Davenport House, Federal-style house museum in Columbia Square, Savannah, United States.
The Davenport House is a three-story red brick Federal-style dwelling at 324 East State Street, on the northwest corner of Columbia Square. Its symmetrical front has a grey metal roof with three dormers holding arched windows, and dark green louvered shutters flanking the windows. A white door in an arched surround is reached by brick steps with black iron railings, and a small sign reads "GEORGIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY".
The builder Isaiah Davenport constructed this residence in 1820 and lived there with his family and nine enslaved people until his death in 1827. After his death, the building changed hands several times and later fell into decline before being rescued.
The home shows how upper-class families lived in 1820s Savannah and the role that enslaved people held within their daily routines. Visitors see through the rooms and furnishings how this shared living situation actually functioned.
The building sits near Columbia Square and is easily reached on foot; visitors should expect stairs and wear comfortable shoes. The interiors are narrow and historical, so a measured and respectful exploration works best.
The 1955 purchase that saved the house from demolition was the first act of the Historic Savannah Foundation, which then used a revolving loan fund to save hundreds of other buildings in the city. The house also served as the foundation's office and as a family services agency that year.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,716 contributors worldwide.
