Top 10 Historic Sites in Downtown, Georgia (GA)

Where writer Flannery O'Connor spent her childhood, during the Great Depression on Savannah's LaFayette Square. Off-hour, group, and private tours are available by request.

(Closed Holy Week: April 5-13, 2020) * * * Our docents are always eager to introduce visitors to this National Historic Landmark, one of only 2,500 in the United States. Located on Madison Square in the heart of historic Savannah, this was the headquarters of General Sherman during the Federal occupation of Savannah in 1864. It is also one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture in the South and designed by architect Mr. John S. Norris. Since 1943, the house has served as the active parish house for adjacent St. John's Church (Episcopal). Most of the volunteer docents are members of the church. As a result, the house may be closed for church events. Please check the website to see if the house is open on the day you wish to visit. Several Savannah events are hosted at the house: Tour of Homes (November), Savannah Antiques & Architecture Weekend (March), NOG’s Secret Garden Tours of Savannah (April), as well as many music events. To learn more, visit the website.

The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is Savannah's first Registered National Historic Landmark. Enjoy a guided tour, tracing the arc of Juliette Gordon Low's life and the Movement she founded that continues to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

This allegedly haunted Victorian house is filled with antiques from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Built as a beautiful Regency style mansion in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House, along with its adjacent gardens, carriage house, and slave quarters, allows visitors to explore the complicated relationships between the most and least powerful people in the city of Savannah in the early 19th century. Only a seven-minute walk from Telfair Museums’ other two sites, this historic home offers a completely different experience. Telfair Museums’ Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters has paused all docent led tours indefinitely due to COVID-19. Guests may independently navigate the historic home with an audio tour available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or our website.

Andrew Low commissioned New York architect John Norris to design and construct his house in 1848. Norris came to Savannah to design the Custom House on Bay Street and remained in Savannah to build many desirable residences with the latest in technology and luxury. The Italianate exterior features intricate cast iron railings and side balconies contrasting with the smooth stuccoed brick walls. The well proportioned rooms are decorated with elaborate plaster cornices and carved woodwork. The delicate balance of exterior restraint and opulent interior resulted in an elegant villa for the family.

The Sorrel- Weed House operates Historic Savannah Tours and Haunted Ghost Tours in Savannah. Our purpose is to educate the public on the rich neoclassical Greek Revival architecture of the Sorrel- Weed House and the the famous architect Charles Cluskey who designed it, along with and the cultural history of antebellum Savannah Georgia. A focus is also maintained on Civil War Savannah, and the role of Brigadier General Moxley Sorrel CSA. Moxley served under General James Longstreet and wrote "Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer". We also operate Haunted Ghost Tours in Savannah, as The Sorrel- Weed House was featured on Ghost Hunters with Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson in 2005, HGTV "If These Walls Could Talk" in 2006, the Travel Channel in 2010, (the Most Terrifying Places in America) and Ghost Adventures with Zak Bagans, Nick Groff and Aaron Goodwin in 2014. In January 1940 - The Society for the Preservation of Savannah Landmarks opened the Sorrel- Weed House to the public. The name of their exhibit was "The Society for the Preservation of Savannah Landmarks Presents a Loan Exhibit of furniture and fine Arts 18th and 19th Centuries at the Sorrel-Weed House on Madison Square. Jan-April 1940" They were founded in 1939 and eventually became the Historic Savannah Foundation. 1954, The Sorrel-Weed House was designated a Georgia State Landmark. It was one of the first houses in Georgia to receive this honor. 2005- The Sorrel Weed House opened to the public for Historic House Tours and Haunted Savannah Ghost Tours. 2010. The Sorrel Weed House was designated a Museum in the State of Georgia.

Guided tours of historic mansion featured in "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" featuring five centuries of artwork and antiques collected by notable historic preservationist Jim Williams.