Tomochichi Federal Building and United States Courthouse, Federal courthouse at Wright Square, Savannah, United States.
The Tomochichi Federal Building and United States Court House occupies a full block on the west side of Wright Square, bounded by Bull, York, Whitaker and State streets. The original 1894–1899 portion is built of white Georgia marble in the Second Renaissance Revival style, three stories over a granite ashlar foundation, with rusticated ground-floor arches and triple-arched openings on the third floor. An L-shaped marble and terra-cotta wing added in 1932 forms the present U-shaped plan.
Excavation for the post office began in 1894 on the southern half of the block, a site where a former courthouse had stood and where John Wesley, founder of Methodism, preached in 1736 and 1737. The building was designed in 1893–1894 under Supervising Architect W. J. Edbrooke, with Jeremiah O'Rourke listed as architect on the cornerstone. All post office departments were in the building by July 30, 1899, and it was enlarged northward between 1930 and 1932.
The building was renamed in 2005 to honor Tomochichi, a Yamacraw chief who once helped English settlers and Creek tribes understand each other. This recognition reflects how the place remembers a figure who brought different communities together in the region's past.
The building is undergoing major renovation work that will continue through 2026. These ongoing works may affect access to certain downtown Savannah streets during the project period.
The exterior ornamentation includes carved faces representing architect Jeremiah O'Rourke and decorative elements depicting flowers and animals in marble. These personal details are often overlooked but add character to the building through designs carved directly into the stone.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,798 contributors worldwide.