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, the park was named in 1902 for Irish orator Robert Emmet,"Five key Irish contributors to Savannah’s history, heritage" - Savannah Morning News, March 6, 2019 in commemoration of the centennial of his death,Savannah’s Irish and Robert Emmet Park - Georgia Historical Society although Emmet did not visit Savannah during his life.
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.Savannah Irish and Robert Emmet Park - Georgia Historical Society
Old Harbor Light also stands in the park, at its eastern extremity. It was erected in 1858.Old Harbor Light - Georgia Historical Society
The park is a focal point for Savannah's Saint Patrick's Day celebration, one of the country's largest after Boston.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.
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."Savannah's Historic Waterfront An Architectural and Urban Tour" – Dr Robin Williams, the Chair of Architectural History at Savannah College of Art and Design, Urban Traces, YouTube, May 4, 2020 (Emmet Park section begins at 30:00)
Gallery
References
External links Emmet Park information board, erected in 2003 Photos of Emmet Park