Monument in Columbia Square honoring the founding women who preserved Savannah's history.
This fall, the Historic Savannah Foundation will unveil a new monument honoring seven remarkable women who played a crucial role in preserving Savannah’s history during a tough economic crisis in the 1950s. These unsung heroes, through their efforts, helped save historic buildings and laid the foundation for the Historic Savannah Foundation. The upcoming monument will celebrate their legacy and importance to Savannah’s charm, officially unveiled in a ceremony at Columbia Square, commemorating their outstanding contribution to the city’s heritage.
Savannah is a place filled with magnificent beauty and captivating history, but few know just how much seven remarkable women played a key role in preserving its unique charm. This fall, the Historic Savannah Foundation is set to unveil a new monument to honor those women who were instrumental in protecting the city’s rich heritage during a challenging chapter in its history.
Back in the 1950s, Savannah faced an economic crisis that had devastating effects on its historical structures. After World War II, many buildings fell into disrepair, and some were even demolished, erasing key parts of Savannah’s identity. The demolition of the old City Market in Ellis Square in 1954 was a wake-up call that rallied citizens to seek a way to save their city. Among those leading the charge were Katharine Judkins Clark, Elinor Adler Dillard, Anna Colquitt Hunter, Lucy Barrow McIntire, Dorothy Ripley Roebling, Nola McEvoy Roos, and Jane Adair Wright—unsung heroes of Savannah’s preservation movement.
The determination to restore and protect Savannah’s history sparked the initiative. Anna Hunter, who at the time was a reporter for the Savannah Morning News, convened an urgent meeting with these visionary women to brainstorm a solution. They realized they needed to conduct research, connect with influential community members, and draft zoning measures to protect the city’s historic properties. Lucy Barrow McIntire had a personal stake in this cause; her great-grandparents constructed the iconic Davenport House, which was under threat itself in the 1950s.
The collaborative efforts of these fierce women paid off. To save the Davenport House, they managed to raise an impressive $22,500 through donations and loans, allowing them to purchase the beloved structure. This pivotal move led to the founding of the Historic Savannah Foundation, which has since worked tirelessly over the past 70 years to rescue 420 historic buildings, including must-see sites like the Owens-Thomas House and the famed Mercer Williams House.
In recognition of their incredible contributions, the City of Savannah officially renamed Calhoun Square in 2022, inviting descendants of these founding women to help create a lasting memorial. This commemorative monument, set to be completed soon, will feature the likenesses of the seven women in a stunning bas-relief design on a slant monument that reaches 4 to 5 feet tall, carefully crafted from bronze and granite. It is scheduled to be placed north of the beautiful fountain in Columbia Square, allowing a splendid view of the Davenport House.
The creation of this monument has received enthusiastic and unanimous support from the Savannah City Council. Those involved in the design, like Catharine Varnedoe and Lucy Brannen, who are both descendants of the founding women, bring a personal touch to this significant project. The Historic Savannah Foundation is still going strong as it continues its mission of preservation, with CEO Sue Adler honoring a legacy of leadership before stepping down in June 2025, which will begin a nationwide search for her successor.
Every year, the Historic Savannah Foundation highlights valuable contributions to preservation through its Preservation Awards. These awards honor individuals and projects that contribute to maintaining Savannah’s allure. The next ceremony will take place on May 1, 2025, at the beautiful Charles Morris Center—a date that promises to celebrate the efforts of those who work diligently to maintain Savannah’s unforgettable character.
As the unveiling of the monument approaches, the city of Savannah eagerly anticipates honoring the legacy of these seven incredible women who made history—quite literally!
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