Find Hotels Near Mercer-Williams House Museum Savannah

Mercer-Williams House Museum in Savannah, Georgia is a grand example of antebellum architecture and showcases the elegance and grace of a past era. Built in 1860 by prominent cotton broker Hugh W. Mercer, the building served as both his private home and office. Today, the museum honors its past occupants who were influential figures in Savannah’s history including Mercer and his daughter Louisa, Confederate general John H. Winder, Union spy James D. Bulloch, artist Dorothy Kingery, and author Jim Williams who restored the house to its original 19th century condition.

The 16 room Italianate mansion features intricately detailed stuccoed walls with wrought iron designs inspired by the palazzi of Genoa Italy. Its unique entrance features a graceful porte-cochere which provides access from the street directly into a grand curved stairwell that leads up to the second story living quarters. The house also includes an elegant dining room with marble mantels and bowed windows decorated with hand painted stenciling, as well as a formal parlor filled with ornate furniture detailing woodworking styles popularized in England during the Victorian era.

Outside of the house lies a lush garden featuring 600 varieties of plants which are irrigated by an underground spring that was discovered during restoration efforts in 1990s. This is complemented by two fountains--the Peacock fountain at the main entrance and an octagonal fountain at the rear courtyard—each providing intricate stone carvings depicting various motifs associated with William Mercer’s business connections such as cotton bales and Spanish coins known as “Reales de A Ocho” which were used for trading spices from India during this time period.

Visitors can take tours of Mercer-Williams House Museum seven days a week to learn more about its unique history, architecture, furnishings, artwork and culture showcased inside its stunning walls. In addition to guided tours throughout the day visitors have access to educational programs offered about topics related to Savannah history such slavery era architecture or Gullah Geechee culture that explores an African American perspective on Southern life from 1800 – 1900’s. With both public events hosted throughout year filled with art exhibitions or musical performances as well online resources available through its website it’s easy to explore this historical treasure without even stepping foot onto one of their renowned grounds!