Why You Should Drop by Mercer Williams House in Savannah, GA
Along Bull Street in Savannah, GA, you’ll find an imposing Italianate structure that’s been around for over a century. Once a private residence for one of Savannah’s most colorful and intriguing characters, the Mercer Williams House has been transformed into a museum – a favorite among architectural historians, history lovers, and even ghost hunters.
Here are a couple of reasons why the Mercer Williams House should be included in your itinerary.
- It’s one of the most beautiful homes in all of Savannah, GA. Built in the mid-19th century, the Mercer Williams House definitely ranks among the most beautiful buildings in Savannah, GA. That’s something, because the city already has a collection of lovely and well-preserved historic homes to begin with.
Built according to the tenets of the Italianate architectural style, the Mercer Williams House has been the site of many grand parties back in its heyday.
- It was the home of Jim Williams, one of Savannah’s most interesting residents. The Mercer Williams House (originally called the Mercer House) was built for Hugh Weedon Mercer, a Confederate Army general. It’s not because of him, however, that makes the Mercer Williams House a curiosity.
In the 1960s, antiquities dealer Jim Williams purchased the home and restored it to its glory. Said to be an eccentric fellow, Jim Williams gained notoriety after having shot Danny Hansford. It’s a rather bloody tale which later inspired the famous book, “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
- The Mercer Williams House is supposedly haunted.Having been the sight of a murder, it’s only natural for ghost stories about the Mercer Williams House to circulate. According to eye witness accounts, the specter of Jim Williams roams the halls of the building up to this day.Some say the ghost of Danny Hansford was also seen wandering inside the house.
Another interesting ghost story is that of a young boy who supposedly fell off the roof of the Mercer Williams House while hunting pigeons. Some say his soul is still bound to the property, reenacting the fall that took his life.
If you’re a fan of the paranormal, Savannah’s Ghost City Tours will take you around the city you can experience the historic area under the cover of darkness. For more information, visit their webpage: http://ghostcitytours.com.
- The Mercer Williams House is home to a stunning collection of art and furniture dating back to the 18th and 19th century. If you’re not a fan of spine-chilling tales but do love some art and interior décor, the Mercer Williams House will suit you just fine. On display are some of the art and furniture that once belonged to Jim Williams. Aside from furniture and portraits, you’ll also get to see drawings from the 17th century, as well as a great collection of antique Chinese porcelain.
Plan your trip to the Mercer Williams House today
The Mercer Williams House is open to visitors Mondays through Sundays. For more information about operational hours and admission fees, log on to http://www.exploregeorgia.org/listing/4641-the-mercer-williams-house-museum.
