This house did not originate as an octagon house, but rather as a small cottage built circa 1830, now incorporated into the present structure. Until 1857, it was owned by Alfred Iverson, Sr. (1798-1873), a native of Liberty County and Princeton-trained lawyer who later served in the House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate, and his wife, Julia, the daughter of Georgia governor and future U.S. Secretary of State John Forsyth.
The property was purchased by contractor and cabinetmaker Leander May in 1862. May added the octagonal front to the existing Iverson cottage, and then transformed the original structure into an octagon, creating a double octagon house. Neighbors found it it odd and dubbed it May’s Folly, or simply The Folly.Octagon houses were a short-lived Victorian craze that never fully caught on, making them rare as hens’ teeth today. The rear section was returned to a rectangular form at a later date, but a 1968 fire confirmed that May had made it octagonal, as well.
Though it is often claimed to be the only double octagon house in the nation, there are apparently a few others, depending on how the term is defined. Still, it is an exceedingly rare form, and it’s the only residential property afforded National Historic Landmark status in Columbus.
Though it has been extensively modified, the William Scarbrough House is nonetheless a significant example of Greek Revival domestic architecture in Savannah. Built in 1819, it was designed by English architect William Jay, the most accomplished architect of his time in Savannah. Not long after its completion, the Scarbroughs hosted President James Monroe when he visited Savannah.
William Scarbrough (1776-1838) was a wealthy shipping merchant and the first president of the Savannah Steamship Company. He was an investor in the SS Savannah, which, as the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean, in 1819, was internationally famous and a source of great pride to its namesake city. Unfortunately, the Savannah‘s glory was short-lived and an initial lack of interest in this new mode of travel led to financial ruin for its investors, including Scarbrough. After being converted to a sailing vessel, the Savannah sunk off Long Island in 1821. William Scarbrough went into a deep depression around this time and was essentially bankrupt, though a wealthy relative who purchased his home allowed him to remain there. He worked with Upper Darien Steam Rice and Saw Mill in McIntosh County in the late 1820s and early 1830s, returning to Savannah in 1835. He died in New York City while visiting his son-in-law, Godfrey Barnsley, in 1838.
From 1873-1962, the Scarbrough House was owned by the City of Savannah. During this time, the West Broad Street Colored School was housed here.
Les Chasseurs Volontaires de Saint Domingue, one of Savannah’s newest monuments, and one of its most significant acknowledgements of the city’s early Black history
The octagonal base of the monument contains text on each panel:
(West face) In its fourth year, the American Revolution had become an international conflict. Rebelling American Colonies and their French allies attempted to capture Savannah from the British in 1779. Haitian soldiers of African descent were part of the Allied forces. Following the battle, many of these Haitians were diverted to other military duties, returning to their homes years later, if at all. Several veterans of the campaign became leaders of the movement that made Haiti the second nation in the Western Hemisphere to throw off the yoke of European colonialism.
(Southwest face) Although hundreds of other “Chasseurs Volontaires” remain anonymous today, a number of them are documented and listed below. Pierre Astrel; Louis Jacques Beavais; Jean-Baptiste Mars Belley; Martial Besse; Guillaume Bleck; Pierre Cange; Jean- Baptiste Chavannes; Henri Christophe; Pierre Faubert; Laurent Férou; Jean-Louis Froumentaine; Barthélemy-Médor Icard; Gédéon Jourdan; Jean-Pierre Lambert; Jean-Baptiste Léveillé Christophe Mornet; Pierre Obas; Luc-Vincent Oliver; Pierre Pinchinat; Jean Piverger; Andre Riguad; Césaire Savary; Pierre Tessier; Jérome Thoby; Jean-Louis Villate
We Honor All Of Their Collective Sacrifices, Known And Unknown.
(South face) Acknowledging the deeds of “Les Chasseurs Volontaires de Saint Domingue” at Savannah, American Secretary Of State Cordell Hull dedicated a commemorative plaque on April 25, 1944, at the Cathedral in Saint Marc, Haiti, with these words: “Nous Payons Aujourd’hui Tribut Au Courage Et à L’Espirit des Volontaires Haitiens de 1779 Qui Risquèrent Leurs Vies Pour La Cause de La Liberté Dans Les Amériques.” “Today we pay tribute to the courage and spirit of those Haitian Volunteers who in 1779, risked their lives in the cause of American Liberty.”
(Southeast face) In the Battle of Savannah on October 9, 1779, “Les Chasseurs Volontaires de Saint Domingue,” our forefathers, fought alongside the American Army of General Benjamin Lincoln. Distinguishing themselves by their bravery, as part of the reserve, they provided cover during the retreat of American and French Allies, saving many lives by deterring a fierce counter attack of defending British troops.
