General Sherman's Civil War headquarters and one of the South's grandest Gothic Revival houses
National Register of Historic Places
Most expensive house in 1850s Savannah
Photo by Billy Wilson / CC BY 2.0
Gothic Revival Grandeur
If you're looking for one of the grandest Gothic Revival Houses in the South with a deep history to match, then you should visit the Green-Meldrim House during your stay in Savannah, Georgia. Built by renowned architect John S. Norris, it was once the most expensive house in Savannah and the center of some famous events during the Civil War.
A tour of the place will make you feel that it is a museum, although it is used as a parish hall by St. John's Episcopal Church. The house stands as a testament to antebellum luxury and wartime history on the northwest corner of Madison Square.
Charles Green came to Savannah in 1833. A middle-class man with no great fortune, he would become a wealthy cotton merchant in Georgia. Charles Green commissioned the house to be built in 1850.
Extraordinary Investment
The Green-Meldrim house cost a total of $93,000 and was finished in 1853. Nearly half of the expenses were due to the cost of luxurious building materials brought over from England and other places.
During the Civil War, Green let his house be used as General Sherman's headquarters. From 1864 till 1865, it was lived in by the Union Army officers. It was from this gorgeous place that General Sherman wrote his famous telegraph to President Lincoln.
Historic Telegraph
"I want to gift the President, as a Christmas Gift the City of Savannah, with one hundred and fifty heavy guns and plenty of ammunition, and also about twenty-five thousand bales of cotton."
Charles Green later sued the United States government to be reimbursed for this cotton.
"40 Acres and a Mule"
History buffs will enjoy learning that the Green-Meldrim House was the site of the "40 acres and a mule" meeting, where General Sherman stated that newly freed enslaved people would have a fresh start.
General Sherman and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton held this meeting with local black leaders at Green-Meldrim House. Sadly, this promise would be overturned by President Andrew Johnson.
Ownership Through the Generations
The Green Family Legacy
Charles Green owned the house until he died in 1881. His son Edward Green was left the house. Green sold the house to Judge Peter W. Meldrim in 1892 after his family was established in France.
Literary Connection
Edward Green's son, Julien Green, grew up in France and became an acclaimed French author, one of the best of the 20th century, and the first non-national member of the Academie Française. Most of Edward and Julien's furniture was brought back to the historic home.
Preservation by St. John's Church
Only owned by two different families, the house was sold to St. John's Church next door to keep it preserved. It is mesmerizing to think of all the stories this furniture could tell.
The Green-Meldrim House was designed by the brilliant architect John S. Norris. John Norris designed several historical places, including the US Custom House, Massie School, Andrew Low House, and the Cockspur Island Lighthouse. He lived in Savannah from 1846 to 1861.
Unique Architectural Features
Three sets of doors with heavy outer double doors that fold in to form a closet on both sides of the entrance
An oriel window graces the east side of the house
A skylight above the interior curved skylight is a unique feature of the architect
One of the most glorious gothic-revival homes in the South
Luxurious Interior Features
Beautifully carved black walnut floors
Golden crown moldings throughout
Silver-plated doorknobs and keyholes
Matching chandeliers grace each room
Marble mantles above each fireplace
Enjoy the Green family's furniture brought over from their French residence. Stroll through the gardens designed by Clermont Huger Lee, a Savannah garden architect specializing in historically accurate garden designs.
National Historic Recognition
The house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. This federal government list protects sites deemed to be historically worthy of preservation.
For a property to be considered for this distinction, it must have made a significant contribution to the pattern of American history.
Tours and Access
Located on the Northwest corner of Madison Square, the Green-Meldrim house is a must-see on your trip to Savannah. Tours are given daily.
Location
The Green-Meldrim House is located at 14 W. Macon Street on Madison Square in the historic district of Savannah.
Current Use
The Episcopal Church of St Johns – built in the same year as the house -- also uses the house for meetings and receptions in the evenings. The kitchens, servants' quarters and stables have been converted to a rectory.
Preservation
St. John's Episcopal Church maintains this architectural treasure, ensuring its preservation for future generations while allowing public tours and educational programs.
Charles Green comes to Savannah as a middle-class man, later becoming a wealthy cotton merchant.
1850-1853 - Construction Era
John S. Norris designs and builds the $93,000 Gothic Revival mansion with materials from England.
1864-1865 - Civil War Headquarters
General Sherman uses the house as headquarters, writes famous Christmas gift telegraph to Lincoln, and holds "40 acres and a mule" meeting.
1881-1892 - Family Transition
Charles Green dies (1881), son Edward inherits and later sells to Judge Peter W. Meldrim (1892).
1976 - National Register
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring federal protection and recognition.
Present - Church Preservation
St. John's Episcopal Church maintains the house, offering daily tours and preserving this Gothic Revival masterpiece.