What is the Asher House?
The Asher House is a historic house located in the city of Savannah, Georgia, USA. It was built in 1845 by William Scarborough, a wealthy cotton merchant, and designed by architect John Norris. The house is a two-story, brick structure with a Greek Revival style. It has a hipped roof, a two-story portico with four Ionic columns, and a fanlight above the front door.
The Asher House is significant for its architectural and historical value. It is one of the few remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in Savannah, and it is a reminder of the city's prosperous antebellum period. The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1966.
Today, the Asher House is a popular tourist destination. It is open to the public for tours, and it is also used for special events and weddings.
Asher House
The Asher House is a historic house located in the city of Savannah, Georgia, USA. It was built in 1845 by William Scarborough, a wealthy cotton merchant, and designed by architect John Norris. The house is a two-story, brick structure with a Greek Revival style. It has a hipped roof, a two-story portico with four Ionic columns, and a fanlight above the front door.
- Architectural style: Greek Revival
- Year built: 1845
- Original owner: William Scarborough
- Current use: Tourist destination, special events venue
- Significance: One of the few remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in Savannah
- Historical context: Built during Savannah's prosperous antebellum period
The Asher House is a significant example of Greek Revival architecture, and it is a reminder of Savannah's prosperous antebellum period. The house is open to the public for tours, and it is also used for special events and weddings.
Architectural style
The Asher House is a prime example of the Greek Revival architectural style, which was popular in the United States from the 1820s to the 1850s. Greek Revival architecture is characterized by its simplicity, symmetry, and use of classical Greek elements.
- Classical Greek elements: The Asher House features a number of classical Greek elements, including a two-story portico with four Ionic columns, a fanlight above the front door, and a hipped roof.
- Symmetry: The Asher House is symmetrical in both its facade and its floor plan. The front door is centered on the facade, and the windows are evenly spaced on either side. The floor plan is also symmetrical, with the main rooms arranged around a central hallway.
- Simplicity: The Asher House is a relatively simple building, with a rectangular footprint and a hipped roof. The exterior is decorated with minimal ornamentation.
The Greek Revival architectural style was popular in the United States during the antebellum period, and it is often associated with the plantation economy of the South. The Asher House is a reminder of Savannah's prosperous antebellum period, and it is one of the few remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in the city.
Year built
The Asher House was built in 1845, during a period of great prosperity in Savannah, Georgia. The city was a major center of the cotton trade, and many wealthy merchants built elaborate homes in the Greek Revival style. The Asher House is a fine example of this style, with its two-story portico, Ionic columns, and fanlight above the front door.
The year 1845 is significant for the Asher House because it represents the time period in which the house was constructed. The house is a product of its time, and it reflects the architectural styles and tastes of the mid-19th century. The Asher House is also significant because it is one of the few remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in Savannah. Many other houses of this type were destroyed during the Civil War, or they were later demolished to make way for new development. The Asher House is a reminder of Savannah's rich architectural heritage.
The Asher House is also significant because it is a well-preserved example of a Greek Revival house. The house has been restored to its original condition, and it is now open to the public for tours. The Asher House is a valuable resource for learning about the history of Savannah and the architecture of the Greek Revival period.
Original owner
The Asher House was built in 1845 by William Scarborough, a wealthy cotton merchant. Scarborough was a prominent figure in Savannah society, and he played a major role in the city's economic development. He was also a patron of the arts, and he helped to establish the Savannah Philharmonic Society.
Scarborough's decision to build the Asher House reflects his wealth and status in Savannah. The house is a large and imposing structure, and it is one of the finest examples of Greek Revival architecture in the city. The house is also significant because it is one of the few remaining antebellum mansions in Savannah.
The Asher House is a reminder of Savannah's prosperous antebellum period. The house is also a testament to the wealth and influence of William Scarborough, one of Savannah's most prominent citizens.
Current use
The Asher House is currently used as a tourist destination and special events venue. This is a significant development in the history of the house, as it has been used for a variety of purposes over the years. In the past, the house has been used as a private residence, a boarding house, and a museum. However, its current use as a tourist destination and special events venue is a reflection of its historical significance and its architectural beauty.
As a tourist destination, the Asher House offers visitors a glimpse into Savannah's rich history and architecture. The house is open to the public for tours, and visitors can learn about the history of the house and the Scarborough family who built it. The house is also a popular spot for weddings and other special events. Its beautiful architecture and spacious rooms make it an ideal setting for any special occasion.
The Asher House is a valuable asset to the city of Savannah. It is a reminder of the city's prosperous past, and it is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture. The house's current use as a tourist destination and special events venue ensures that it will continue to be enjoyed by visitors for many years to come.
Significance
The Asher House is one of the few remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in Savannah, Georgia. This is significant because Greek Revival was a popular architectural style in the United States during the 19th century, and it is especially associated with the antebellum South. The Asher House is a well-preserved example of this style, and it provides valuable insights into the history and culture of Savannah during this period.
