Calhoun Square
If you’re coming into Savannah via Abercorn, the first square you’ll encounter is Calhoun, named after the South Carolina statesman John C. Calhoun. Our 7th Vice-President and an influential lawmaker, Calhoun was fiercely pro-slavery and, although he died before the outbreak of the Civil War, served as an inspiration to secessionists.
Calhoun Square is the only square with all its original buildings still intact and accounted for. The most important is the Massie School — Savannah’s first public school, which opened in 1865. Today, it’s the home of the Massie Heritage Center, dedicated to the history of Savannah. Unfortunately for us, the museum was closed for renovations and, according to the construction guy outside it, would be for “a month. Maybe. Maybe three or four”. Grrr… nothing was said about that on their stinking website! I’ve heard the museum is really interesting, and had been looking forward to it.
Apart from Massie, Calhoun Square is most notable for the Greek Revival-style houses which encircle it. It’s the square nearest our house, and we bike through all the time. And every time, we’re creeped out by the empty mansion at 432 Abercorn, with a foreboding dark, empty oval underneath its stairs. This is one of Savannah’s most haunted houses, whose tales of fright include dead and murdered children. Honestly, the very fact that this tremendous building is sitting there unoccupied is disquieting.
Location of Calhoun Square
All 24 Squares Overview
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December 11, 2010 at 7:33 pm
December 11, 2010 at 9:16 pmMarsha
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These are beautiful! I really wish I’d spent more time in Savannah–it’s such a gorgeous city.
December 12, 2010 at 8:39 amGil
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Yes, the architectural purity of period in Calhoun square separates it from the other squares. However, I have often wondered of the heritage of the building adjacent to the church on the northwest point of the square. The wrought iron gate with camelia’s was crafted by John Boyd Smith a local blacksmith whose work is sprinkled throughout the historic area. Ivan Bailey was the first of the contemporary blacksmiths in Savannah and his work appears throughout the downtown area as well. Ivan’s shop, Bailey’s Forge, was on the ground floor of what is now the East Bay Inn. Bailey lived in worked in Savannah from 1973 through the early 80s. In 1973, there was one motel on Bay Street–no inns or hotels anywhere on its length. Now, one can stand on Bay and throw a rock in any direction and break a hotel window. I appreciate your photos and perspectives from individuals who are not quite residents but more than just casual vistors to a place I know, live and love.
January 28, 2011 at 11:55 pmBrian
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I have been thoroughly enjoying your blog and especially the wonderful photos and insight to the town I grew up in. It was an amazing surprise to surf around your site and scroll across a photo of our house on this page. My wife and I restored the pink house decorated for Christmas above. Thanks for the pleasant surprise.
I have only just started looking through you site, but I already know I am going to have to go to the Schnitzel Schack.
Enjoy Buenos Aires and make sure you do at least a day or two in Colonia, Uruguay.
January 29, 2011 at 8:10 amJuergen
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We totally remember your house. You did an incredible job restoring it and Calhoun Square is such a nice place to live in. Thank you for reading and exploring our site.
We are planing to go to Uruguay during our stay. Have you been there?