What if the walls of a house could speak? In Savannah, Georgia, one mansion has stories that would make your hair stand on end. The Mercer-Williams House, with its beautiful rose-colored bricks, holds dark secrets that have fascinated people for generations. Let’s uncover the chilling tales hidden within this historic landmark.
Key Takeaways
– The Mercer-Williams House in Savannah, Georgia, is known for its beautiful architecture and dark history.
– Built with rose-colored bricks, the house combines Greek, Italianate, and Renaissance Revival styles.
– Construction was delayed by the Civil War and completed in 1868 by a new owner, John Wilder.
– The house has been the site of several tragedies, including the death of young Tommy Downs and the infamous shooting of Danny Hansford by Jim Williams in 1981.
– The Mercer-Williams House is reputed to be haunted, with reports of ghostly sightings and unexplained events.
– The house gained fame from the book and movie “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” making it a popular tourist attraction.
– Today, the house serves as a museum showcasing its architectural beauty and historical artifacts, while also acknowledging its tragic past.
– Despite efforts to highlight its historical and architectural significance, the house continues to attract those fascinated by its darker history and ghost stories.
The Birth of a Grand Estate
The story of the Mercer-Williams House begins with a vision. General Hugh Weedon Mercer, a prominent Savannah resident, commissioned New York-based architect John S. Norris to design a home that would stand as a testament to his family’s status and wealth. Norris’s design combined Greek and Italianate styles with Renaissance Revival elements, creating a unique and striking structure. The result was a masterpiece of 19th-century architecture, featuring deep rose-colored bricks known as ‘Philadelphia Reds,’ symmetrical interior design, 15-foot ceilings, and a 60-foot entrance hall adorned with original ceramic tile from England.
However, the path to completion was far from smooth. The Civil War erupted just as construction began, halting progress and leaving the house unfinished for years. It wasn’t until 1868 that John Wilder, a new owner, finally completed the mansion. This delay added another layer to the house’s already intriguing history. The long wait for completion seemed to foreshadow the complex and sometimes troubled future that lay ahead for this grand estate. Today, visitors to Savannah can explore this historic mansion and then retreat to the tranquil surroundings of Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, a nearby campground that offers a peaceful respite under Spanish moss-draped oaks along the Ogeechee River.
A House of Tragedy
Despite its grandeur, the Mercer-Williams House has been the scene of numerous tragedies over the years. One of the most shocking incidents occurred when young Tommy Downs lost his life in a horrific accident. The boy fell from the roof and was impaled on the iron gate below, a tragic event that would forever mark the house’s history. This heartbreaking incident left an indelible mark on the community and added to the house’s growing reputation as a place of misfortune.
But the most infamous chapter in the mansion’s story unfolded in 1981 when Jim Williams, the house’s owner at the time, shot and killed Danny Hansford within its walls. This event sparked a legal saga that would captivate the nation. Williams faced multiple trials, initially convicted but eventually acquitted. The case’s complexity drew national attention, shining a spotlight on Savannah’s high society and the secrets hidden behind closed doors. The Mercer-Williams House became not just a site of tragedy, but a symbol of the darker undercurrents running through Savannah’s seemingly genteel society.
Whispers in the Walls
In the wake of these tragedies, the Mercer-Williams House has gained a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have reported numerous ghostly encounters over the years. Some claim to have seen the apparition of a young boy, believed to be Tommy Downs, peering out from the windows. Others describe hearing unexplained sounds and witnessing eerie occurrences that defy logical explanation.
Perhaps most intriguing are the reports of phantom parties and lively music around Christmas time. These residual hauntings seem to replay events from the house’s past, as if the walls themselves are holding onto memories of more joyous times. The contrast between these spectral celebrations and the house’s darker history adds another layer of mystery to its already complex narrative. Many visitors find themselves both intrigued and unsettled by the idea that the house might be a crossroads between the world of the living and the realm of the dead.
From Crime Scene to Cultural Icon
The Mercer-Williams House’s notoriety reached new heights with the publication of John Berendt’s non-fiction novel “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” in 1994. The book, which centered around Jim Williams and the events surrounding Danny Hansford’s death, became an international bestseller. It painted a vivid picture of Savannah’s eccentricities and the house’s central role in one of the city’s most infamous crimes. The story’s popularity led to a film adaptation directed by Clint Eastwood in 1997, further cementing the Mercer-Williams House’s place in popular culture.
This newfound fame had a significant impact on Savannah’s tourism industry, drawing curious visitors from around the world to see the infamous house for themselves. The mansion became not just a historical landmark, but a symbol of Savannah’s complex and sometimes dark history. It served as a tangible connection to the events described in the book and film, allowing visitors to step into the setting of a story that had captured the imagination of millions. The Mercer-Williams House transformed from a local curiosity into a must-see destination for tourists seeking to experience the mysterious allure of Savannah.
