Savannah, Georgia, is primarily named after the Savannah River, which in turn derives its name from an indigenous Native American band.
The Naming Origin of Savannah
The historic city of Savannah, Georgia, was named directly for the Savannah River, the prominent waterway it sits alongside. This naming convention is common in many early American settlements, reflecting the importance of natural geographical features.
Tracing the River's Name: The Savana Indians
The origin of the Savannah River's name is rooted in the presence of a specific Native American group. The river derived its name from an immigrant band of Shawnee Indians known as the Savana. These Savana people settled near the site of present-day Augusta, Georgia, around 1681. Their presence and association with the region gave the river its enduring name, which was then adopted for the city.
This lineage can be summarized as follows:
| Entity Named | Origin of Name | Historical Context |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah (city) | Savannah River | Named for the crucial waterway it borders. |
| Savannah River | Savana Indians | A band of Shawnee Indians who settled near the river in the late 17th century. |
Understanding the naming history provides insight into the early interactions between European settlers and Native American tribes in the region, highlighting the lasting impact of indigenous cultures on geographical and place names.
