Coming up on our left is the Mercer-Williams House Museum, which overlooks our next location, Monterey Square. Designed for General Hugh W. Mercer, this southern villa is more than just another historical Savannah home; it is a pivotal piece of local lore. Construction began in 1860, was interrupted when Mercer enlisted in the Civil War and was completed nearly a decade later the new owner, John Wilder. During the 20th century, the building was used as the Savannah Shriners Alee Temple but was left vacant for nearly a decade until Jim Williams purchased and restored the house in 1969. Cue the lore: this building was the scene of the shooting death of Danny Hansford, Williams' assistant, which resulted in Williams' 1981 arrest and four subsequent murder trials. Williams was eventually acquitted roughly eight years later, and the story was immortalized in John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The book is the longest running New York Time’s Best-Seller, at 216 weeks, and was adapted into a movie of the same name. Although tickets are required to tour the inside of the home, which is garnished with Mr. Williams' personal belongings which include 17th and 18th-century art and furnishings, it is also worth admiring from the street for history and movie fans alike. The museum is open for tours 10am-5pm Monday – Saturday and 10:30 am - 4:30 pm on Sundays.
Photo provided to ListenUP by Matt Wesdock
