Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old City Exchange Bell
Photographed By Michael Stroud, January 2008
1. Old City Exchange Bell Marker
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 025-41.)
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Location. 32° 4.84′ N, 81° 5.398′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. Marker is at the intersection of Bay St and Drayton St, on the right when traveling north on Bay St. In the Park there. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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's (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Chatham Artillery's (within shouting
Photographed By Shane Oliver, December 29, 2020
2. Old City Exchange Bell Marker
Photographed 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.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 16, 2008
4. Old City Exchange Bell Marker as seen from Bay Street, Savannah
Photographed By Michael Stroud, January 2008
5. The Bell is thought to be the oldest bell in the state
Photographed By Brian Scott, April 21, 2005
6. Old City Exchange Bell
Photographed By Shane Oliver, December 29, 2020
7. Old City Exchange Bell
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,109 times since then and 85 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 23, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 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. 7. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
