City leaders grapple with aesthetics of a proposed trail marker

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – American Friends of Lafayette would like to install a historical marker in Johnson Square to commemorate the 200th anniversary of General Lafayette’s visit to Savannah.

This is part of a national Lafayette Trail marker program across the United States.

The proposed marker would be blue with a statement on the activities of Lafayette. The proposed marker in Savannah would read:

“On March 19, 1825 General Lafayette arrived in Savannah. Escorted here on March 21, he laid the cornerstone for the Nathanael Greene monument.”

The city’s Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) approved the design, but the Historic Site and Monument Commission recommends denial, citing the color scheme, an already overcrowded Square, and lack of information on the proposed sign.

The MPC came back with a follow-up review saying the monument does meet the Master Plan Guidelines because there isn’t another marker like it in Savannah, and while the color and style don’t blend with our local markers, it would match those of the national markers that are currently in place across the country.

At Thursday’s city council meeting, the mayor could vote to approve the marker, modify it, or deny the installation altogether.

WSAV will keep you updated as decisions are made.