North Historic District in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 23, 2026

1. Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Marker

Inscription.
Gray's Reef is one of the largest near shore, live-bottom reefs in the southeastern United States. One January 16, 1981, President Jimmy Carter designated it as Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary, bringing it into the National Marine Sanctuary System.

NOAA's Gray's Reef
National Marine Sanctuary This natural reef, located about 50 miles south-southeast of Savannah off Georgia's coast, encompasses 22 square miles of ocean bottom. Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through a local office and staff in Savannah. Conservation and management of marine ecosystems and resources are central to the missions of NOAA and the sanctuary.

Erected by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Natural Features • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is January 16, 1981.

Location. 32° 4.89′ N, 81° 5.375′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the North Historic District. It can be reached from East River Street east of East Upper Factors Walk, on the left when traveling south

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. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 107 E River St, Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Arts & Crafts Emporium (within shouting distance of this marker); Solomon's Lodge No. 1 F.& A.M. (within shouting distance of this marker); Confederate Savannah (within shouting distance of this marker); The Invention of the Cotton Gin (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); River Street Inn (about 300 feet away); Solomon's Lodge No. 1 F. & A.M Savannah, Georgia (about 300 feet away); Savannah in the American Revolution (about 300 feet away); American Merchant Seamen Memorial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), May 23, 2026

2. Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 30, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.