Charles B. Cluskey
Architect of Savannah's City Hall
Charles B. Cluskey is known as an antebellum architect in the United States. While he was born in Ireland in 1808, he immigrated to the United States at just 19 years. Together with his family, they arrived in 1827 and settled in New York City. His impact in the world of architecture, and primarily on the southern United States is remarkable and an essential part of the country’s architectural history.
When Charles B. Cluskey arrived in New York City, he wasted no time getting started on his career. Almost immediately, he began to work and train at the architectural firm Town and Davis. This was the first official architectural firm created in the United States and was opened in 1829. It was started by architect Ithiel Town in partnership with Alexander Jackson Davis.
At Town and Davis, Cluskey became familiar with a range of new architectural styles known as Revivalist architecture. But, by 1829 he decided to pack his bags and move down south. This same year, he married Johanna Elizabeth Walsh and they settled in the up and coming city of Savannah, Georgia. Here, Cluskey decided to continue his architectural career. His first solo project, the Hermitage Plantation house, was completed the following year in 1830 and he established his presence in this new city.
His career later took off after his first major project was completed in 1837, the Georgia Health Sciences University. Through this project, he developed his trademark architectural style, Greek Revival. He proceeded to design the Governor’s Mansion in 1840, which is one of the primary buildings of Oglethorpe University. This building is regarded as one of his best works, illustrating Greek Revival style and a welcomed change to the standard building styles that had been built in the city to that day.
In the following two decades, Charles B. Cluskey moved on from large buildings to designing houses as privately commissioned works. Most notable and still open to the public are the Harper Fowlkes House and the Sorrel-Weed House, both located in Savannah's historic district.
In 1847, Cluskey left Savannah, Georgia and moved north to the capital, Washington D.C. This sudden move was primarily caused by his wife’s death, which left him with seven children to take care of. While he worked as an architect, he was forced to declare bankruptcy and began to work as the City Surveyor in Savannah. This was not what he wanted to be doing and therefore tried to forge his path in a new place. While in D.C. he submitted plans for renovating the capitol building and the White House, but few of his designs were actually implemented.
He later returned in 1869 and was commissioned to design the St. Simons Island Lighthouse and keeper’s residence building. The Civil War had impacted many buildings throughout the city and area, and it was Cluskey’s intent to try to bring these back to life. However, he was unable to finish the lighthouse project. Charles B. Cluskey died in 1871 due to complications from contracting malaria.
Known as the creator of the Greek Revival architectural style, Charles B. Cluskey positively impacted the architectural scene in Savannah. His work influenced a myriad of architects to follow in his footsteps not only in Savannah, but throughout the south.
