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Carriage Steps

Writer's picture: Savannah Walking ToursSavannah Walking Tours

Updated: Dec 5, 2024

Timeless Elegance in Savannah's Historic District


History can be found everywhere in Savannah. A great example may be seen in front of many houses in the Historic District.


In the 1800’s, the ladies wore dresses that covered everything. Neck, wrists

and ankles were hidden from sight. Especially ankles, which were considered very risqué.


Practicality was a part of every day life. To avoid a dress from riding too high and exposing those taboo ankles, a house would have a stone carriage step out front to assist a lady in maintaining her modesty when entering a carriage. (It’s also why ankle boots were worn).


To this day, you can see these carriage steps everywhere. They are of different shape and sizes. Some stand out alone, proudly in front of their house. While others are hidden by greenery and you have to look carefully in order to see them. But each one harkens back to a more genteel time long ago.




Traditional Carriage Steps in Downtown Savannah




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