(East face) In the fall of 1779, over 500 “Chasseurs Volontaires” sailed from Saint Domingue, the modern island of Haiti. soldiers of African descent, “Les Chasseurs Volontaires de Saint Domingue,” left their families to participate in the Georgia Campaign, under French commander Charles Henri d’Estaing.
(Northeast face) The drummer represents young Henri Christophe, who participated in the October 9, 1779 Battle of Savannah. Christophe later became a leader in the struggle for Haitian Independence from French colonial rule, ending in 1804. A commander of the Haitian army, he became King of Haiti, being among the first heads of state of African descent in the Western Hemisphere.
(North face) The largest unit of soldiers of African descent who fought in the American Revolution was the brave “Les Chasseurs Volontaires de Saint Domingue” from Haiti. This regiment consisted of free men who volunteered for a campaign to capture Savannah from the British in 1779. Their sacrifice reminds us that men of African descent were also present on many other battlefields during the Revolution.
(Northwest face) A Project of the Haitian American Historical Society, 2001- 2007: Board of Directors (List of 13 members)
The young drummer represents Henri Christophe, who participated in the Battle of Savannah and went on to become King of Haiti.
Savannah Historic District, National Historic Landmark
Savannah First African Baptist Church was organized in 1773 and built this historic chapel in 1859. It is one of the oldest Black congregations in North America.
The following history, shared from their website, notes: “First African Baptist Church (FABC) was organized in 1773 under the leadership of Reverend George Leile. The 1773 organization date for the church makes it clear that FABC is older than the United States (1776). In May of 1775 Rev. Leile was ordained as the pastor and December of 1777 the church was officially constituted as a body of organized believers. Four converts Rev. Andrew Bryan, his wife, Hannah Bryan, Kate Hogg, and Hagar Simpson would form a part of the nucleus of First African Baptist Church’s early membership.”
“In 1782, rather than risk reenslavement, Pastor Leile left with the British when Savannah was evacuated and migrated to Jamaica. He became the first American missionary, 30 years before Adoniram Judson left for Burma. He was also the first Baptist missionary in Jamaica.”
“Under the leadership of the 3rd Pastor Reverend Andrew C. Marshall, the congregation obtained the property where the present sanctuary stands. Reverend Marshall also organized the first black Sunday School in North America and changed the name of the church from “First Colored Baptist” to “First African Baptist”. The sanctuary was completed in 1859 under the direction of the 4th Pastor, Reverend William J. Campbell.”
“March Haynes, a deacon of the church, enlisted in the Civil War on the Union side and did valiant service. He was active in helping captive Africans to escape to the Union side, where they enjoyed freedom. Deacon Haynes was an unsung hero of the movement of freedom known popularly as the “Underground Railroad”.”
“First African Baptist Church has been a place of leadership and service since its inception. Reverend Emmanuel King Love, 6th Pastor, led the movement to establish Savannah State University, formerly known as Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth. Rev. Love also played a big role in the establishment of Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA; Paine College in Augusta, GA.”
Traveler’s Rest was built upon land granted to Major Jesse Walton in 1785 for his service in the Revolutionary War. Walton was killed by indigenous people near this site in 1789. The Walton family sold the land to Gen. James Rutherford Wyly (1782-1855), who built the original section of the house between 1816-1825. The property was purchased by Devereaux Jarrett (1785-1852) in 1838. Jarrett expanded the original structure to ten rooms. He opened it to the public as an inn, trading post, and post office, to meet the needs of a growing population made possible by the Unicoi Turnpike, an early public road in the area. Among its early guests was G. W. Featherstonehaugh, and English scientist who served as the first geologist for the U. S. government and a surveyor of the Louisiana Purchase.
This 1934 photograph by Branan Sanders for the Historic American Buildings Survey shows Traveler’s Rest looking much as it does today, albeit a bit overgrown. Courtesy Library of Congress.
It was known as Jarrett Manor during that family’s ownership. Notably, the last owner, Mary Jarrett White (1870-1957), was the first woman in Georgia to vote. The site is open, with limited hours, as a state historic site today.
Savannah may be as well known for its moss-draped ancient oaks as for its superb architecture, and the Candler Oak may just be the biggest and oldest of them all. Located about midway on the Drayton Street side of Forsyth Park, this regal oak is 54-feet tall, boasts a circumference of 17-feet, and has a crown spread of over 110-feet.
It’s older than Georgia itself, and at approximately 300 years old, is believed to have been a sapling in the early 1700s. By the time its branches shaded Union prisoners held in stockade here during the Civil War, it was already a substantial tree. From 1819 until 1980, the tree was a well-known landmark on the grounds of the Savannah Poor House & Hospital and Candler Hospital [the tree’s namesake]. It’s now adjacent to SCAD’s Deloitte Foundry.
