About Savannah True History Tours
Our Tours & Guides
Let me preface this by saying there truly are some good tours in Savannah…
I love history. I was a history major in college, had an article published (nerdy stuff, tried to show Civil War battles caused rain), and worked as a Park Ranger on Civil War battlefields in Virginia. I often found myself disappointed when encountering tours here in Savannah. I heard things like:
“All statues in Savannah face south.” I heard this in Chippewa Square, which is one square away from a northward facing William Jasper monument. Oglethorpe’s monument does face south for a neat reason though. We’d be happy to tell you all about it.
“The steel steeple of Independent Presbyterian Church is so heavy, a number of its front steps have sunk into the ground.” It’s true that the church’s steeple was reconstructed of steel and iron after a fire, but there’s no evidence the church has “sunk.” Let’s stick with Independent for the next one… “City code requires that no building in Savannah be taller than Independent Presbyterian Church.” This one is actually somewhat true. The steeple is a whopping two feet taller than the second tallest building, and City code does limit the height of Savannah’s new construction in the Historic District. That said, no specific mention is made of Independent in City code. I've also recently heard from one guide that the spires of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist are taller. Again, simply not true.
“Whenever you see an equestrian monument with two hooves raised, the rider was killed in battle. One hoof raised means he was wounded, and no hooves raised means the rider survived.” Heard this one from one of the bus tours driving by. This myth began at Gettysburg in the early 20th Century and has survived to the present day. It’s absolutely false. There is a quote in that blog entry that certainly also applies to Savannah. Gettysburg Park Ranger D. Scott Hartwig writes that, “…[this myth] is one of those easy to remember stories that as [Park] Superintendent Davis pointed out ‘grow up around historical places and are almost impossible to destroy.’” Welcome to Savannah.
Prior to 2015, the City of Savannah required tour guides to take an exam to demonstrate a basic knowledge of Savannah history. In 2014, the city was sued by folks who wanted to give tours without passing that exam. In October of 2015, the City Council voted to do away with that requirement. Fortunately, the Tourism Leadership Council still offers that exam to those who wish to become a “Certified Tour Guide of Savannah."
All of our guides took and passed the exam. Make sure to ask your tour company if they are Certified Tour Guides of Savannah.
These are just some of the reasons we wanted to start this company. We love Savannah and its history. We believe that’s evident on our tours. Anyone can tell a story about Savannah, but few tour companies successfully intertwine those awesome human interest stories with actual history. Savannah has so much amazing history that one doesn’t need to sprinkle fillers and untruths into stories. That’s our goal – Share the true story of Savannah while keeping folks interested the entire tour.
- Brandon Carter, Founder
Brandon Carter
My name is Brandon, founder of Savannah True History Tours (along with St. Augustine, FL and Wilmington, NC). My background in the field of history is quite extensive. I graduated with distinction from the Virginia Military Institute (History Major, of course). My historic and interpretive skills were honed while serving as a Park Ranger at the Richmond National Battlefield Park. Additionally, I had an article published wherein I argued that Civil War battles may have caused rain (Ask me about it – I’ll try to send you the link. It’s OK to decline and call me a nerd.). All-in-all, I bring over fifteen years of historian/tour experience to our time together.
I’m also a member of the Georgia Historical Society, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, and the Friends of Honey Hill, an organization actively preserving and interpreting the Honey Hill Battlefield in South Carolina.
Once you inevitably learn of my interest in craft beer, it will not surprise you to know I'm a co-founder and Board Member of Richmond Beeristoric, a 501(c)(3) that leads tours of beer-related historic sites in Richmond, Virginia.
I live in Downtown Savannah, and it’s exactly where I want to be. Thank you for giving me the great pleasure of showing you around my beautiful hometown.
Sarah Mathis
Sarah originally hails from Cleveland, Ohio, but has lived in Savannah since 2022 and she's a proud Air Force veteran. Defense contractor by day and local historian by night, her passion for history and storytelling has led her to create and produce Hostess: A Savannah Podcast, where she brings to life the fascinating tales and historical narratives of her beloved adopted city. Her unique talent for making the intricate details of Savannah's history accessible and entertaining has earned her a loyal following among listeners and history enthusiasts alike.
When not giving tours, you can usually find her playing Wednesday night trivia at Service Brewing, exploring the city’s foodie scene with her husband, or walking her dog, Savannah, around…Savannah! She also volunteers as a docent at the Harper-Fowlkes House and has two orange cats, Fred & George.
James McKinley
James is a Lowcountry-based guide with a deep appreciation for the layered history and enduring charm of Savannah. Drawn to the city’s cobblestone streets, moss-draped oaks, and centuries-old stories, James blends historical insight with an engaging, conversational style that brings the past vividly to life.
Outside of giving tours, James has a background in the wine industry, where he developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, tradition, and storytelling—skills he brings to every tour experience. His experience managing some of the best bars and restaurants in the city gives him an inside track on where to eat and drink, as well as other must-experience activities.
Whether guiding guests through iconic squares or sharing lesser-known local tales, James offers a perspective that is both informative and approachable. His goal is simple: to ensure every guest leaves Savannah not just having seen it, but having truly experienced.
Shirley Robinson
By day, Shirley is a travel agent helping clients create unforgettable vacations, and by passion, she's a Savannah tour guide dedicated to sharing the city's authentic stories and rich history. With a degree in Hospitality and Tourism from Columbus, Ohio, and more than 13 years in the travel and hospitality industry, she's built her career around creating memorable experiences for travelers.
For the past 10 years, Shirley has had the privilege of guiding visitors through the beautiful streets and squares of Savannah, Georgia. Her love for Savannah runs deep, and she is passionate about sharing the true history of this remarkable city, from its founding and architecture to the diverse people and cultures that helped shape it.
Whether you're visiting Savannah for the first time or returning to discover something new, her goal is to bring the city's history to life in an engaging, entertaining, and meaningful way. She looks forward to exploring Savannah with you and sharing the stories that make her one of America's most fascinating cities.
Caitlin Carter
Caitlin is Brandon’s wife and an integral part of the True History Tours team. Behind the scenes, she helps keep things running smoothly, and out on the streets of Savannah, she leads Orientation Tours and private tours that bring the city’s rich history and unique character to life.
A history enthusiast and local realtor, Caitlin has a deep appreciation for Savannah’s architecture, culture, and stories. Her work in real estate has given her an insider’s perspective on the city, from its historic neighborhoods to its hidden gems. Whether she’s helping visitors get acquainted with Savannah or sharing the stories that make it so special, Caitlin loves helping people experience the charm, character, and history of the city she calls home.