Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Old Sorrel–Weed House
Here resided as a youth G. Moxley Sorrel (1838- 1901) who achieved fame as one of “Lee’s Lieutenants.” Shortly after war broke out in 1861 Sorrel, a young bank clerk in Savannah, proceeded to Virginia where he obtained a place on Gen. Longstreet's staff. He served with conspicuous valor and zeal through the major battles and campaigns in that theater from the First Manassas to Petersburg and was thrice wounded. Sorrel became brig. general at the age of 26. Competent critics have called him “the best staff officer in the Confederate service.” Gen. Sorrel’s “Recollections of a Confederate Staff Officer” is an absorbing account of his war experiences.
Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-27.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Landmarks • Notable Buildings • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 32° 4.44′ N, 81° 5.637′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. Marker is on West Harris Street, on the right. Across from Madison Square at Bull and Macon Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6 West Harris Street, 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. Madison Square (a few steps from this marker); History Of Emancipation: Special Field Orders No. 15 (a few steps from this marker); Sergeant Jasper (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison Square, British Southern Line of Defenses (within shouting distance of this marker); The March to the Sea (within shouting distance of this marker); Sherman's Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemansonry (within shouting distance of this marker); The Rotary Club of Savannah (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Regarding Old Sorrel–Weed House. Charles Blaney Cluskey, Irish architect, designed this elegant dwelling for the Sorrel family.
Cluskey's love of Greek Revival design is seen in the accents of Doric columns, a sweeping double entrance and marble floors. In deference to torrid Savannah summers, Cluskey drew plans for the main floor so that all rooms opened onto a shaded veranda. One distinguished member of the Sorrel family was Gilbert Moxley Sorrel, known as Moxley. Young Moxley was a bank clerk in Savannah when the Civil War began. He fought with the Confederates,served as one of Lee's lieutenants, was wounded three times and, by age 26, held the rank of brigadier general. Later the house was owned by the Weed family. Now it is a private
residence with a shop attached.
Also see . . .
1. The Sorrel Weed House. (Submitted on February 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. The Sorrel Weed House. Now serves as a bed and breakfast. (Submitted on February 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
3. Moxley Sorrel. In 1861, Sorrel left his job as a Savannah bank clerk, taking part in the Confederate capture of Fort Pulaski as a private in the Georgia Hussars. (Submitted on February 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 6,582 times since then and 330 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 25, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on July 20, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 3. submitted on February 22, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4, 5. submitted on June 11, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.