It was nearly lost to progress and development, but was saved by the Savannah Tree Foundation in 1982, when that group obtained a conservation easement of 6,804 feet that insured its protection well into the future. This is the first known easement for a single tree. It’s now held together by screws and cables, surrounded by a formidable fence, and monitored by 24-hour video surveillance. Hopefully, all these protections will allow it to live long into the future.
Savannah Historic District, National Historic Landmark
Patt Gunn (second from right) and friends pose with the newly revealed Taylor Square sign
Mayor Van Johnson summed up Saturday’s dedication of Taylor Square, noting that “We’re not rewriting history…and we’re not making history. We’re making sense.”
For the first time in its nearly 300 year history, one of Savannah’s signature squares has been named for a woman, and an African-American. A large and festive crowd numbering in the hundreds was on hand on Saturday to see the dedication of Taylor Square, formerly known as Calhoun Square. Its previous namesake, vice-president John C. Calhoun, was a fierce advocate of slavery.
Susannah “Susie” Baker King Taylor (1848-1912) Courtesy Library of Congress
Its new namesake, Susannah “Susie” Baker King Taylor, was born into slavery and went on to become the first African-American nurse in the U. S. military and the only African-American woman to publish a memoir of her Civil War service (Reminisces of My Life in Camp). She was also a staunch advocate of creating educational opportunities for Black children and is believed to be the first Black teacher to openly teach African-Americans in Georgia. She established two schools in Savannah and another in Liberty County.
Savannah City Manager Joseph Melder introduced the event.
Reverend Jamie Maury of the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia led the ceremony with a prayer.
Patt Gunn
Patt Gunn, of the Susie King Taylor Center for Jubilee, who with Rosalyn Rouse spearheaded the effort to rename the square, thanked those in the neighborhood for their support. She also made references to her Gullah Geechee roots.
Donald Lovett
Donald Lovett, chairman of the Liberty County commission, spoke of Mrs. Taylor’s Liberty County origins.
Music was provided by the Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church choir.
Hermina Glass-Hill
Hermina Glass-Hill, who leads the Susie King Taylor Women’s Institute and Ecology Center in Midway, is the foremost authority on Mrs. Taylor’s life. She noted, “I can assure you that this revolution of unity in the city of Savannah…would certainly make her [Mrs. Baker] proud.”
Mayor Van Johnson
Mayor Johnson described the effort to rename the park, thanking those who led the effort and countless volunteers.
Dr. Bertice Berry
Dr. Bertice Berry inspired the crowd.
Rev. Ben Martin
Rev. Ben Martin is the senior pastor at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church, which faces Taylor Square. He noted that the congregation was proud of the work done here.
The city hosted an all-day celebration in the square, with activities throughout the day.
This was a source of pride for the historic district.
Letha Moore (r) and Gena Taylor, who serves as Executive Director of the Greenbriar Children’s Center
I was honored to meet Letha Moore and even let her take my picture. She told me that she’s the unofficial photographer for her church.
People of all generations took in the festivities.
Hermina Glass-Hill poses with friends.
Van Johnson, Edna Jackson, Otis Johnson
Here, Mayor Van Johnson prepares to reveal the new sign, while former mayors Edna Jackson and Otis Johnson look on.
Savannah Historic District, National Historic Landmark
Benjamin Harvey Hill (detail), circa 1870-1880. Courtesy Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division.
Bellevue is a grand Greek Revival mansion, originally the center of a 1200-acre plantation property, built by Benjamin Harvey Hill (1823-1882) for his wife Caroline Holt Hill (1825-1904). It’s surrounded today by one of LaGrange’s premier historic residential districts. It was donated to the LaGrange Woman’s Club by the Fuller E. Callaway Foundation in 1942 and they have been its guardians ever since.
Benjamin Hill, who was born at Hillsboro in Jasper County, has been called a political chameleon for his wavering views and various party alliances. He started his career as a Whig and then became a strong Fillmore-supporting Unionist. Ultimately, he was Southern partisan who voted in favor of secession and quickly voiced public support for Confederate President Jefferson Davis while serving in the Confederate senate. Davis was even a visitor to Bellevue. In response to Reconstruction and the governorship of Republican Rufus Bullock, Hill helped inaugurate the Ku Klux Klan in Georgia during a speech made on 23 July 1868 that supported violence against the governor and others in favor of the Reconstruction government. He was elected to the U. S. House of Representatives and to the U. S. Senate in 1877. He died in office in 1882. Ben Hill County is named for him.
