The valley was formed over millions of years by the erosive power of Savannah Creek, which flows north-west, following the course of US 441 and later NC 116 before emptying into the Tuckasegee River near Webster.

Greens Creek, Gay, Viewpoint, Olivet, and East Fork were the five communities that made up Savannah.

The 1920s also led to the opening up of the Savannah Communities to the outside world, via the two-lane paved US 441 built during the decade, near the present five-lane road.

In 1955, the roadway between Gold City on top of Cowee Mountain and Dillsboro was widened, realigned, and regraded to a straighter 2-lane format.

Savannah Township has had its own fire department since the 1980s, and has a community center, several businesses lining the highway, and many nurseries in the area.

The area also has spectacular mountain scenery visible from the Highway, and is home to the Victory Baptist Church & Christian School.

Many churches are in the Savannah area, as well as some natural and manmade treasures that grace the community, including a waterfall and a 1930s See Rock City Barn facing the Highway.