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Always proud of its heritage and beauty, Savannah has a long track record of historic preservation, beginning in 1839 with the chartering of the Georgia Historical Society, founded by three Savannah residents and headquartered in the city.
History of Savannah’s Preservation Efforts
The fight to preserve reached national attention in 1955 when the threat of destruction of Davenport House prompted seven southern-tough Savannah women to join forces and voice their irate opposition. This group of seven grew into the vital organization now known as the Historic Savannah Foundation, Inc., one of the country’s largest community urban-preservation programs.
Through their efforts to overcome the city’s reputation as the “pretty woman with a dirty face”, many historic homes and official buildings have been saved. In 1966, Savannah’s entire downtown historic district was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Public Tours of Historic Homes
Today, visitors to Savannah may tour some of these magnificent historic homes. Professional guides will tell of a home’s history, family lore, and preservation efforts.
Guided tours of many historic homes are also available through Old Savannah Tours.
Experience any one of these grand southern mansions to fully grasp Savannah’s rich and intriguing history.
Davenport House (c. 1820), 324 E State St. at Habersham St. on Columbia Square (map), (912) 236-8097.
Andrew Low House and Carriage House (c. 1847), 329 Abercorn St. at E. Charlton St. on Lafayette Square (map), (912) 233-6854.
Flannery O’Conner Childhood Home (c. 1856), 207 E. Charlton St. at Abercorn St. on Lafayette Square (map), (912) 233-6014.
Green-Meldrin House (c. 1853), 14 West Macon St. at Bull St. on Madison Square (map), (912) 233-3845.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (c. 1818), 10 E. Oglethorpe Ave. at Bull St. one block south of Wright Square (map), (912) 233-4501.
Mercer-Williams House Museum (c. 1860), 429 Bull St. at W. Gordon St. on Monterey Square (map), (912) 236-6352.
Owens-Thomas House Museum (c. 1819), 124 Abercorn St. at E. President St. on Oglethorpe Square (map), (912) 233-9743 (owned and operated by the Telfair Museum of Art).
Sorrel-Weed House (c. 1841), 6 W. Harris St. at Bull St. on Madison Square (map), (912) 236-8888.
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