Planning a visit to historic Savannah? Don’t miss the chance to step inside one of its most iconic homes—now a beautifully curated museum. The Mercer Williams House Museum in Monterey Square offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century architecture, Southern preservation, and one of the city’s most talked-about true crime stories. From antique-filled rooms to art and porcelain collections, this house tour is as rich in history as it is in character.
Recommended For
The Mercer Williams House Museum is ideal for:
- Fans of architecture and Southern history interested in Italianate design and period decor.
- Lovers of art and antiques drawn to 18th- and 19th-century European and American collections.
- Visitors intrigued by true crime or the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
- First-time Savannah tourists looking to explore the city's historic squares and landmarks.
Why Visit the Mercer Williams House?
- Built between 1860 and 1868 in the Italianate style, the house showcases period architecture at its finest—with ornate brackets, cornices, and classic mid-19th-century design elements.
- Although built for General Hugh W. Mercer, no Mercer ever lived in the home. It was completed post–Civil War by John Wilder.
- Famous for its connection to preservationist Jim Williams, the house holds his private collection of antiques, art, and Chinese porcelain.
The Story Behind the House
- Jim Williams restored more than 50 historic homes in Georgia and South Carolina, and bought the Mercer House in 1969.
- The home was the scene of a 1981 shooting involving Williams and his assistant, later dramatized in the bestseller Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and its 1997 film adaptation.
- Williams was acquitted after four murder trials and died in the house in 1990.
The Museum Experience
- The home opened to the public as a museum in 2004 and remains a private residence—so tours are limited to the first floor.
- Guests can purchase tickets at the carriage house at the rear, which also serves as a gift shop and was once Jim Williams’ antiques business.
- While the story of the book draws many visitors, tours focus primarily on the architecture and historical collections rather than the crime itself.
Explore Monterey Square
- The Mercer Williams House anchors Monterey Square, created in 1847 and considered by many to be Savannah’s most picturesque square.
- Most of the buildings around the square are original and historic, adding even more charm to your visit.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive early during busy seasons (spring and fall) as tour slots can fill quickly.
- Plan to spend time in nearby Forsyth Park and other historic squares—all within walking distance.
- Read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil before your visit for helpful context, but know the tour remains focused on art and architecture.
Planning Your Visit
- Location: Mercer Williams House Museum, 429 Bull Street, Savannah, GA 31401
- Phone: 912-236-6352
- Website: mercerhouse.com
Learn more or book a tour at the Mercer Williams House Museum
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