The city announced today that they are keeping the name of the square as it is. I am truly stunned by the outcome and simply cannot thank you enough for everything you did to make this possible.
October 21, 2021
Final supporters
This petition is being launched by neighbors of Calhoun Square and other citizens of Savannah based on the following considerations:
- Although it is true that John C. Calhoun, like many others in the South, was a slave owner and proponent of slavery, the square was not named for him for that reason but to honor his many contributions to this young nation as they appeared at that specific time in history. Since the square is located in the Historic Landmark District, the historic context of the naming should factor into any decision on retaining the name.
- One reason being presented for renaming the square is that it is the site of a slave burial ground. However, City of Savannah documents reveal that Calhoun Square is not and never was a burial ground for enslaved people. See documentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NlggC-A3jjtVEaSSp....
- Changing the name would remove an opportunity to educate residents and visitors about the culture of the time and teach about the history and struggles of this dark period of slavery. History is what it is and should not be ignored no matter how ugly. It is counterproductive to try and sweep history under the rug by changing names and eliminating statues that reflect a different period in our long struggle toward true equality.
- Changing the name of the square would ignore the historic context of The City of Savannah and the reasons Calhoun was honored as the namesake. It would be similar to the City mandating that all historic homes have energy efficient windows because of climate change concerns rather than maintaining the historic look and feel of the place.
- Changing the name of the square would cause unnecessary hardship in rewriting public documents that bear the name.
We therefore sign this petition to the City of Savannah to retain the name of Calhoun Square and, if desired, to erect a plaque on the site to provide context.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
July 27, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
July 16, 2021
153 Comments
We go to church at Wesley Monumental Methodist, and love the square. I also love history…the good and the bad! The Jubalee group should go to a new area to build their monument. History is what it is!!
Please Savannah take a stand and keep our beautiful historical city intact. Adding to the rich culture instead of erasing it would be a better lesson for all. If not, where does it stop?
Lifelong resident Born in Telfair hospital on Park avenue We must retain all of our history, not just what portions are trendy today. We build upon and grow with our foundations, we should not attempt to pull out selective cornerstones.
Wake up Savannah, next it will be Gordon St and monument, Bull st, Harris St, removal of Nathaniel Greene monument. All were slave owners. This part of our history and talking point. Good and bad.
You cannot rewrite history and you cannot rename a historical square. Let the thing speak for itself! We all learn from the wrong we have done so allow Calhoun Square to teach us all.
Many of the squares are named after people connected to slavery. Apparently City Council has accommodation for Colonial slave owners and advocates, but not a Civil War successionist, which is the real issue. It is ironic that the last U.S. President to own slaves was President Grant, former Commander of Civil War Union Forces.
The civil war was a terrible time for both sides but as part of history and is part of Savannah's history and yes John Calhoun was a slave owner but he made me contributions to the city of Savannah and that is why they named a square after him you should remember History no matter what instead of trying to forget it and that's why his name lives on in Calhoun square
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The city announced today that they are keeping the name of the square as it is. I am truly stunned by the outcome and simply cannot thank you enough for everything you did to make this possible.
October 21, 2021
Final supporters
This petition is being launched by neighbors of Calhoun Square and other citizens of Savannah based on the following considerations:
- Although it is true that John C. Calhoun, like many others in the South, was a slave owner and proponent of slavery, the square was not named for him for that reason but to honor his many contributions to this young nation as they appeared at that specific time in history. Since the square is located in the Historic Landmark District, the historic context of the naming should factor into any decision on retaining the name.
- One reason being presented for renaming the square is that it is the site of a slave burial ground. However, City of Savannah documents reveal that Calhoun Square is not and never was a burial ground for enslaved people. See documentation here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NlggC-A3jjtVEaSSp....
- Changing the name would remove an opportunity to educate residents and visitors about the culture of the time and teach about the history and struggles of this dark period of slavery. History is what it is and should not be ignored no matter how ugly. It is counterproductive to try and sweep history under the rug by changing names and eliminating statues that reflect a different period in our long struggle toward true equality.
- Changing the name of the square would ignore the historic context of The City of Savannah and the reasons Calhoun was honored as the namesake. It would be similar to the City mandating that all historic homes have energy efficient windows because of climate change concerns rather than maintaining the historic look and feel of the place.
- Changing the name of the square would cause unnecessary hardship in rewriting public documents that bear the name.
We therefore sign this petition to the City of Savannah to retain the name of Calhoun Square and, if desired, to erect a plaque on the site to provide context.
Updates
Reached 250 supporters
July 27, 2021
Reached 100 supporters
July 16, 2021
153 Comments
I was born and raised in Parkside, at 51st and Bee Road. The comments that we should keep the name and explain Why it would not be named that in today’s world are more educational, to all, than simply changing the name.
We go to church at Wesley Monumental Methodist, and love the square. I also love history…the good and the bad! The Jubalee group should go to a new area to build their monument. History is what it is!!
Please Savannah take a stand and keep our beautiful historical city intact. Adding to the rich culture instead of erasing it would be a better lesson for all. If not, where does it stop?
Lifelong resident Born in Telfair hospital on Park avenue We must retain all of our history, not just what portions are trendy today. We build upon and grow with our foundations, we should not attempt to pull out selective cornerstones.
Wake up Savannah, next it will be Gordon St and monument, Bull st, Harris St, removal of Nathaniel Greene monument. All were slave owners. This part of our history and talking point. Good and bad.
You cannot rewrite history and you cannot rename a historical square. Let the thing speak for itself! We all learn from the wrong we have done so allow Calhoun Square to teach us all.
Many of the squares are named after people connected to slavery. Apparently City Council has accommodation for Colonial slave owners and advocates, but not a Civil War successionist, which is the real issue. It is ironic that the last U.S. President to own slaves was President Grant, former Commander of Civil War Union Forces.
The civil war was a terrible time for both sides but as part of history and is part of Savannah's history and yes John Calhoun was a slave owner but he made me contributions to the city of Savannah and that is why they named a square after him you should remember History no matter what instead of trying to forget it and that's why his name lives on in Calhoun square
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I was born and raised in Parkside, at 51st and Bee Road. The comments that we should keep the name and explain Why it would not be named that in today’s world are more educational, to all, than simply changing the name.