Savannah Approves Monument to Honor Female Preservationists Who Saved Historic Davenport House

Savannah Unveils Plans for New Monument Honoring Female Preservationists

In a significant step towards honoring local history, Savannah has recently given the green light for the final phase of a new monument dedicated to seven remarkable women who played a pivotal role in the preservation of one of the city’s most historical sites. These dedicated preservationists saved the Isaiah Davenport House from demolition in the mid-20th century, and the new monument will pay tribute to their invaluable contributions.

A Unanimous Decision by the City Council

The City Council voted unanimously in favor of the project during a meeting at the Eli Whitney Complex on a sunny Friday. This decision reflects a collective recognition of the profound impact these women had on Savannah’s historical landscape. The new monument will be placed in Columbia Square, the very area where their efforts began back in 1955.

The Legacy of Persistence

Let’s take a trip back in time! In 1955, the Isaiah Davenport House, a distinguished federal-style building constructed in 1820, was slated for demolition to make way for a funeral home parking lot. However, a group of seven passionate women—Katharine Judkins Clark, Elinor Adler Dillard, Anna Colquitt Hunter, Lucy Barrow McIntire, Dorothy Ripley Roebling, Nola McEvoy Roos, and Jane Adair Wright—united to raise $22,500 to purchase the house and save it from being torn down.

Realizing the necessity for ongoing efforts to preserve Savannah’s rich history, these visionary women founded the Historic Savannah Foundation. It’s hard to imagine how different Savannah could look today if not for their daring initiative!

Honoring the Pioneers of Preservation

Lucy Brannen, the granddaughter of Lucy McIntire, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Van Johnson and the City Council for approving this monumental tribute. “We’re incredibly grateful to Mayor Johnson and the Savannah City Council for supporting the plans to install a permanent monument to seven courageous women who initiated the preservation movement in Savannah,” she remarked. “This monument will serve as a meaningful, lasting addition to Columbia Square where the movement began.”

A Monument to Remember

Fast forward to summer 2025; that’s when the new monument is set to be installed. Designed and fabricated by Savannah’s own DePue Monument Company, the monument will be positioned at the edge of the brick paving in the northern part of Columbia Square, enhancing the area beautifully. This timing is significant, as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of both the saving of the Davenport House and the founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation.

Design Features to Celebrate Women’s Contributions

The granite monument will feature two bronze plaques that will showcase portraits of each of the seven remarkable women in bas relief. Alongside their names, a heartfelt inscription will express the city’s gratitude for their inspiring contributions:

“These seven ladies are recognized and honored in grateful recognition and lasting appreciation of their heroic effort in 1955 to save the Davenport House from demolition and to inspire the preservation of historic structures in the city of Savannah.”

Such a beautiful tribute will serve to remind future generations of the importance of community action and dedication to preserving local history.

Looking Ahead

As preparations move forward, the excitement surrounding this important monument grows. Sue Adler, CEO of the Historic Savannah Foundation, echoed the sentiment that this monument will change Savannah’s historical narrative for the better. “All of us at Historic Savannah Foundation are deeply honored to share their story and appreciate the hard work that went into designing, reviewing, and approving this important new monument,” she stated.

The new tribute not only shines a spotlight on the incredible women behind the preservation movement but also aims to inspire others to protect and cherish Savannah’s rich historical heritage.