Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Owens-Thomas House
Marquis de Lafayette
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2009
1. Owens-Thomas House Marker
This residence is the outstanding monument to the architectural genius of William Jay who completed his designs for its construction prior to his twenty-first birthday. Supervision of the work brought Jay to America in 1817. Its period is English Regency. Its style is known as Greek Revival. Its interiors are particularly notable and, in many features, unique. Of its style and period it is Savannah's finest and among the nation's best.
The mansion was built 1816-1819 for Richard Richardson, a Savannah merchant. The basement, of "tabby" construction, is of much earlier date, and contains the original trim of the de Brahm house which once occupied the site.
General LaFayette was quartered here as a guest of the City when he visited Savannah in 1825. He addressed the populace from the south balcony.
The mansion was left in trust to the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences in 1951 by Margaret Gray Thomas whose grandfather, George W. Owens, distinguished lawyer and Member of Congress, acquired the property from the Bank of the United States. It is now a historic house museum.
Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 025-26.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture
this page online
Location. 32° 4.64′ N, 81° 5.371′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. Marker is at the intersection of Abercorn Street and President St, on the right when traveling north on Abercorn Street. The marker is across from Oglethorpe Square. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 124 Abercorn St, 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. Richardson-Owens-Thomas House (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Owens-Thomas House (a few steps from this marker); Tabby, Coquina, Sandstone, and Stucco (a few steps from this marker); Moravian Colonists In Savannah (within shouting distance of this marker); Barnard House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Georgia Civil Rights Trail: The Savannah Protest Movement (about 300 feet away); The Beverly M. Whitehead Human Resources Building (about 300 feet away); Gen. James Jackson Home Site (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008
2. Owens-Thomas House Marquis de Lafayette Marker
Additional commentary.
1. Ownes-Thomas House
I surely would like to see the name Richardson-Owens-Thomas continued. This home was built by my five-times great grandfather Richad Richardson and his wife, Frances Lewis Bolton.
Editor's Note: It is interesting to note the name does not include the original owner. Perhaps the Georgia Historical Commission can correct this apparent omission?
— Submitted May 11, 2009, by MaryMargaret Richardson of Kirkwood, Missouri.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, February 2008
3. Owens-Thomas House
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
4. Owens-Thomas House Marker, at left
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
5. Owens-Thomas House as seen at Oglethorpe Square
Photographed By Gawain Atwater, July 20, 2008
6. Owens-Thomas House Garden
Photographed By Gawain Atwater, July 20, 2008
7. Owens-Thomas House Garden II
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 26, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,939 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on May 31, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3. submitted on February 26, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 4, 5. submitted on November 16, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6, 7. submitted on July 22, 2008, by Gawain Atwater of Brunswick, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
