Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Colonial Town Gate
Davenport House
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 11, 2011
1. Colonial Town Gate Marker
In 1757, during the administration of royal Governor Henry Ellis, a line of earthwork defenses, including a palisade, was erected around Savannah. Immediately west of this marker was located Bethesda Gate, one of the six entrances into the town. Through Bethesda Gate passed the Sea Island Road connecting Savannah and the tidewater settlements to the east and southeast.
This square, Known as Columbia Square, was laid out in 1799. Facing it on the north is the Davenport House, one of the handsomest examples of Georgian architecture in the South. This finely proportioned dwelling, completed in 1820 was designed and built by its owner, Isaiah Davenport (1784-1827), one of Savannahs outstanding builder-architects.
In 1956 the Davenport House was restored by Historic Savannah Foundation as the first preservation project of that organization. It is open to the public at certain times during the week.
Erected 1959 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-75.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Landmarks • Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1757.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Berrien House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Barnard House (about 400 feet away); Tabby, Coquina, Sandstone, and Stucco (about 400 feet away); Owens-Thomas House (about 400 feet away); Richardson-Owens-Thomas House (about 500 feet away); Police Officers Monument (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Owens-Thomas House (about 500 feet away); 1812 Wesley Chapel (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 2008
2. Colonial Town Gate - Davenport House Marker
Marker Monday: Colonial Town Gate: Davenport House
Georgia Historical Society website entry
Click for more information.
Georgia Historical Society website entry
Click for more information.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 2008
3. Davenport House...324 E. State Street
Davenport bought and sold several lots in the city and grew wealthy
Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 11, 2011
4. Colonial Town Gate Marker and Davenport House
Historic American Buildings Survey, 1934
5. Davenport House
Historic American Engineering Record HABS GA,26-SAV,6-3
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Historic American Buildings Survey, 1936
6. Davenport House
Historic American Engineering Record HABS GA,26-SAV,6-2
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 28, 2017
7. Davenport House Marker
A restored marker for the Davenport House in front of the landmark.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 2,212 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 26, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3. submitted on February 13, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4. submitted on September 13, 2011, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6. submitted on June 11, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7. submitted on April 18, 2025, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
