The Davenport House

Name: The Davenport House
Address: 323 E. Broughton Street, Savannah, Georgia, 31401, United States

In the heart of Savannah's historic district stands the Davenport House, a testament to the city's rich past and its enduring mysteries.

"Davenport House steps and front entrance" by Savannah Terrors

"Isaiah Davenport House, Savannah, Georgia" by Carol M. Highsmith [PDM]

"Isaiah Davenport House Entry Hall" by Historic American Buildings Survey

In the heart of Savannah's historic district stands the Davenport House, a testament to the city's rich past and its enduring mysteries. Today, it’s both a cherished museum and a source of ghostly intrigue, where history whispers through its halls.

History

Isaiah Davenport, known as Savannah's Master Builder, left an indelible mark on the city with his architectural prowess. Despite being a prominent figure, he remains shrouded in mystery, with scant records and no photographs to recount his life. Born in Rhode Island, Davenport brought his skills south to Savannah in 1808, where he constructed not only homes and buildings but also a legacy.

Isaiah built the house in 1820 for his family and slaves to live in.

After Isaiah's untimely death at the age of 43 from Yellow Fever in 1827, his wife, Sarah Davenport, took charge. In a time when women rarely handled finances or property, Sarah's savvy ensured her family's survival. Her story is one of empowerment, navigating societal constraints to preserve her family's fortunes. It was at this time that she turned it into boarding house to provide an income.

Sarah eventually sold the Davenport House in 1840 to the Banyan Family for $8,000. They held on to it for over a century but unfortuanately in the 1930's had let it fall into disrepair.

In 1955, the abandoned Davenport House faced demolition. It was an abandoned relic until seven determined women, recognizing its historical value, saved it from obliteration by petitioning the city to stop the demolition and raising funds to purchase the house. These women went onto found the Historic Savannah Foundation, forever preserving this architectural gem. After purchasing it they began restoring the Davenport House while using it as the foundation’s headquarters until they eventually reloacted the headquarters.

That however was not the end of the Davenport House because it then went onto to open as the Davenport House Museum in 1963 which it still operates as to this day.

Hauntings & Lore

The Davenport House is not only a monument of history but also a haven of spectral presences. Guests have noted a phantom tabby cat weaving between their feet, a sight both common and mysterious. A young girl, often seen playing in the attic or peering from windows, adds another layer of intrigue. Her identity remains elusive, though many believe she succumbed to the Yellow Fever epidemic that claimed several of the Davenport children.

Visitors frequently report ghostly footsteps and disembodied voices echoing through the corridors. Occasionally, an inexplicable chill sweeps through certain rooms, and a misty, humanoid apparition haunts the gift shop area.

The tales of the Davenport House, a blend of historical fact and supernatural lore, continue to enchant visitors, drawing them into the mystique of Savannah's storied past. In exploring its history and hauntings, one can't help but be captivated by the eerie beauty of this iconic landmark.