Delve into Georgia’s fascinating past with a visit to Green-Meldrim House, an architectural marvel and striking reminder of days gone by. Built in the 1850s for the wealthy cotton merchant Charles Green, the house now stands as one of the area’s best examples of Gothic Revival architecture. Notice the lavish decorations and engaging heritage of this fine Savannah landmark.
Arrive at leafy Madison Square and head to the west side, where you can appreciate the Green-Meldrim House’s detailed red exterior. Note the parapet around the roof, the oriel windows and the unique iron portico decorating the entrance. The house cost over $90,000 at the time of its construction, several million in modern currency.
Join a guided tour through the property, which since 1943 has belonged to the neighboring St John’s Episcopal Church and today serves as the active parish house. Admire the curving stairway illuminated by a skylight and the sumptuously decorated rooms. Look for Carrara marble mantles, mirrors in gold-leaf frames and elegant American black walnut woodwork.
View the Green family’s original furnishings, recently restored to the house after the family had removed them to France for decades. Over 100 items of antique furniture, silver and more were brought back to Savannah via the estate of Charles Green’s grandson, French-American writer Julien Green. Spend a moment on the covered porch to appreciate its ornate ironwork and garden views.
Only two families have owned Green-Meldrim House, with Judge Peter Meldrim buying the house from the Greens in 1892 and his descendants selling it to St. John’s in 1943. Learn the story of its most famous occupant, Civil War General William T. Sherman, who used the house as headquarters during his Union occupation of Savannah. Legends say that Sherman could not burn Savannah down because he found this home and the city too beautiful.
The Green-Meldrim House is located along Madison Square in the Historic District of Savannah. Find parking on nearby streets or in a garage. Check in advance for available tour times and see if your visit coincides with any special events. There is no admission fee but donations are appreciated.
