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

Learn more or book a tour at the Mercer Williams House Museum

Plan Your Trip