When Sherman and his men were preparing to enter Savannah in 1864, they camped in the Pooler community, which at the time had only a couple of hundred residents. Who could have known what it would become many years later.
Pooler was named after Robert William Pooler who was instrumental in creating the first railroad station west of Savannah.
When Pooler was incorporated in 1907, it had grown to a whopping 337 residents, thanks mostly to Ben Rothwell who helped the development along by buying land and giving lots to those who would build homes to make it a lasting community.
Dairies spurred the local economy in the beginning, then many shops and businesses began to spring up. In 1928 the paving of Hwy 80 allowed residents easy access to Savannah.
It wasn't until the 50s that major changes began to take place, mainly the beginning of the construction I-95, a major interstate along the east coast which zoomed by Pooler. It eventually created a boon for business where I-95 and Hwy 80 intersect.
Gleason Heights was Pooler's first subdivision. Today, many of these older, well constructed homes, which have been kept up and renovated through the years, are still good buys - it is a solid, mature neighborhood.
In the 70s and 80s, Pooler experienced slow growth; it was still a sleepy little town outside Savannah. But in the 90s, with growth demands form Savannah moving west, Pooler began to grow with new subdivisions, shopping strips, restaurants and businesses going up at a quick rate.
It has been amazing to watch the transformation - it is truly come into its own and is now a popular area for new home buyers. Places like Godley Station have burgeoned almost overnight and provide a good location with plenty of shopping, golf, entertainment, airport access and easy interstate access.
For those who like the newer, modern homes, or those who like the older neighborhoods like Gleason Heights, and want to be outside Savannah, but close enough to enjoy the downtown Savannah life, Pooler is an excellent choice. To be honest, it is a good choice in and of itself.
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