“What secrets do these walls hold?” I often ask myself as I stand before the Andrew Low House Museum. Today, let’s unlock some of them together. This isn’t just a building. It’s a portal into Savannah’s vibrant past.
The Andrew Low House Museum stands as a testament to a life of prominence. It showcases a family’s legacy. Andrew Low, a Scottish immigrant, made his mark in the cotton industry. He became one of Savannah’s wealthiest residents.
Designed by New York architect John Norris in 1848, the Italianate-style mansion exudes sophistication. Its stucco-over-brick facade faces Lafayette Square. The building boasts unique features. One of Savannah’s earliest indoor plumbing systems was installed here.
Andrew Low hosted many important guests. General Robert E. Lee and novelist William Makepeace Thackeray were among them. Thackeray even declared it “the most comfortable quarters I have ever had in the United States.”
But there’s more to the Andrew Low House Museum than Low himself. His daughter-in-law, Juliette Gordon Low, also lived here. Known as “Daisy,” she founded the Girl Scouts. Inspired by Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts, she established a similar group for girls in the United States. The Girl Guides were formalized in 1912. The meetings were in the mansion’s remodeled carriage house. The group’s name later changed to “Girl Scouts”.
After Juliette’s death, The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia purchased the Andrew Low House in 1928. They opened it as a museum in 1952. Their dedication has preserved this historic treasure.
Tour the Andrew Low House Museum and explore its first and second floors. Admire the formal and informal parlors. See the dining room, library, bathing rooms, and bedrooms. Marvel at period pieces. Gaze upon gorgeous antiques and Duncan Phyfe furniture.
Don’t miss the double-hourglass garden. It’s the only original 19th-century Savannah garden open to the public. Also, observe the ornate ironwork. A pair of cast-iron lions guard the entrance.
As you wander through the Andrew Low House Museum, consider the lives intertwined within these walls. From the Low family to the enslaved individuals who labored here, each has a story to tell. The Andrew Low House Museum is more than a structure. It’s a journey through time. It provides insights into Savannah’s complex history. It celebrates the enduring spirit of its people.