How long does it take to walk the Girl Scout history route?

The walk typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes. This includes time to stop at each of the six major locations, such as the Andrew Low House and Wright Square, though you may spend longer if you choose to enter the museums.

Is the Juliette Gordon Low walk accessible for strollers?

Yes, the route is mostly flat and follows city sidewalks. However, be mindful that Savannah's historic district features many brick-paved paths and some cobblestone crossings that can be bumpy for strollers and wheelchairs.

Can I see the Girl Scout First Headquarters for free?

You can view the exterior of the First Headquarters and visit the shop for free. To explore the museum sections of the carriage house or the Birthplace, you will typically need to check their specific opening hours and admission fees.

When is the best time of day to do this self-guided walk?

The best time is mid-morning, around 10:00 AM, or mid-afternoon. This allows you to avoid the midday heat and ensures that the museum gift shops and the First Headquarters are open for you to pop inside.

Where does the Juliette Gordon Low walking route start?

The walk starts at Wright Square in the heart of the Historic District. This square is centrally located and easily accessible by the free Dot Express Shuttle or a short walk from Broughton Street.

Is it worth visiting the Andrew Low House?

Absolutely, it is a highlight of Savannah's architecture and history. Even from the outside, you can see the site where the Girl Scouts were founded, and the house itself is one of the most beautiful examples of Italianate design in the city.

What other attractions are near the Girl Scout route?

The route is close to several other major Savannah sites, including the Mercer-Williams House, Forsyth Park, and the many shops and restaurants along Broughton Street, making it easy to spend a full day in the area.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into the charming streets of Savannah’s Historic District to uncover the remarkable life of Juliette Gordon Low, the visionary founder of the Girl Scouts. This self-guided walk invites you to explore the city through the eyes of 'Daisy,' as she was affectionately known, tracing her journey from a high-spirited girl in a prominent Savannah family to a global leader of a movement that changed the lives of millions of young women. As you wander through moss-draped squares and past elegant Regency architecture, you will see the sites that shaped her character and the very spots where the first troop meetings were held in 1912. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of early 20th-century Savannah, blending southern heritage with a story of independent spirit. The route highlights key landmarks such as the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, where the story began, and the Andrew Low House, where her adult life and the founding of the Girl Scouts unfolded. You will also visit the original carriage house that served as the movement's first headquarters. Beyond the scouting legacy, this walking route Savannah offers a glimpse into the broader history of the city, including its historic cemeteries and art academies. Whether you are a lifelong Scout, a history enthusiast, or a family looking for an engaging way to see the city, this experience provides a deep dive into the biography of one of America's most influential women. By choosing an audio walk, you can discover these sites at your own pace, stopping to admire the intricate ironwork or the quiet beauty of the squares that Daisy once called home. This is more than just a history lesson; it is a walk through the living legacy of leadership and community that continues to thrive in Savannah today.

Highlights

The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, a National Historic Landmark

The Andrew Low House where the Girl Scouts were founded

The original 1912 Girl Scout First Headquarters

Wright Square, the heart of the Gordon family's neighborhood

Colonial Park Cemetery, the resting place of Savannah's early settlers

Telfair Academy, showcasing Juliette's passion for the arts

Tour Stops (6)

Wright Square

Welcome to Wright Square, one of the original squares of Savannah and a central hub for the Gordon family. As you stand here, imagine the city in the mid-19th century. This square is not just a beautiful green space; it is a site of deep historical layers. While it famously holds the monument to William Washington Gordon, Juliette’s grandfather, it is also the burial site of Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief who was essential to the founding of Georgia. For Juliette, this area was her backyard. Growing up in a house just steps away, she would have frequented this square, surrounded by the stories of her ancestors and the civic pride of Savannah. It serves as the perfect starting point to understand the social world that shaped her indomitable spirit.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum

You are standing before the Wayne-Gordon House, known today as the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace. This stunning Regency-style mansion was the first National Historic Landmark in Savannah. Born here on October 31, 1860, Juliette was raised in an environment of Southern tradition and intellectual curiosity. The house has been meticulously restored to reflect the 1880s, the era when Daisy was a young woman. Notice the elegant architectural details that signify the wealth and status of her family. After her death, the Girl Scouts of the USA purchased the home to prevent its demolition, turning it into a museum that celebrates her life and the values of the organization she founded. It remains a pilgrimage site for Girl Scouts from all over the world.

Colonial Park Cemetery

A short walk brings you to Colonial Park Cemetery, the final resting place for many of Savannah’s most prominent early citizens. Though Juliette herself is buried in Laurel Grove Cemetery, this site is vital to her family history. Her great-grandfather, a veteran of the Revolutionary War, is interred here among the 9,000 graves. The cemetery closed to new burials in 1853, making it a time capsule of the city’s colonial and early federal periods. As you look through the iron gates, consider how the history of this city—marked by both triumph and tragedy—influenced Juliette's perspective on service and heritage. The quiet, hallowed grounds provide a stark contrast to the bustling streets you just left, offering a moment of reflection on the long lineage of the Gordon family.

Andrew Low House Museum

This impressive Italianate villa was the marital home of Juliette and her husband, Andrew Low. It was in the parlor of this house in 1912 that Juliette made her famous phone call to a cousin, announcing, 'I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!' This house was the site of the very first Girl Scout meetings. Juliette lived here until her death in 1927, and the home still contains many of her original furnishings and personal belongings. The garden, designed in the 1840s, remains one of the few original residential gardens left in the city. It was here that the seeds of an international movement were planted, fueled by Juliette's determination to provide girls with opportunities for outdoor adventure and civic leadership.

Girl Scout First Headquarters

Located just behind the Andrew Low House is the carriage house, which Juliette Gordon Low deeded to the Girl Scouts for use as their first permanent headquarters. In the early days, this building was the nerve center for the organization. It housed the first administrative offices and was a place where girls learned everything from knot-tying to signaling. During the lean years, the Girl Scouts even operated a tea room here to help fund their activities. Today, the building serves as a museum and shop. It stands as a testament to Juliette’s practical nature—she knew that for her movement to survive, it needed a home of its own. It is perhaps the most tangible link to the humble, hands-on beginnings of the Girl Scout legacy.

Telfair Academy

The final stop on our walk is the Telfair Academy, the oldest public art museum in the South. While often celebrated for her leadership, Juliette Gordon Low was also a talented and dedicated artist. She was an accomplished painter and sculptor, and she frequently visited the Telfair to find inspiration and engage with Savannah's creative community. Her artistic sensibilities influenced the Girl Scout program, which has always emphasized crafts and creative expression. Standing before this grand building, we see the intersection of Juliette’s social world and her private passions. Her life was a blend of tradition, service, and art—a combination that helped her build a movement that was as creative as it was disciplined. Our walk concludes here, in the heart of Savannah's cultural district.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk focused on Juliette Gordon Low is highly recommended for families. It combines local history with the inspiring story of the Girl Scouts, featuring stops like the Birthplace and the First Headquarters, which are engaging for children and adults alike.