W. B. Hodgson Hall

W. B. Hodgson Hall is an office building in the Savannah Historic District built in 1876 with characteristic details from the late 1800s. The structure stands at the northwestern corner of Forsyth Park and is registered as a National Register of Historic Places contributing property.

Prominent architect Detlef Lienau designed the building as a memorial for William Brown Hodgson, an American diplomat and curator of the Historical Society. Margaret Telfair Hodgson and Mary Telfair commissioned and financed the project to honor his contributions.

The building houses the Georgia Historical Society Research Center, where visitors can explore archives and discover historical documents about the state's past. The institution plays an important role in preserving and sharing Georgia's history with the public.

The building is easy to find at 501 Whitaker Street, right next to Forsyth Park, a central green space in the historic district. Its location offers good accessibility and makes it convenient to visit while exploring other Savannah sites.

William Brown Hodgson, for whom the hall is named, was an American diplomat who specialized in Middle Eastern affairs and also served as a curator of the Historical Society. His dual role as both a diplomat and keeper of history gave him a rare position in Savannah's cultural life.

Location: Savannah

Inception: 1876

Architects: Detlef Lienau

Part of: Savannah Historic District

Address: 501 Whitaker Street

GPS coordinates: 32.07056,-81.09667

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:00