The House Today
Today, the Mercer-Williams House stands as both a museum and a living testament to its tumultuous past. Dorothy Kingery, Jim Williams’ sister, has taken on the task of preserving the house and its legacy. Under her stewardship, the focus has shifted to highlighting the mansion’s architectural beauty and its impressive collection of antiques and art. Visitors can now take guided tours of the house, marveling at its 18th and 19th-century portraits, drawings, and Chinese porcelain.
The guided tours offer a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Savannah’s elite, while also providing context for the house’s infamous history. However, the tours intentionally avoid dwelling on the more sensational aspects of the house’s past, seeking instead to balance its historical significance with its tragic notoriety. This approach allows visitors to appreciate the house’s architectural and artistic merits while still acknowledging its complex history. The Mercer-Williams House continues to evolve, striving to find a balance between preserving its past and forging a new identity as a cultural landmark.
A Magnet for the Curious
Despite efforts to focus on its architectural and historical merits, the Mercer-Williams House continues to draw those intrigued by its darker reputation. Ghost tours regularly stop outside the mansion, regaling visitors with tales of murder and haunting. Paranormal investigators have conducted numerous investigations, seeking evidence of ghostly activity within its walls. Many visitors report strange experiences during their tours, from unexplained cold spots to feelings of being watched.
The broken iron fence on the West Gordon side, marking the spot of Tommy Downs’ tragic death, serves as a somber reminder of the house’s complex history. Whether these experiences are truly paranormal or simply the product of an overactive imagination fueled by the house’s reputation is a matter of debate. The enduring allure of the unexplained continues to draw people to the Mercer-Williams House. Its blend of beauty and tragedy, history and mystery, creates a unique atmosphere that captivates visitors from all walks of life. Each person who walks through its doors or simply gazes up at its façade becomes a part of its ongoing story, adding their own perceptions and experiences to the rich tapestry of its legend.
As we reflect on the tale of the Mercer-Williams House, we’re reminded of the complex nature of history and the power of storytelling. This mansion stands as a testament to Savannah’s multifaceted past, embodying both the elegance of the Old South and the darker undercurrents that ran beneath its surface. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, to consider the stories that old buildings carry within their walls, and to ponder the thin line between the world we can see and the mysteries that lie just beyond our understanding.
In the end, the Mercer-Williams House remains an enigma, a beautiful puzzle that continues to intrigue and inspire. It reminds us that sometimes, the most captivating stories are those that blend fact and folklore, leaving us to wonder where truth ends and legend begins. As you walk the streets of Savannah, let the Mercer-Williams House serve as a reminder of the rich, complex, and sometimes haunting histories that surround us, waiting to be discovered by those curious enough to look deeper. After exploring these historic sites, consider unwinding at Spacious Skies Savannah Oaks, where you can relax under Spanish moss-draped oaks and reflect on the day’s adventures. What secrets might be hiding in the buildings around you, and what tales are waiting to be told?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Mercer-Williams House?
A: The Mercer-Williams House is a historic mansion in Savannah, Georgia, known for its beautiful architecture and dark history.
Q: Who originally commissioned the Mercer-Williams House?
A: General Hugh Weedon Mercer commissioned the house, and it was designed by architect John S. Norris.
Q: What architectural styles are featured in the Mercer-Williams House?
A: The house features Greek and Italianate styles with Renaissance Revival elements.
Q: What tragic event happened to Tommy Downs at the Mercer-Williams House?
A: Tommy Downs fell from the roof and was impaled on the iron gate below, marking a tragic event in the house’s history.
Q: Who was Jim Williams, and what happened in 1981?
A: Jim Williams was the owner of the house in 1981, and he shot and killed Danny Hansford, leading to a famous legal saga.
Q: Why is the Mercer-Williams House known for paranormal activity?
A: Visitors and staff have reported ghostly encounters, including sightings of a young boy and hearing unexplained sounds.
Q: How did the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” impact the Mercer-Williams House?
A: The book, centered around Jim Williams and Danny Hansford’s death, brought international attention to the house and boosted tourism.
Q: What can visitors see on guided tours of the house today?
A: Visitors can see the mansion’s architectural beauty, antiques, art, and learn about its history on guided tours.
Q: Why do ghost tours visit the Mercer-Williams House?
A: Ghost tours visit the house to share tales of its dark history and reported hauntings, intriguing those interested in the paranormal.
Q: Who currently preserves the Mercer-Williams House?
A: Dorothy Kingery, Jim Williams’ sister, is responsible for preserving the house and its legacy.