Looking for that place somewhere between city and rural– with a charm and history dating back to the 1700’s, then check out Guyton in Effingham County. Never heard of it? That’s no surprise since it is been such a well kept secret. Guyton is only 24 miles north of downtown Savannah and 25 miles south of Statesboro, home of Georgia Southern University, 6 time champion GSU Eagles football team.

Founded in 1792, mostly by settlers from North and South Carolina, Guyton was built around the Central of Georgia Railroad line that operated between Savannah and Macon and was known as station #30. No longer in operation as a passenger rail line, cargo trains still go thru the town. The county is also known for the Salzbergers who settled and raised their families here and continue to do so.

A very affluent town at the time of the civil war, Sherman on his “march to the sea” burned and looted the area on his way to Savannah. However, many historic homes still remain, due to the “Southern Charm” of residents who took the troops in and convinced them to save their homesteads; much like Savannah residents when Sherman arrived in the city.

One of the resident’s fondest memories of the town, and an icon for the area, is Ms. Willie Todd, a resident and former history professor at Georgia Southern University. Back in 1978 she began the Christmas tour of homes in downtown Guyton— and of course her home was on tour which dated back to the 1860’s. It is a well preserved example of the era. The Christmas tour continues to this day, bringing hundreds of tourists and visitors to the area annually.