William Jay's Greek Revival Masterpiece & Presidential Residence
Earliest Greek Revival Architecture in the Deep South
Built 1819 | National Historic Landmark 1974
The William Scarbrough House stands as a nationally significant early example of Greek Revival architecture and one of the finest surviving works of English architectWilliam Jayin America. Built in 1819 for William Scarbrough, president of the Savannah Steamship Company, it represents the earliest domestic Greek Revival style in the Deep South and served as the presidential residence for James Monroe's historic visit.
Construction: Stuccoed brick scored to resemble stone
National Historic Landmark: Designated 1974
Current Use:Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
Location: 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
Presidential Visit and Maritime History
President James Monroe stayed at the William Scarbrough House in May 1819 during his visit to witness the launch of the SS Savannah - the world's first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The house was rushed to completion in 1819 specifically for Monroe's presidential visit to celebrate this maritime milestone, making it one of the most historically significant presidential residences in Georgia.
The Steamship Savannah Connection
William Scarbrough, Maritime Pioneer
President of the Savannah Steamship Company and principal owner of the SS Savannah
Presidential Witness
James Monroe came to Savannah to witness the historic first transatlantic steamship voyage
Maritime Innovation
The house served as headquarters for planning the world's first steam-powered Atlantic crossing
Financial Tragedy
Despite the historic achievement, the SS Savannah was a commercial failure. By November 1820, William Scarbrough faced financial ruin and was declared an insolvent debtor. The magnificent house was sold to relatives who allowed the family to remain, marking the end of Scarbrough's maritime empire but preserving this architectural masterpiece for future generations.
William Jay's Architectural Innovation
Designed by English architectWilliam Jay, who arrived in Savannah in December 1817 at age 25, the Scarbrough House represents the introduction of sophisticated English Regency architecture with Greek Revival elements to the American South. Jay's training in London under the influence of John Nash and his work on Regent Street rebuilding for George IV brought unprecedented architectural sophistication to Savannah.
Savannah period: December 1817 - 1822
Worked on Regent Street rebuilding for George IV
Restrained Regency ornamentation avoiding Rococo maximalism
Pioneering use of cast iron for structure and decoration
From Mansion to Museum: 200 Years of History
The William Scarbrough House has served multiple important roles throughout its 200-year history, from presidential residence to educational institution to maritime museum, each chapter adding to its remarkable legacy in Savannah's cultural landscape.
1819 - Presidential Era
Completed for William Scarbrough; President James Monroe stays here during SS Savannah launch
1820 - Financial Collapse
Scarbrough declared insolvent debtor; house sold to relatives who allowed family to remain
1878-1962 - Educational Institution
Served as West Broad Street School for African-American children for 84 years
1972-1974 - Historic Preservation
Historic Savannah Foundation begins restoration; designated National Historic Landmark (1974)
1996-Present - Maritime Museum
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum opens after major restoration; 2-acre 19th-century gardens designed
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
Today, the William Scarbrough House houses theShips of the Sea Maritime Museum, featuring 9 galleries with ship models, maritime paintings, and artifacts. The museum's location in this historic maritime mansion creates a perfect synergy between the building's presidential and steamship history and its current role celebrating Savannah's rich nautical heritage.
Museum Features
Ship Models: Including SS Savannah, Titanic, and vessels connected to Georgia coast
Gardens: 2-acre 19th-century parlor garden design with largest gardens in Historic District
Architecture: Original William Jay interiors preserved with period details
Location: 41 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Historic District