Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
William Scarbrough
Promoter of the First Transatlantic Steamship
The side-wheel steamship “Savannah,” a vessel of 350 tons, was built in the North under specifications of Scarbrough and his business associates. She steamed from Savannah May 22, 1819, on her epoch-making voyage to Europe, reaching Liverpool 27 days later.
William Scarbrough was the son of a wealthy planter of the Beaufort District, S.C. Educated in Europe, he moved to Savannah about 1798 and soon attained a leading place in the life of the community, becoming one of Savannah’s so-called “Merchant Princes” of the era. The handsome Scarbrough residence, which still stands on West Broad Street, was a center of the social life of the city. There William Scarbrough and his vibrant wife, Julia Bernard Scarbrough (1786-1851), entertained President James Monroe as a house guest in 1819.
Erected 1957 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-44.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #05 James Monroe, and the Georgia Historical Society series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 22, 1816.
Location. 32° 4.512′ N, 81° 5.401′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. Marker can be reached from East Oglethorpe Avenue. Located in the Colonial Park Cemetery, Savannah, Ga. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Joseph Vallence Bevan (a few steps from this marker); Button Gwinnett (a few steps from this marker); Archibald Bulloch (within shouting distance of this marker); Duellist's Grave (within shouting distance of this marker); Major John Berrien (within shouting distance of this marker); James Johnston (within shouting distance of this marker); Edward Greene Malbone (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Clay, Patriot (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Staemship Savannah, Colonial Park
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,871 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 12, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on October 6, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 14, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.