Oliver Sturgess House
on Reynolds Square in Savannah
The Oliver Surges House is yet another remarkable building of historical significance located in the city of Savannah, Georgia. Undoubtedly, the city is filled with a rich history that includes a multitude of memorable buildings, but the Oliver Surges House is unique in its own way. The house is located on Reynolds Square, which is named after the first Royal Governor of the Georgia Colony. Built in 1813, the Oliver Sturges House was also previously known as the Hiram Roberts House.
The house was built for a successful Savannah merchant, Oliver Sturges. He owned two-fifths of the first-ever built steamship, Steam Ship Savannah. This was the first-ever steam ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. This historic trip was planned inside of the Sturges House.
The Oliver Sturges House was originally a two-story home, and a third floor was added on in 1835. It occupies the site of the parsonage of John Wesley, minister of the Church of England in Georgia 1736- 37 and founder of Methodism. The house has a brick exterior with a semi-raised basement. It was built on a stone foundation and has two Doric columns on stone piers that support a portico on its primary facade. The house was originally built by Freeman, and was later owned by Winns. Hiram Roberts purchased the home from Winn, hence why it was known as the Hiram Roberts House for some time.
In 1964, the Savannah Historic Foundation saved the building from being demolished. The building was later sold to Morris Newspaper Corporation in 1971 and serves as their headquarters. Under the careful supervision of Charles H. Morris, the firm focused on restoring the house to its beautiful glory, and renovations were completed by 1973.
The house is now on the National Register of Historic Places and is still owned by the Morris Newspaper Corporation. While tours of the home are not available, the exterior of the home can be seen by visiting the city’s very walkable streets. Reynolds Square is home to many historic buildings including the Lucas Theater, the Olde Pink House, and the Planters Inn, also all located on Abercorn Street. Each of these buildings occupies one of the eight blocks surrounding the square, which is a part of the original Oglethorpe plan for the city of Savannah.
Next time you’re in Savannah, be sure to stop by Reynolds Square to see the historic Oliver Sturges House. While you’re there, you can take a short walk over to the waterfront and enjoy even more of the many offerings the city of Savannah provides. Residents and visitors alike are welcome to enjoy a slice of Savannah’s rich history while enjoying the modern offerings available today. Reynolds Square and its colonial roots are a perfect place to enjoy a quiet stroll before heading over to the more bustling area of Plant Riverside on Riverstreet. Here, you’ll find families going for walks, or having a picnic on the lawn with a view of the historic architecture that is plentiful throughout the city.
