an urban park in Savannah, Georgia, United States. Its most prominent section is located in the northeastern corner of the city's historic downtown area, in what was known as the Old Fort neighborhood, it continues in a dotted fashion for around west along Bay Street to its intersection with Jefferson Street. Monuments occupy several of the individual sections.

History

Formerly known as the Irish Green, established with the help of Wexford native William Kehoe,[2] the park was named in 1902 for Irish orator Robert Emmet,[3] in commemoration of the centennial of his death,[4] although Emmet did not visit Savannah during his life.[3]

Five memorials stand in Emmet Park: an Irish Celtic Cross memorial, a Vietnam War veterans memorial, a Korean War memorial, a Chatham Artillery memorial and a memorial to Dr. Noble Wimberly Jones.[5]

Old Harbor Light also stands in the park, at its eastern extremity. It was erected in 1858.[6]

The park is a focal point for Savannah's Saint Patrick's Day celebration, one of the country's largest after Boston.[7]

Live oaks

The live oak trees that line the sidewalk between The Strand and Bay Street were first planted in 1857. They replaced rows of Chinaberry trees that were planted in the late 18th century.[8]

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://www.freemaptools.com/elevation-finder.htm Elevation Finder
  2. Web site: Man of Iron: William Kehoe . 2022-03-19 . Freeman's Rag . en.
  3. https://www.savannahnow.com/special/20190306/five-key-irish-contributors-to-savannahs-history-heritage "Five key Irish contributors to Savannah’s history, heritage"
  4. https://georgiahistory.com/ghmi_marker_updated/savannahs-irish-and-robert-emmet-park/ Savannah’s Irish and Robert Emmet Park
  5. https://georgiahistory.com/education-outreach/historical-markers/hidden-histories/savannah-irish-and-robert-emmet-park/ Savannah Irish and Robert Emmet Park
  6. https://georgiahistory.com/ghmi_marker_updated/old-harbor-light/ Old Harbor Light
  7. Monaco, Rachael (March 10, 2013). "Second oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in United States hosted by Philadelphians." Examiner. Denver, CO: Clarity Digital Group, LLC.
  8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Rj8Ajey4M "Savannah's Historic Waterfront An Architectural and Urban Tour"