Rising Voices: Underrepresented History (by Walk With Me Savannah Tours)

If you’ve been to Savannah before, you know how charming and packed with history the city is. But for those looking to see a side of Savannah that’s often tucked away—stories of Black, queer, female, and native residents—the Rising Voices: Underrepresented History tour by Walk With Me Savannah Tours offers something different and meaningful. We haven’t walked it ourselves, but based on glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, this tour stands out as a deep, insightful experience that goes beyond the usual tourist spots.

Two things we love about this tour are how it shines a spotlight on voices that are typically overlooked and how it connects history to contemporary issues, making it feel relevant and vital. Plus, the fact that it’s a well-structured, two-hour walk with flexible start times makes it accessible and manageable for most schedules.

One potential drawback? It’s a walking tour, so it requires some physical activity—about 15 minutes of walking at each stop. That said, the pace is considerate, and benches are often provided, which is a nice touch for those who need a breather. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy history, storytelling, and exploring cities on foot with a purpose beyond just sightseeing.

If you’re someone eager to understand the fuller picture of Savannah’s history and appreciate stories that aren’t always front and center, this tour could be a real eye-opener.

Key Points

• Focus on underrepresented voices: Black, queer, women, and native residents are at the heart of this tour.
• Walking exploration: Seeing Savannah on foot allows access to hidden corners and authentic neighborhoods.
• Unique stories: You’ll learn tales and history that often don’t make the guidebook cut.
• Flexible schedule: Multiple start times make it easy to fit into your day.
• In-depth stops: Each location offers insightful stories, from historic churches to squares and landmarks.
• High praise: It maintains a perfect 5-star rating with 50 reviews, indicating consistent quality and satisfaction.

An Honest Look at the Itinerary

The Rising Voices tour is organized around eight key stops, each packed with stories that illuminate underrepresented aspects of Savannah’s history. We’ll walk through each one, explaining what makes them special and what you can expect.

Franklin Square

Your journey begins here, a place rich with stories about Haitian volunteers during the American Revolution and clandestine schools that secretly taught Black children literacy at a time when education was outlawed for them. The First African Baptist Church is a highlight—it’s home to the oldest African Baptist congregation in the US and played a role in the Underground Railroad. Expect a compact stop (about 15 minutes) packed with significance.

Travelers have raved about this stop; one reviewer called it “absolutely incredible,” noting how the guide’s knowledge makes these stories come alive. The free admission makes it easy to soak in the history without extra costs.

City Market

Next up is City Market, a lively hub that has seen a lot over the centuries. It’s not just about shopping anymore—here you’ll see Club One, the venue of Lady Chablis, a beloved LGBTQ icon. You’ll also pass the building once used for the sale of enslaved people, which was later transformed into a freedmen’s school by those who had been enslaved there.

Travelers appreciate this part for its layered history. One review notes, “We loved the way it connected past and present,” highlighting how this stop makes the history of resistance and resilience tangible.

Telfair Academy

From the outside, the Telfair Academy looks stately, but the stories behind it are what really catch your attention. The focus here is on Mary Telfair, a woman who challenged gender expectations in her time and helped start the preservation movement in Savannah. This brief pause (around 10 minutes) offers a glimpse into influential women who played a role in shaping the city.

Visitors describe it as inspiring—“Sargon brought her story to life with passion,” one reviewer said—adding a personal touch to this historic figure.

Wright Square

Wright Square is a vivid reminder of Savannah’s Native roots. Here you’ll hear about Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief who negotiated Savannah’s founding, and Mary Musgrove, a Creek woman who bridged Native and settler worlds. Their influence rivals that of James Oglethorpe himself.

At this stop, about 15 minutes long, the stories of Native figures are woven with the broader history of the city. Reviewers mention that their understanding of Savannah’s founding feels much deeper after this segment.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum

One of Savannah’s most famous women, Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts, is the focus here. The tour explores her life, including her deafness, and how her unconventional path affected future generations of women. It’s a quick stop—just 5 minutes—but packed with inspiration.

People have complimented the guide’s ability to connect her story to broader themes of women’s roles and independence, making the visit memorable despite the short duration.

Chippewa Square

This square is most known for the famous bench scene from Forrest Gump, but it also holds deeper stories. The original site of Savannah’s Catholic Church, established by the Haitian community, is nearby. The square was also home to Susie King Taylor, a woman who served as a nurse and teacher during the Civil War, and who published a memoir.

