Are you due for a trip down south? If you’re looking to fill your itinerary, consider adding these historic homes to the top of your list! Savannah, GA is considered to be one of the first planned cities in America. That makes Savannah rich in history! The first record of settlement in Savannah goes all the way back to 1733 when passengers from England arrived. Since then, a lot of history has unfolded and the city of Savannah has done a wonderful job of maintaining that history!
Historical homes have been preserved and are incredibly accessible to the public. Whether it be through a tour or simply strolling down the oak-lined streets, historical homes in Savannah are fascinating.
Let this list be your guide to the top historical homes to visit in Savannah, GA!
Stop #1…
The Gingerbread House
Also known as the Asendorf House, The Gingerbread House was built in 1899. Why is it called The Gingerbread House one might ask? The reason behind the name is simple, look at the spindles and arches on the porches. The design looks identical to how a real-life gingerbread house should look. The space is used today for weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and many other gatherings. Visit The Gingerbread House to see some unique architecture in Savannah.
Stop #2…
The Davenport House Museum
The Davenport House was built in the 1820s by a carpenter from New England. Since then many people have fought for the home to be preserved and it is currently used as a museum. The house was home to the Davenport family for many years. After the Davenport’s the house became a boarding house before being passed to another family from South Carolina. This is a popular tourist site because it was the first house preserved by Savannah’s Historic Foundation. The museum has 500 collectibles for the public to view. The house pays homage to those who were enslaved there and even tells about their names and stories. Grab your tickets and head to Broughton Street to see the gorgeous federal-style home!
Stop #3…
The Harper-Fowlkes House
Another house that dates back to the early 1800’s is the Harper Fowlkes house. This house is considered to be a Greek revival-style home and is fully furnished with period pieces. The house was owned by a couple of prominent families before the last occupant, its namesake, Alida Harper Fowlkes took ownership. Alida preserved as many as ten homes in Savannah during her lifetime. She was a pioneer for preserving Savannah’s history and it shows throughout the Harper Fowlkes estate. The home is open for tours to the public. You will be entranced by the breathtaking chandeliers and Persian rugs. Schedule your tour today to soak up Savannah’s history.
Stop #4…
The Andrew Low House
If you’d like to see a house built by one of the wealthiest men in Savannah, plan your visit around The Andrew Low house. In the 1840s Andrew Low made his wealth through his distribution and shipping of cotton via his own ships. He built a house that showcases his wealth and it has been preserved and maintained beautifully. The house overlooks Lafayette Square in the heart of Historic Downtown Savannah. Andrew’s daughter-in-law, Juliette Gordon Low lived in the home and came to be the founder of the Girl Scouts. This house boasts tons of antiques and silvers and like the others, has a fascinating history.
Stop #5…
The Scarbrough House
The Scarbrough house is also a house turned museum. The house was built by a shipping merchant, William Scarbrough. He eventually lost possession of the house and it was turned into a school throughout the 1900’s. Today it is filled with maritime antiques, paintings, and models of ships. Each ship model was designed after extensive research and is set to replicate exactly how these 18th and 19th-century ships looked. The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is fascinating. If Savannah’s shipping and trading history interests you, this is a must-visit. You get to experience 1800 Greek Revival architecture that makes up The Scarbrough House as well as see the amazing display of model ships and maritime history.
On every corner of Savannah, you will discover a history lesson. The age-old oak trees complement these 18th century homes making each visit picturesque. Sightseeing in Savannah is fun and exciting! Check out these historic homes and enjoy immersing yourself in Savannah’s history and culture!