The Mercer Williams House has seen it all over the years. Originally built in the 1860's, it stands at the west end of Monterey Square. The Mercer Williams House is arguably one of Savannah's grandest homes and certainly the most photographed historic home in the district due to the famous names that have been attached to this home since it was built in the 1800's. It has eight cast-iron balconies, cast-iron window pediments and a fence at the sidewalk, all of which add to the design. The house was named after Confederate General Hugh Mercer - General Mercer as a descendant of the Revolutionary War General and George Washington’s close friend by the same name, Hugh Mercer. The Civil War Hugh Mercer was the original owner as well as the great grandfather of the renowned lyricist and composer Johnny Mercer who had a major impact on Twentieth century music with a wealth of well known tunes such as Moon River, Days of Wine and Rose, Hooray for Hollywood, and That Old Black Magic, just to name a handful from the repertoire of this prolific writer.
In recent years The Mercer Williams House was owned by another Savannahian who gained his own notoriety that has indelibly imprinted Monterey Square and all of Savannah. Jim Williams was a 20th century restoration expert of many low country homes. He was written about in the best selling book and movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Williams who purchased the Mercer House in a state of disrepair completed a thorough period correct restoration. He was an antique dealer/collector who operated an antique store found at the rear of the Mercer Williams House. This Carriage House around back now serves as the entrance for the Mercer Williams House Tour.
R. Purser for Savannah Getaways
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