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Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old City Exchange Bell
 
Old City Exchange Bell Marker Photo, Click for full size
By Michael Stroud, January 2008
1. Old City Exchange Bell Marker
 
Inscription. This bell, which is believed to be the oldest in Georgia, bears the date 1802. Imported from Amsterdam, it hung in the cupola of the City Exchange from 1804 until a short time before that building was razed to make way for the present City Hall.

In its day, the bell signaled the closing time for shops and was rung by a watchman when fire broke out. Its rich tones were heard in celebration of American victories during the War of 1812.

It pealed a welcome to such distinguished visitors to Savannah as Monroe, LaFayette, Polk, Fillmore, Clay and Webster and it tolled tributes for America’s illustrious dead.

The tower of the City Exchange, where the bell hung, was a favorite resort of those anxious about arrival of vessels. The replica of the tower in which the historic bell presently reposes was erected in 1957 through the combined efforts of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, the Pilot Club of Savannah and the Savannah-Chatham Historic Site and Monument Commission.
 
Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 25-41.)
 
Marker series. This marker is included in the Georgia Historical Society/Commission marker series.
 
Location. 32° 4.84′ N, 81° 5.398′ 
 
Old City Exchange Bell Marker Photo, Click for full size
By Brian Scott, April 21, 2005
2. Old City Exchange Bell Marker
 
W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. Marker is at the intersection of Bay St and Drayton St, on the right when traveling north on Bay St. Click for map. In the Park there. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Savannah Cotton Exchange (here, next to this marker); Solomon's Lodge No. 1 F. & A.M Savannah, Georgia (a few steps from this marker); The Invention of the Cotton Gin (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of the University Of Georgia (within shouting distance of this marker); Chatham Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Chatham Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Chatham Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Solomon's Lodge No. 1 F.& A.M. (within shouting distance of this marker). Click for a list of all markers in Savannah.
 
Also see . . .
1. City of Savannah Research Library entry for Savannah’s Old City Exchange. (Submitted on January 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. City of Savannah entry for The Old City Exchange Bell on Bay Street. (Submitted on January 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
 
The bell now hangs in a replica bell tower located just east of City Hall on Bay Street. Photo, Click for full size
By Michael Stroud, January 2008
3. The bell now hangs in a replica bell tower located just east of City Hall on Bay Street.
The replica bell tower was dedicated on February 26, 1957, to Mable Clair Speth Hand, a prominent leader in the Pilot Club, as a memorial by her club members.
 
 
Old City Exchange Bell Marker , center, as seen from Bay Street, Savannah Photo, Click for full size
By Mike Stroud, November 16, 2008
4. Old City Exchange Bell Marker , center, as seen from Bay Street, Savannah
 
 
The Bell is thought to be the oldest bell in the state Photo, Click for full size
By Michael Stroud, January 2008
5. The Bell is thought to be the oldest bell in the state
Made in 1802, it hung in the City Exchange Building's bell tower.
 
 
Old City Exchange Bell Photo, Click for full size
By Brian Scott, April 21, 2005
6. Old City Exchange Bell
 
Credits. This page originally submitted on January 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,909 times since then. Photos:   1. submitted on January 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   2. submitted on October 6, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.   3. submitted on January 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   4. submitted on November 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   5. submitted on January 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.   6. submitted on October 6, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
 
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