The 15-minute stop offers a mixture of cultural and personal history, making it a meaningful part of the tour. Reviewers like the way it “connects the dots between different cultural influences,” enriching their appreciation of Savannah.

Madison Square

In front of the Green-Meldrim House, you’ll learn about Field Order 15, a landmark moment negotiated by Black leaders and a group of pastors. This story underscores early efforts at practical reparation and highlights overlooked African American agency during the Civil War era.

This segment, about 15 minutes, is praised for how it “gives voice to those often unheard in history,” according to reviews. It’s a compelling reminder that history is often shaped by community efforts.

Monterey Square

Your tour ends here with a look at Jim Williams, famous for Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, but also a visible LGBTQ figure who contributed significantly to Savannah’s preservation. You’ll also see the monument of Count Casimir Pulaski, a Revolutionary War hero who recent research suggests was likely intersex, adding another layer of complexity to his story.

This final stop, 15 minutes long, leaves you with thought-provoking stories connecting past and present. Reviewers mention how this ending “ties everything together,” leaving a lasting impression.

What’s It Like to Walk This Tour?

The entire experience takes around two hours, covering approximately eight key locations. The group size is limited to 20 people, creating an intimate environment where questions are welcomed and stories feel personal.

The pace is gentle, with plenty of opportunities to catch your breath and ask questions. Many reviewers mention that benches are provided, which is considerate for older or less mobile travelers. The tour departs from 901 W Saint Julian Street and concludes in Monterey Square, making it easy to plan your day around it.

Cost-wise, at $40 per person, the tour offers excellent value. Compared to many city tours, this one is packed with unique stories and insights that you won’t find in typical guidebooks or other tours. Several reviews call it “the best tour” they’ve taken in Savannah, thanks to the guide’s passion and knowledge.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

The reviews overwhelmingly praise the guide’s expertise and storytelling ability. Sargon, the guide, is called “full of knowledge,” “enthusiastic,” and “considerate,” making the experience both educational and engaging. The stories are described as “fascinating” and “well woven,” giving visitors a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Savannah’s history.

Travelers also love how the tour brings overlooked figures and stories to life, connecting past struggles and achievements to today’s conversations about race, gender, and identity. It’s a tour that feels meaningful and relevant, not just a surface-level sightseeing walk.

For those interested in social justice, underrepresented history, or just wanting a different perspective on Savannah, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for travelers who prefer storytelling with depth, and who enjoy walking through authentic neighborhoods rather than generic tourist spots.

Final Thoughts

If you’re visiting Savannah and want to go beyond the typical history tours, Rising Voices offers a fresh take that’s both respectful and eye-opening. The combination of knowledgeable guides, compelling stories, and accessible walking pace makes it a memorable experience for anyone looking to understand Savannah in a broader context.

It’s especially good for curious travelers who enjoy stories of resilience, activism, and community. The focus on underrepresented voices not only enriches your understanding of the city but also reminds us how diverse and layered American history truly is.

While self-awareness about the physical aspect is needed (since it’s a walking tour), if you’re okay with that, you’ll come away with a fuller picture of Savannah that lingers far longer than just the usual sightseeing highlights.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally designed for most travelers willing to walk about 15 minutes at each stop. Because of its focus on complex historical themes, younger children might not find it as engaging, but well-behaved older kids could enjoy it.

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 2 hours, covering multiple stops on foot. Expect to walk around the city’s historic squares and neighborhoods.

Can I choose my start time?
Yes, the tour offers flexible start times to fit your schedule.

What’s the price?
It costs $40 per person, which is quite reasonable given the depth and uniqueness of the stories.

Are tickets mobile?
Yes, the tickets are mobile, making it easy to join without paper tickets.

Is this a private tour?
No, the maximum group size is 20 travelers, which helps keep the experience personal and engaging.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to rain or other weather issues, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, the Rising Voices tour is a chance to see Savannah from a different angle—one that honors voices and histories that often go unheard. It’s well-loved, affordable, and deeply informative. Whether you’re a history buff, a social justice advocate, or simply curious about Savannah’s less-glamorous stories, this walk is likely to leave you with a new appreciation for the city and its complex past.