Andrew Low House | Savannah

Overview and Historical Context

The Andrew Low House, located at 329 Abercorn Street in Savannah, Georgia, is an exquisitely preserved mid-19th-century mansion renowned for its architectural elegance and rich historical associations. Built between 1847 and 1849, it was commissioned by Andrew Low II, a Scottish immigrant who became one of Savannah’s wealthiest cotton merchants and a prominent figure in the city’s commercial and social life.

Designed by the noted New York architect John S. Norris, the house reflects the tastes and aspirations of the antebellum Southern elite. It stands not only as a private residence from a bygone era but also as a testament to Savannah’s economic prosperity prior to the Civil War.

The home gained additional historical prominence as the residence of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts of the USA. She lived in the house with her husband William Mackay Low, and it was within these walls that she organized the first official Girl Scout troop in 1912, planting the seeds for an influential national movement devoted to youth empowerment and community service.

Architectural Features and Style

The Andrew Low House is celebrated as one of Savannah’s finest examples of mid-19th-century residential architecture. It exemplifies a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, popular among affluent Americans during that period.

Exterior:
The building’s cubic form is constructed of stucco-covered brick, giving it a solid, elegant appearance. The facade is marked by distinctive architectural details such as tall, narrow windows crowned with molded lintels and a richly ornamented cornice.

Entrance:
A grand sandstone staircase leads to the main entrance, guarded by a pair of recumbent lions—an unusual and symbolic decorative element representing strength and protection. The double front doors are flanked by classical pilasters and topped by a transom window, enhancing the stately character.

Dry Moat:
A notable feature unique to this mansion is the dry moat that surrounds the foundation. This architectural element served both aesthetic and practical purposes by elevating the house above street level and protecting it from flooding and street noise.

Rear Porch:
The back of the house includes a dramatic three-story porch supported by stuccoed columns, providing expansive views of the formal gardens and a shaded outdoor space for social gatherings.

Interior:
Inside, the mansion features spacious rooms with high ceilings, elaborate moldings, ornate fireplaces, and fine woodwork. The layout and decoration reflect both the social customs and domestic needs of a wealthy family in the mid-1800s.

Historical Significance and Cultural Impact

The Andrew Low House holds an important place in American history, not only as a symbol of Savannah’s antebellum wealth but also as the birthplace of the Girl Scouts movement.

Andrew Low II:
As a successful cotton broker, Andrew Low’s wealth enabled him to commission one of the most elegant homes in Savannah. His success reflects the importance of the cotton trade to the Southern economy before the Civil War.

Juliette Gordon Low:
The house’s most famous resident, Juliette Gordon Low, married William Mackay Low in 1886 and made this home her base of operations for founding the Girl Scouts in 1912. She envisioned the organization as a means to build girls’ confidence, self-reliance, and community responsibility. Her work in this house launched what would become one of the largest and most influential youth organizations in the United States.

Legacy:
The Andrew Low House remains a place of pilgrimage for Girl Scouts and historians, symbolizing leadership, empowerment, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Collections and Interior Highlights

The museum’s collection includes a remarkable array of 19th-century furnishings, decorative arts, and family heirlooms that have been carefully preserved or restored to reflect the period when the Low family occupied the house.

Furniture:
Noteworthy pieces include a breakfront secretary crafted by Joseph Barry in 1810, which exemplifies fine Federal-style cabinetmaking, and a rosewood writing desk attributed to John Jelliff, known for its craftsmanship and historical association with author William Makepeace Thackeray.

Decorative Arts:
The collection features silver, porcelain, and glassware typical of the period, illustrating the refined tastes and social status of the household.

Personal Items and Memorabilia:
Various personal artifacts linked to Juliette Gordon Low and her family provide insight into their daily lives and social circles.

The museum arranges these items within rooms decorated to represent different functions of the house, such as parlors, dining rooms, and bedrooms, allowing visitors to experience the lifestyle of a wealthy Savannah family in the 1800s.

Gardens and Grounds

Surrounding the Andrew Low House is one of the few remaining original 19th-century gardens in Savannah, carefully maintained to preserve its historic design and plantings.

Design:
The garden follows a double-hourglass parterre layout, a formal geometric design popular in the Victorian era. This symmetry and order complement the architectural elegance of the house.

Plantings:
The garden includes historically appropriate species such as English daisies, Kurume azaleas, and sago palms. These plants were chosen to reflect the period and create a tranquil, ornamental landscape.

Atmosphere:
The garden provides a peaceful retreat amid the urban environment and serves as a living example of 19th-century horticultural practices.

Visitor Experience and Practical Information

Today, the Andrew Low House operates as a museum open to the public, offering guided tours that provide in-depth information about the house’s architecture, history, and significance.

Tours:
Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through the mansion’s rooms, explaining architectural details, historical anecdotes, and the story of Juliette Gordon Low and the Girl Scouts.

Events:
The museum occasionally hosts special programs, lectures, and events related to Savannah’s history and preservation.

Location and Access:
Situated in Savannah’s historic district, the house is easily accessible for visitors touring the city’s many cultural and historic sites.

Hours and Admission:
The museum is open six days a week with Sunday afternoon hours. Admission fees are reasonable, with discounts for seniors, students, Girl Scouts, and military personnel. Children under six and active military members with ID enter free.

Paranormal Lore

Like many historic homes in Savannah, the Andrew Low House is associated with ghost stories and paranormal activity.

Reports describe sightings of the apparition of Tom, Andrew Low’s butler, who is said to appear dressed in period attire.

Visitors have also noted the presence of a sweet, mysterious perfume on the grand staircase, attributed to lingering spirits.

These stories contribute to the house’s mystique and make it a point of interest for enthusiasts of the paranormal alongside history buffs.

Summary

The Andrew Low House is a cultural treasure that combines architectural beauty, rich history, and a deep connection to an iconic American institution—the Girl Scouts of the USA. It offers visitors a unique window into Savannah’s antebellum past, the lives of its prominent citizens, and the enduring legacy of Juliette Gordon Low’s vision.

Through its well-preserved structure, curated collections, and historic gardens, the museum not only honors the past but also inspires ongoing appreciation for heritage preservation and community values. It stands as a testament to Savannah’s historical significance and its role in shaping national culture.

This detailed profile fully captures the architectural, historical, cultural, and educational importance of the Andrew Low House, making it clear why it remains a must-visit landmark in Savannah.