City: Savannah, GA

Category: Tours & Attractions

Telephone: (912) 233-3845, (912) 232-1251

Address: 1 West Macon St.

Description: Built in 1853 by architect-builder John S. Norris for a wealthy cotton merchant, the Green-Meldrim House is best known as being headquarters for Gen. William T. Sherman, who gave the city of Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas present. The famous telegram to Lincoln, dated December 22, 1864, reads, “I beg to present to you as a Christmas Gift, the City of Savannah with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition; and also about 25,000 bales of Cotton.” Today the home serves as a parish house and is owned by its neighbor, St. John’s Church. When you walk by, notice the beautiful and elaborate ironwork and the oriel windows that give light from three sides. Inside are American black walnut wooden floors, elaborate moldings, marble mantels, and other original adornments. The home is open for tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tues, Thurs, and Fri, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sat year-round. Admission is $7 for adults, $2 for students. Continuing south on Bull Street, you will pass Jones Street, considered one of Savannah’s most picturesque roadways. Notice the brick streets and wonderfully restored homes. It is well worth a short detour. It is also home to one of Savannah’s most noted restaurants, Mrs. Wilkes’, which is known for its Southern fare. Next is Monterey Square.