Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
#10 in Best Things To Do in Savannah
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- 4.0Value
- 3.5Facilities
- 4.5Atmosphere
George Welshman Owens was a wealthy planter, lawyer and politician who lived in this house with his wife, six children and several slaves beginning in 1833. Owens kept anywhere from nine to 15 slaves on the property, and held nearly 400 men, women and kids in bondage on his various plantations. The last Owens descendant to live in the house was George Owens' granddaughter, Margaret Gray Thomas, who left the property to the Telfair Academy of Arts and Science in her will. Unlike the other two Telfair Museums – the Jepson Center and Telfair Academy – the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters focuses less on art and more on architecture. In fact, recent visitors described the house as both simple and elegant. If you like history, then an hour or two at the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters should definitely make it on to your to-do list.
A tour of the facility reveals what life was like for the upper class in 19th century Savannah: You'll see Greek-inspired craftsmanship and beautiful stained glass, in addition to the old carriage house and slave quarters. You'll also have a chance to peruse the public spaces, such as the drawing room and the dining room, where the family entertained guests, and can learn more about the day-to-day life of the family's slaves through interactive exhibits in the butler's pantry, the working cellar and the slave quarters. Previous travelers praise the attraction, calling it fascinating and eye-opening.
The Owens-Thomas House sits in the heart of the Historic District, just a few blocks northeast of Juliette Gordon Low's Birthplace. The home is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You must visit the house on a guided tour, which are offered on 10-minute intervals until 4:20 p.m. Admission costs $20 for adults and $15 for students, ages 13 through 25. Tickets for kids between the ages of 6 and 12 cost $5. Children 5 and younger can visit for free. Keep in mind that admission to one site includes a visit to each of the other Telfair sites. For more information, check out the Telfair Museums website.
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#1 Forsyth Park
Go to this 30-acre park in the heart of Savannah's Historic District to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Keep your camera ready, though, as there is plenty to see here as well. Stroll past the stunning white-stone Forsyth Fountain, memorials dedicated to the Confederacy and the Spanish-American War, the Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired and the 300-year-old Candler Oak tree. From the park, you can see several historic sites within walking distance, including Hodgson Hall (home to the Georgia Historical Society) and the old Poor House and Hospital, which was used to treat wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
Recent visitors noted the park's urban cosmopolitan vibe, with locals and tourists alike picnicking, dog walking and even painting. They also say that street parking nearby the park is free on Sundays.
Go to this 30-acre park in the heart of Savannah's Historic District to relax after a long day of sightseeing. Keep your camera ready, though, as there is plenty to see here as well. Stroll past the stunning white-stone Forsyth Fountain, memorials dedicated to the Confederacy and the Spanish-American War, the Fragrant Garden for the visually impaired and the 300-year-old Candler Oak tree. From the park, you can see several historic sites within walking distance, including Hodgson Hall (home to the Georgia Historical Society) and the old Poor House and Hospital, which was used to treat wounded soldiers during the Civil War.
Recent visitors noted the park's urban cosmopolitan vibe, with locals and tourists alike picnicking, dog walking and even painting. They also say that street parking nearby the park is free on Sundays.
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