Mercer-Williams House | Savannah

The Mercer-Williams House, located at 429 Bull Street in Monterey Square, Savannah, Georgia, is one of the city’s most iconic and historically rich residences. It stands as a remarkable example of mid-19th-century Italianate architecture and is widely known for its architectural beauty, its connection to Savannah’s preservation movement, and its association with the true-crime saga that inspired the bestselling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

1. Architectural Design and Features

The Mercer-Williams House was originally commissioned in 1860 by General Hugh W. Mercer, a Confederate general and prominent Savannah figure. The design was created by John S. Norris, a notable New York architect recognized for his work in Savannah and other Southern cities. Norris was known for blending classical elements with more modern trends of the time.

Italianate Style Characteristics:

Symmetry and Vertical Emphasis: The house features a balanced, rectangular shape with a strong vertical presence, emphasized by its three stories and tall, narrow windows.

Construction Materials: The building is primarily constructed from “Philadelphia Red” brick, which is relatively rare in Savannah architecture, giving the house a distinctive warm, red hue.

High Ceilings and Tall Windows: The ceilings inside soar to 15 feet, enhancing the grandeur and light-filled atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling windows contribute to this effect, allowing ample natural light.

Ornate Details: Moldings, hand-carved doorways, and intricate plasterwork are present throughout, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era.

Entrance Hall: The 60-foot-long entrance hall is a centerpiece, featuring original ceramic tiles imported from Stoke-on-Trent, England, renowned for its fine ceramics. This long hall creates an impressive first impression and leads guests through the main parts of the home.

Stained-Glass Dome: Installed in 1868 during the house’s completion, this dome adds a touch of elegance and artistic flair, filtering natural light in colorful patterns across the interior.

Interior Shutters and Original Wood Floors: The house retains many original features including interior shutters that provide both privacy and ventilation, and wide plank wood floors that add warmth and authenticity.

The house was not completed until after the Civil War, around 1868, as construction was halted due to the war’s disruption. When John R. Wilder took over ownership and completed the house, these finishing touches helped establish its unique character.

2. Historical Context and Ownership

Though originally built for General Hugh W. Mercer, the Mercer family never actually lived in the home. Instead, ownership changed hands several times over the decades.

In 1969, the house was purchased by Jim Williams, a local antiques dealer and preservationist who played a pivotal role in Savannah’s historic preservation efforts. Williams was instrumental in restoring many historic properties in the city, but the Mercer-Williams House was his personal residence and his crowning achievement.

Williams devoted two years to restoring the house, carefully maintaining its architectural integrity while filling it with an extensive and eclectic collection of antiques and artworks.

3. Jim Williams and Cultural Significance

Jim Williams transformed the Mercer-Williams House into both a home and a museum of his vast collection of antiques, which included:

18th and 19th-century Regency and Empire-style furniture.

Portraits by prominent artists such as Gilbert Stuart and Thomas Hudson.

Chinese Export porcelain, showcasing his interest in global decorative arts.

Other artifacts spanning Europe, Asia, and America, representing a wide range of artistic traditions.

The house became famous worldwide due to the events portrayed in Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt, which chronicled Williams’ dramatic legal battles following the 1981 shooting death of Danny Hansford, a local handyman, within the house. The subsequent trials, acquittals, and gossip made the house an enduring symbol of Savannah’s blend of Southern charm, eccentricity, and mystery.

4. Interior Layout and Collections

The Mercer-Williams House has a carefully preserved interior that showcases both the architectural grandeur and Williams’ personal tastes.

The ground floor is open to visitors and features the formal rooms, including the entrance hall, drawing rooms, and dining areas, all meticulously arranged with antiques.

The ceramic tile entrance hall serves as a dramatic focal point, guiding visitors into the heart of the home.

The stained-glass dome bathes the upper hall in colorful light.

The rooms are decorated with period-appropriate furnishings, paintings, and decorative arts, allowing visitors to understand both the architectural era and the personality of Jim Williams.

Upstairs floors are private and not open to the public, as the house remains owned by Williams’ sister.

5. Preservation and Public Access

Today, the Mercer-Williams House is a museum open to the public, with guided tours available that focus on:

The architectural history of the house and its Italianate style.

The story of Jim Williams as a preserver of Savannah’s architectural heritage.

The antiques and decorative arts collection that fills the home.

The famous events of the 1980s, including the shooting and subsequent trials, which contribute to the home’s cultural mystique.

Tours generally cover the ground floor and first floor, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into Savannah’s past through one of its most renowned residences.

6. Location and Surroundings

The house is perfectly situated on Monterey Square, one of Savannah’s most picturesque historic squares, known for its large live oaks and historic monuments. The square is a popular destination for visitors seeking authentic Southern architecture and history.

Summary

The Mercer-Williams House is more than just a beautiful Italianate mansion; it is a living monument to Savannah’s history, preservation, and cultural storytelling. Its architectural features reflect mid-19th-century tastes and craftsmanship, while its association with Jim Williams and the Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil story has imbued it with a modern mythos. The house serves as a testament to the city’s layered history, bridging the antebellum period with contemporary interest in historic preservation and true-crime narratives.