National Register of Historic Places + National Historic Landmark
Beach, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Hand-colored Albertype Postcard, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown
I’ve been collecting Georgia postcards since I was a teenager and have several thousand now. Besides my hometown, my favorite area to collect is the coast, Jekyll Island especially. This is just a small sampling of my Jekyll Island collection. Besides interesting glimpses into an earlier time, the cards are important primary historical sources. All of these images are in the public domain.
Jekyl(l) Island Club, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Hand-colored Albertype Postcard, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown
Having spent countless vacations with my parents on Jekyll, it’s a part of my history. Hand-colored Albertypes are my favorite cards and are among the most sought-after of the Jekyll Island cards.
Walk to Landing-Mr. Edwin Gould’s Place, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Hand-colored Albertype Postcard, Published by H. O. Lederer, Circa 1910-1920, [H. O. Lederer may refer to Otto Lederer, assistant to Club superintendent Ernest Grob], Collection of Brian Brown
The island was a haven for millionaires and some of the most famous American families during the late Victorian and early Edwardian eras, and the postcards produced for members of the Jekyll Island Club were quite special. You’ll note that on some of the cards, Jekyll is spelled “Jekyl”. I’m not sure why the distinction, since the island’s namesake, Sir Joseph Jekyll, spelled his name with two “l”s.
A Bit of Shore, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Hand-colored Albertype Postcard, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown
Many of the Albertypes focus on the natural and undeveloped aspects of the island, which luckily, can still be seen today.
Club Grounds, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Hand-colored Albertype Postcard, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown
Bicycling was all the rage in the early 1900s. The card pictured below shows one of several bicycle paths maintained for the enjoyment of club members.
McKay Bicycle Path, Jekyl(l) Island, Hand-colored Albertype Postcard, 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown
The beach buildings in the card below were for use by members of the Jekyll Island Club. They look quite primitive by today’s standards.
Shell Road and Beach, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Hand-colored Albertype Postcard, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown
Golf was first brought to Jekyll by members of the Jekyll Island Club and remains a popular pastime today.
13th Hole, 380 yards long, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Hand-colored Albertype Postcard, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown
Women were as involved in golf on Jekyll as men, as this view suggests.
Ninth Green, Jekyl(l) Island Club, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Published by H. O. Lederer, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown, Collection of Brian Brown
Golf was probably more popular than sunbathing in the Club Era, at least with adults.
Residence of Henry Kirk Porter, Jekyl(l) Island, Ga., Published by H. O. Lederer, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown, Collection of Brian Brown
Mistletoe, as the house was known, is virtually unchanged today.
Three Pretty Houses of Members of Jekyl(l) Island Club, Jekyl(l) Island, Brunswick, Ga., Albertype Postcard, Published by Fleming & Bryant, 1914, Collection of Brian Brown
This multi-view card was published by Brunswick booksellers Fleming & Bryant. Along with H. O. Lederer, they were the primary publishers of early Jekyll Island cards. Featured are Solterra, which burned in 1914, Goodyear Cottage, and Mistletoe.
“Jessamine Road’, A Beautiful Drive, Bordered by Hedges Through Club Grounds, Jekyl(l) Island Club, Jekyl(l) Island, Brunswick, Ga., Albertype Postcard, Published by Fleming & Bryant, 1914, Collection of Brian Brown
Like H. O. Lederer, Fleming & Bryant focused on the club grounds, as well as natural scenes like the one below.
“Shell Road Driveway” Opening on Atlantic Ocean Beach, Jekyl(l) Island, Brunswick, Ga., Albertype Postcard, Published by Fleming & Bryant, 1914, Collection of Brian Brown
On of my favorite cards is this moonlight view of the Jekyll River.
Moonlight on Jekyl(l) Creek, Jekyl(l) Island, Hand-colored Postcard, Published by Bryant’s Book Store, 1914, Collection of Brian Brown
Several commercial publishers besides the Albertype Company were also distributing nice views of the island.
Club House, Jekyl(l) Island near Brunswick, Ga., Octochrome Postcard, Circa 1910-1920, Collection of Brian Brown
The Clubhouse features prominently in many of them. The view below, showing Solterra Cottage and its dovecote* on the left and Faith Chapel on the right, is a nice perspective, possibly made from the turret on the clubhouse. *-The dovecote survived the fire and is still standing.
Bird’s Eye View of Jekyl(l) Island, Near Brunswick, Ga. C. T. American Art Postcard, 1914 or earlier, Collection of Brian Brown
One of my favorite buildings in Savannah, this exotic Moorish Revival landmark [with a dose of Manueline inspiration and Gothic elements] was built by the Georgia Hussars as a retail space to fund their armory, which was located next door. The painted terracotta facade is truly one of the most memorable works of architecture in the city. As Rafe Semmes noted, it may best be remembered as the Pars Oriental Rug Company . It’s now home to Artillery Bar.
