Savannah's Waterfront

On East Bay and Drayton Streets, the exchange bell that is believed to be the oldest in Georgia hangs in a replica of the original city exchange cupola. A watchman was stationed in the cupola which was located in the steeple of the City Exchange building; he was to ring the Exchange bell to signal the location of fires. In 1804, a resolution of council ordered the ringing of the bell to signal closing time for business. The bell was also rung to announce meetings of council, to signal the arrival by ship of important dignitaries, and on occasions of great importance to the general public.