Attraction Guide: Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, Savannah, United States

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters Guide

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters: A Tale of Two Worlds Guide

Step back in time and confront the complex history of Savannah at the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a National Historic Landmark that offers a powerful and unflinching look at the lives of both the wealthy family who resided in the grand house and the enslaved Africans who toiled in the shadows. This meticulously preserved property provides a rare and invaluable glimpse into the realities of life in the antebellum South. Prepare to be moved by the stories of resilience, resistance, and the enduring struggle for freedom. Built in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House is considered one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in the United States. The house was home to Richard Richardson, his family, and the enslaved people who worked and lived on the property. The site's significance lies in its preservation of not only the main house but also the original slave quarters, carriage house, and formal gardens. A visit here is not just about admiring the architecture; it's about understanding the stark contrast between the lives of the privileged and the enslaved. Guided tours are the primary way to experience the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. These tours provide in-depth information about the architecture, the families who lived there, and, most importantly, the lives of the enslaved people who were forced to work on the property. The tours are thoughtfully designed to encourage reflection and dialogue about the legacy of slavery in America. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the site, the museum shop offers books and resources that explore the history of Southern cuisine and the contributions of enslaved Africans to its development.