Cotton Exchange in Savannah
Established in 1887, the Savannah Cotton Exchange was the epicenter of sellers and buyers sourcing King Cotton. The building symbolized economic success for the 60+ years that it was in business, processing record quantities of material to be shipped worldwide. At the exchange’s opening, Savannah was considered the top cotton seaport for the Atlantic coast, and the world. Before the city evolved into an industrial seaport, Savannah’s economic prosperity stemmed primarily from the activity happening at the Cotton Exchange. The slew of activity and action passing through the Exchange was notable, and it gained the nickname of the “Wall Street of the South” in its prime.
The building’s design was selected through a design competition, where over eleven architects participated. The competition’s winner was nationally accredited architect William Gibbons Preston and his design situated the building in the center of an existing public street. This uncommon characteristic was unique in his design, and to date is one of the only structures to be constructed in such a way. The Romanesque style building was inspired by the works of H.H Richardson was new to Savannah’s architectural scene, with a distinctive terra cotta facade and red brick construction. This piece of Romantic Revival architecture is one of the city’s finest examples of the architectural style of the late 1800’s, and is a sight to be seen on East Bay Street. The original building still stands to date, though it has seen better days.
While it hasn’t been in operation since 1951, the Savannah Cotton Exchange remains a historic symbol of Savannah’s economic past. Cotton production was a symbol of the South, and the innovative practices that stemmed from the Exchange shaped the business significantly. Due to its uncommon placement on top of a city street, the building has deteriorated over the years primarily due to the building settling, causing sagging. Occupying the former Cotton Exchange building, the Solomon’s Lodge aims to collect donations to fund repairs to keep the structure from further damage.
Visitors today can visit the old Cotton Exchange building on East Bay Street to admire the architectural exterior of the building. While tours are not available daily, the Masons at Solomon’s Lodge host fundraising activities in which they allow visitors to tour the interior spaces on certain weekends throughout the year. They strive to secure proper funding to allow visitors to tour the entirety of the building, agreeing that the importance of all of the history within its walls deserves to be told.
Despite the limited availability of tours, seeing the exterior of the building is worth the trip. Centrally located, and just a few blocks from the Plant Riverside District, stopping by to learn more about the building should be factored into your plans. You can’t miss it - parked on the courtyard in front of the building is a winged lion to welcome you to what was once a thriving Cotton Exchange that helped to shape Savannah’s economic history. With shops and restaurants lining the adjacent properties, there are ample things to do in the area.
More Historic Attractions in Savannah GA
After you've visited the Savannah Cotton Exchange, you might consider venturing to these nearby tourist attractions, many of which are idea for capturing social media photos.
