Savannah has layers of history visible in its streets, architecture and cuisine. You can explore square after square to witness incredible examples of architectural styles all set against an idyllic background.
Mercer Williams House is one of the most historic spots in Savannah. It is best known as home of James Williams, the inspiration behind John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil novel.
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters in Savannah’s Historic District was designed by English architect William Jay and built in 1819, becoming one of Savannah’s premier historic homes. Boasting two stories and featuring a bridge in the upstairs hall, this two-story mansion epitomizes Regency-era neoclassicism with curved walls, indirect lighting, curved balconies, curved walls and indirect lighting as well as indirect bridge illumination in its upstairs hall – unlike many other historic homes which minimise or overlook their contributions while the Owens-Thomas House highlights them along with their social history contributions and social history history in particular.
George Welshman Owens moved into his home in 1830 and hired several enslaved workers to care for himself and his family. It later opened as a museum, but it gained even greater significance when renovations of its carriage house revealed one of the oldest and best preserved urban slave quarters in American South.
Guided tours of both the house and adjacent slave quarters give visitors a fuller understanding of how the most powerful and least powerful people lived together in America’s past. Visitors also get an opportunity to gain more knowledge on issues of historic preservation, domestic technology, and more through interactive learning galleries.
Mercer Williams House
Mercer Williams House is an exquisite three-story Italianate home crafted out of Philadelphia red bricks by New York architect John Norris, beginning construction in 1860 but being interrupted by the Civil War. Covering an entire city block, its property includes front yards, house courtyard and carriage house as well as tall arched windows and ornate ironwork balconies making it one of Savannah’s most beautiful properties.
Home of Jim Williams, known for the 1981 murder of Danny Hansford. Recounted in both Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1994 book and film). Now owned and run as a museum by Dorothy Williams Kingery (whom Jim later married), staff have reported seeing ghostly figures including full form versions of Jim himself walking through and Tommy Downs who died after falling off its roof.
Temple Mickve Israel
Temple Mickve Israel stands on Monterey Square and houses the third oldest Jewish congregation in America. Designed in 1878 by Henry G. Harrison a New York architect known for pioneering Gothic-style synagogues in America he adapted Christian forms and details into a Gothic-style synagogue design, and its style became fashionable during Victorian-era design. As a symbol both of faith and patriotism it serves as an iconic structure to show people that Jews believe as well as America loves.
The Congregation’s history dates back to 1733 when 42 courageous Jewish individuals set sail from England on board the William and Sarah in search of religious freedom in Savannah’s border colony town. Most early settlers came from Sephardic families connected with London’s Bevis Marks Synagogue; over time this connection would remain strong throughout time. Today, their heritage lives on through its sanctuary and museum which houses medicinal instruments, centuries-old Torah scrolls, as well as multiple letters written by President George Washington himself! All tours can be booked via their official website!
First African Baptist Church
This oldest black church in America dates back to 1773 and pre-dates the formal establishment of the United States. Additionally, it serves as one of the earliest black churches in North America as well as acting as an Underground Railroad stop where runaway slaves would shelter under floorboards under sanctuary where air holes designed like Kongo cosmograms allowed them to breathe easier.
The Church remains an active place of worship and tours are available daily. Docents may provide guided tours; otherwise you are welcome to explore sections that aren’t roped off on your own. There is no admission fee; donations are accepted instead.
Savannah is known for its historic houses of worship. From Owens-Thomas House to Juliette Gordon Low’s birthplace, these places of worship play an integral role in Savannah’s rich cultural diversity, providing you with a glimpse back in time and offering visitors an experience they won’t soon forget.
