For over a century (1780–1905), the Garrison Savannah formed the military command centre of British colonial might in the Eastern Caribbean, housing almost 2,000 troops. The central grassy area, the savannah, was once the military parade ground. The annual Independence Day military parade is now held here although for the rest of the year it is an active sports and recreation area, encircled by a racetrack, which hosts horse races almost every other week.

The area contains some splendid Caribbean Georgian mansions, such as Bush Hill House (now George Washington House) and Shot Hall (now the Barbados Yacht Club). The attractive maroon buildings that surround the area were once the military barracks, hospital and prison. This last building is now home to the Barbados Museum.