- Historical Significance: The Asher House is a reminder of Savannah's prosperous antebellum period. The city was a major center of the cotton trade, and many wealthy merchants built elaborate homes in the Greek Revival style. The Asher House is one of the few remaining examples of this type of architecture in Savannah, and it provides a glimpse into the city's past.
- Architectural Significance: The Asher House is a fine example of Greek Revival architecture. The house features a two-story portico with four Ionic columns, a fanlight above the front door, and a hipped roof. The house is also significant for its symmetrical design and its use of classical Greek elements.
- Cultural Significance: The Asher House is a reminder of the cultural values of the antebellum South. The house was built by a wealthy cotton merchant, and it reflects the values of the planter class. The house is also significant for its association with the arts. William Scarborough, the original owner of the house, was a patron of the arts, and he helped to establish the Savannah Philharmonic Society.
The Asher House is a valuable asset to the city of Savannah. It is a reminder of the city's prosperous past, and it is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture. The house is also significant for its historical, architectural, and cultural value.
Historical context
The Asher House was built during Savannah's prosperous antebellum period, a time of great economic growth and cultural development in the city. This context is significant to the Asher House in several ways:
- Architectural style: The Greek Revival style of the Asher House is typical of the antebellum period in the South. This style was popular among wealthy plantation owners and merchants, and it reflected the region's prosperity and its cultural ties to the classical world.
- Economic prosperity: The antebellum period was a time of great economic prosperity for Savannah. The city was a major center of the cotton trade, and many wealthy merchants built elaborate homes in the Greek Revival style. The Asher House is a reflection of this prosperity, and it is one of the few remaining examples of this type of architecture in Savannah.
- Cultural development: The antebellum period was also a time of great cultural development in Savannah. The city was home to a number of artists, writers, and musicians, and it was a center of learning and culture in the South. The Asher House was a gathering place for Savannah's elite, and it played a role in the city's cultural development.
- Social hierarchy: The antebellum period was a time of great social hierarchy in the South. The Asher House was built by a wealthy cotton merchant, and it reflects the social status of its owner. The house is a reminder of the social stratification that existed in Savannah during this period.
The Asher House is a significant reminder of Savannah's prosperous antebellum period. The house is a beautiful example of Greek Revival architecture, and it is a testament to the city's wealth and cultural development during this time.
FAQs on Asher House
This section provides answers to commonly asked questions about the Asher House, offering a comprehensive understanding of its history, significance, and current status.
Question 1: When was the Asher House built, and who was its original owner?
Answer: The Asher House was built in 1845 by William Scarborough, a wealthy cotton merchant.
Question 2: What architectural style does the Asher House represent, and what are its key features?
Answer: The Asher House exemplifies the Greek Revival architectural style, characterized by its symmetrical design, two-story portico with Ionic columns, fanlight above the entrance, and hipped roof.
Question 3: What is the historical significance of the Asher House, and how does it relate to Savannah's past?
Answer: The Asher House stands as a testament to Savannah's prosperous antebellum period, reflecting the city's economic growth and cultural development during that era.
Question 4: What is the current use of the Asher House, and how can the public engage with it?
Answer: Today, the Asher House serves as a popular tourist destination, offering tours to showcase its architectural beauty and historical significance. It also hosts special events and weddings, providing a unique venue for memorable occasions.
Question 5: What makes the Asher House a unique and valuable asset to Savannah's architectural landscape?
Answer: The Asher House is one of the few remaining examples of Greek Revival architecture in Savannah, representing a significant period in the city's architectural history. Its preservation and accessibility contribute to Savannah's rich cultural heritage.
Question 6: How does the Asher House contribute to the understanding of Savannah's social and economic history?
Answer: The Asher House offers insights into Savannah's social hierarchy and economic prosperity during the antebellum period, highlighting the lifestyles and influences of wealthy merchants and plantation owners.
In summary, the Asher House stands as a valuable architectural and historical landmark in Savannah, Georgia. Its Greek Revival style, association with the city's prosperous past, and current use as a tourist destination and event venue make it a significant asset to the community.
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Conclusion
The Asher House stands as a testament to Savannah's architectural heritage, embodying the grandeur of the Greek Revival style. Its historical significance, as a reflection of the city's prosperous antebellum period, adds to its enduring value.
Today, the Asher House continues to captivate visitors with its architectural beauty and historical charm. Its transformation into a tourist destination and event venue has ensured its preservation and accessibility to the public. As a reminder of Savannah's past and a symbol of its cultural legacy, the Asher House will undoubtedly continue to inspire and enrich future generations.
The preservation and appreciation of landmarks like the Asher House are essential for maintaining our connection to the past and fostering a sense of place. By safeguarding our architectural treasures, we not only honor the legacy of our ancestors but also create a vibrant and meaningful environment for ourselves and those who come after us.
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