Monterey Square - Pulaski and the Mercer House

A stop on Savannah, a free self-guided tour.

Many people call Monterey Square the most beautiful in Savannah, and nearly every building around it is original. It was laid out in 1847 and named for the Battle of Monterrey in the Mexican-American War.

The tall marble column honors Casimir Pulaski, the Polish cavalry officer who was mortally wounded fighting for the Americans in the Siege of Savannah in 1779. Remains buried under the monument are believed by some to be his.

On the west side is the red-brick Mercer-Williams House. Hugh Mercer, great-grandfather of songwriter Johnny Mercer, began building it around 1860, but it was not finished until after the Civil War. In the 1970s antiques dealer Jim Williams restored it, and a 1981 shooting inside and his trials became the subject of a best-selling 1994 book and later a film. It is a private home with museum tours; check the website for times.

On the east side, Congregation Mickve Israel's Gothic synagogue dates from 1878.

Getting here: Walk west along Taylor Street two blocks to Bull Street. Monterey Square is right there.

Did you know?: Congregation Mickve Israel was founded by Jewish settlers who arrived in July 1733, only months after the colony began, making it one of the oldest congregations in the United States.

Photo op: From the center of the square, frame the Pulaski column with the Mercer-Williams House behind it.

More on Wikipedia: Monterey Square · Casimir Pulaski · Congregation Mickve Israel

Stops on this tour

  1. Johnson Square - Where the Plan Began
  2. River Street and Factors Walk - Built on Cotton
  3. City Market and Ellis Square - A Square Won Back
  4. First African Baptist Church - A Congregation's Own Bricks
  5. Wright Square - Tomochichi's Resting Place
  6. Owens-Thomas House - Regency Mansion and Slave Quarters
  7. Chippewa Square - Oglethorpe Stands Guard
  8. Madison Square - Battle Lines and a Christmas Gift
  9. Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - Twin Spires
  10. Taylor Square - A New Name for an Old Square
  11. Monterey Square - Pulaski and the Mercer House
  12. Forsyth Park Fountain - The Grand Finale