The Davenport House has proudly stood as a symbol of preservation at 323 E. Broughton Street in Savannah, Georgia since 1821. It was the first in a long line of buildings to be saved from demolition and set the tone for historic preservation in the city of Savannah. In 1955, the efforts of seven women kept the Davenport house from crumbling and established the Historic Savannah Foundation; a movement that saved the entire city from erasing its past.
About The Historic Savannah Foundation
The Historic Savannah Foundation is a nonprofit, private organization that has preserved squares, buildings, and neighborhoods within the city of Savannah. As previously stated, the organization began in 1955 when seven women prevented the Davenport House from being demolished to create a surface parking lot. The foundation is still going strong today, being credited with saving more than 350 buildings in the historic neighborhoods in its first half-century of existence. The Historic Savannah Foundation also puts on a yearly awards program for local preservation projects, such as 432 Abercorn Street. The Historic Savannah Foundation utilizes multiple preservation strategies such as having a comprehensive architectural inventory of buildings, implementing a revolving fund, spreading knowledge through heritage education, and getting multiple public sectors involved.
Isaiah Davenport
Isaiah Davenport was a New England-born, skilled American builder who made a significant impact on Savannah, Georgia’s architectural landscape in the early 19th century. After constructing his first property, known today as Laura’s Cottage, Davenport went on to build his most notable work, the Isaiah Davenport House. Completed in 1820 on Columbia Square, this elegant Federal-style home became his residence and remains a key example of his craftsmanship. Isaiah was married to Sarah Rosamund Clark, a South Carolina native. Isaiah and Sarah had ten children together, but sadly three of them died in childhood. Shortly after their marriage, tax records show that the couple acquired two enslaved workers who would work at the Davenport House. Numerous enslaved individuals became vital to the Davenport House and its function in historic Savannah.
The Story of “Nancy”
Between the years of 1812 and 1828, there were up to thirteen enslaved persons at the Davenport house. Thorough research into the lives of enslaved members of the Davenport household was conducted to allow the house-turned-museum to interpret the lives of the men, women, and children in meaningful ways. A prominent story is that of “Nancy”, an enslaved domestic worker who sought freedom. Originally part of the Salzburger community, Nancy was separated from her family and forced to adapt to a new and difficult life in the Davenport household. Her strong spirit and determination to resist her circumstances became evident when she ran away just two months after her sale in 1812, successfully evading capture for over a year. Her small stature, standing at just 4’10”, and a prominent scar on her neck, likely from past trauma, contrasted with her bold actions, such as impersonating her sister Peggy to avoid detection. A ship manifest shows that Isaiah Davenport sent Nancy to New York City in 1816, but there is no record of her return. It is believed that she may have been sold to a new owner. Nancy’s story highlights the harsh realities of slavery, the painful separations it caused, resilience, and resistance.
The Museum
The Historic Savannah Foundation is still preserving the Davenport House and running the Davenport House museum today. You can walk through the fully furnished and decorated rooms of the house while learning the history of the Davenport Family, the enslaved workers of the household, the overall history of the building, the location, and the amazing preservation efforts that began right where you stand.
