Welcome to Thomas Square: A Neighborhood Built by the Rails
Nestled just south of Savannah’s celebrated historic district lies a charming, bustling neighborhood steeped in history and full of Southern warmth: the Thomas Square Streetcar District. Known for its eclectic architecture, lively community spirit, and storied past, Thomas Square has long been a keystone of growth and culture in Savannah, Georgia. The neighborhood’s evolution from a streetcar suburb to a vibrant urban enclave is a journey as fascinating as the city itself.
Origins: The Birth of a Streetcar Suburb
The roots of Thomas Square stretch back to the late 19th century, a pivotal era when streetcar lines extended Savannah’s urban reach beyond its colonial grid. Unlike downtown’s revolutionary-era squares, Thomas Square was planned during Savannah’s rapid expansion, when rumors of economic prosperity and modern conveniences promised “country living” at the city’s edge.
The district gets its name from Thomas Square, an open space at the intersection of 35th Street and Bull Street. Interestingly, while the name “Thomas Square” evokes the city’s famed public squares, the area was never formally designed in the style of Oglethorpe’s original wards. Instead, it refers to a modest green triangle named for the influential Thomas family—landowners and civic leaders instrumental in nurturing the early neighborhood.
With the electric streetcar’s arrival in the 1890s, ambitions soared. The “Belt Line” streetcar route ran along Bull Street and intersected with key east-west arteries like Victory Drive and Henry Street, making Thomas Square one of Savannah's first true streetcar suburbs. The area soon attracted residents from diverse backgrounds, eager to enjoy trolley access and leafy lots just a short ride from the bustling downtown.
Key Historical Milestones
Throughout the early 20th century, the Thomas Square Streetcar District flourished. Its boundaries—generally defined by Anderson Lane to the north, Victory Drive to the south, Price Street to the east, and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the west—became Savannah’s testing ground for modernity.
Some key milestones in the neighborhood’s rich tapestry include:
- 1890s: The electric streetcar begins operating, enabling residents to commute to downtown with ease and spurring housing booms.
- 1905: The development of Daffin Park, bordering the southern edge, brings communal green space and recreational opportunities to the district.
- 1920s: Construction surges, giving rise to tree-lined avenues filled with Craftsman bungalows, Colonial Revivals, and Victorian-inspired homes.
- Mid-20th Century: As car ownership rises and streetcar lines vanish, the neighborhood adapts, welcoming an influx of new residents and small businesses.
Notable Landmarks and Historic Buildings
One of the threads tying the past to the present in Thomas Square is its extraordinary architecture. The area boasts a delightful mix of historic homes, some lovingly restored and others displaying the genteel patina of age.
- The Bull Street Corridor: Stretching north and south through the heart of the district, Bull Street remains Thomas Square’s main artery. Here, you’ll find the former Streetcar Barn—now a Savage Craft brewery—and the iconic Starland Dairy, whose retro façade is a nod to the neighborhood’s industrial heritage.
- Sacred Heart Catholic Church: Located at 1707 Bull Street, this Gothic Revival church has served the community for over a century, its bell tower and stained glass windows lending a sense of reverence and continuity.
- Desoto Row and the Gwinnett Street School: Desoto Avenue’s row houses showcase fine examples of early 20th-century residential design, while the now-revitalized Gwinnett Street School building speaks to the neighborhood’s commitment to education and reinvention.
- Daffin Park: Not directly within Thomas Square’s current boundaries but a stone’s throw away, Daffin Park was designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. Its vast stretches of lawn and shady oaks have made it a beloved gathering place for neighborhood families for over a century.
The Community Spirit: Growth, Diversity, and Creativity
Thomas Square’s greatest asset has always been its people. Over decades, the district has become a cultural crossroads for Savannah—home to educators, artists, families, and entrepreneurs. From the early trolley era to the present, each wave of residents has left its imprint, making the neighborhood a true patchwork of heritage and hope.
During the latter half of the 20th century, the district experienced both decline and renewal. Mid-century suburban flight led to periods of disinvestment, but many historic buildings survived thanks to passionate local preservationists. By the 1990s and early 2000s, Thomas Square was rediscovered by a new generation seeking walkability, affordability, and character. The revitalization effort was supported by city planners and grassroots organizations dedicated to maintaining the neighborhood’s unique charm.
Evolution Into the 21st Century
Today, Thomas Square Streetcar District is celebrated for its dynamic blend of old and new. Independent shops, cafes, and galleries buoyed the area’s “Starland District” creative boom, especially along Bull, Whitaker, and Victory streets. Rooted institutions like Savannah Arts Academy anchor the neighborhood with educational excellence and cultural programming.
Community events, from neighborhood yard sales to porch concerts, foster a friendly, inclusive vibe. Streetscapes lined with Live Oaks and azaleas evoke the best of Savannah’s southern beauty, while vibrant murals and pop-up festivals showcase the district’s youthful energy.
Why Thomas Square Matters: Heritage for Future Generations
What makes Thomas Square Streetcar District truly special is its continuity—preserving the past while embracing the future. The echoes of clanging streetcars might be long gone, but their everyday legacy endures in each restored bungalow and bustling corner cafe.
For those who live here, it’s the little things: neighbors waving from wide front porches, the lingering aroma of bakery bread drifting through the streets, and the sight of children playing beneath towering oaks at Florence Street Park. It’s more than a neighborhood; it’s living history, a place where Savannah’s heritage isn’t just remembered but lived, day after day.
Whether you’re a newcomer or a lifelong resident, Thomas Square invites you to take a walk down its storied avenues and discover the character—and characters—that make this district one of the brightest gems in Savannah’s historic crown.