List of historic houses and buildings in Savannah, Georgia facts for kids
Savannah, Georgia, is a city full of amazing history, and one of the best ways to see it is by exploring its old buildings! This list will tell you about some of the most famous and important historic houses and other buildings in Savannah. Many of these places are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) or are even National Historic Landmarks. This means they are officially recognized and protected because of their history and unique architecture.
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Historic Houses in Savannah
Savannah has many beautiful old homes that tell stories of the past. Imagine living in one of these grand houses!
Famous Homes to Explore
- Owens–Thomas House: This house is a National Historic Landmark. It's known for its amazing architecture and for showing how people lived in the early 1800s. You can even see the original slave quarters and carriage house.
- Isaiah Davenport House: Built in the early 1800s, this house was saved from being torn down by a group of people who wanted to protect Savannah's history. It's a great example of Federal-style architecture.
- Oliver Sturges House: Another beautiful historic home, this house shows the elegant style of old Savannah.
- William Scarbrough House: This house is a National Historic Landmark. It was designed by a famous architect and was once home to the president of the Savannah and Ogeechee Canal Company.
- Green–Meldrim House: This incredible house is a National Historic Landmark. It's famous for its Gothic Revival style and for being used by General William T. Sherman during the Civil War.
- Telfair Academy: While it looks like a grand house, the Telfair Academy is actually one of the oldest public art museums in the South! It was originally the mansion of the Telfair family.
Other Important Buildings
Beyond homes, Savannah has many other historic buildings that played big roles in the city's past.
Buildings with Unique Stories
- Atlantic Greyhound Bus Terminal: This building was once a busy bus station, a hub for travelers coming and going from Savannah.
- Central of Georgia Depot and Trainshed: This is a National Historic Landmark! It was a major train station and is a fantastic example of old railway architecture.
- Central of Georgia Railway Company Shop Property: This area was where trains were repaired and maintained, a very important place for the railway system.
- Georgia State Railroad Museum: Located in the old Central of Georgia Railway shops, this museum lets you explore historic trains and learn all about railroad history.
- Charity Hospital: This historic hospital served the community for many years.
- Tomochichi Federal Building and United States Courthouse: This grand building has served as a courthouse and federal office building for a long time.
- First Bryan Baptist Church: This church is incredibly important as one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the United States, founded in the late 1700s.
- Hill Hall (Savannah State College): Located at Savannah State University, this building has been a part of educating students for generations.
- W. B. Hodgson Hall: This building is home to the Georgia Historical Society, where many important documents and artifacts about Georgia's past are kept.
- St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church: Another significant historic church, it has been a spiritual and community center for many years.
Historic Neighborhoods
Savannah isn't just about individual buildings; it also has entire neighborhoods that are considered historic districts. Walking through these areas feels like stepping back in time!
Districts Full of Charm
- Juliette Gordon Low Historic District: This district is a National Historic Landmark District. It includes the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, who founded the Girl Scouts of the USA!
- Carver Village Historic District: This neighborhood is recognized for its historic importance and unique community development.
- Cuyler–Brownville Historic District: A historic neighborhood with a rich past and distinct architecture.
- Daffin Park–Parkside Place Historic District: This area combines beautiful homes with a lovely park.
- Eastside Historic District: Another charming historic neighborhood on the east side of the city.
- Fairway Oaks–Greenview Historic District: This district showcases a specific style of development from its time.
- Gordonston Historic District: Known for its planned community design and historic homes.
- Isle of Hope Historic District: A beautiful historic area located on an island, offering scenic views and old homes.
- Kensington Park–Groveland Historic District: This district features a collection of historic homes and community planning.
- Pine Gardens Historic District: Another neighborhood recognized for its historical significance and architecture.
- Savannah Historic District: This is the largest and most famous historic district in Savannah, covering much of the downtown area. It's filled with beautiful squares, cobblestone streets, and historic buildings.
- Savannah Victorian Historic District: Just south of the main historic district, this area is famous for its stunning Victorian-style homes, often called "gingerbread houses" because of their fancy decorations.
- Ardsley Park-Chatham Crescent Historic District: This district is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets and elegant homes from the early 20th century.
See also
- History of Savannah, Georgia
- Buildings in Savannah Historic District
- Historic Savannah Foundation
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Chatham County, Georgia