The Owens-Thomas House is a true example of Savannah's most prosperous time--a time when "cotton was king". These times of prosperity would turn for the worst just a year after the home was built. In 1820 Savannah would suffer her greatest fire, destroying more than 400 homes and businesses between Bay and Broughton Streets. That very same year would witness the greatest loss to Yellow Fever in the city's history. This devastation would take a tremendous toll on Savannah's economy. Richard Richardson would in fact suffer great financial turmoil, culminating in the loss of his grand residence just three years after it was built.
The Owens-Thomas House would become a boarding house for approximately eight years, during which time it would host its most famous guest--the Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War hero from France. During his historic visit in 1825, the Marquis would address a crowd of hundreds from the ornate veranda on the south facade of the mansion.
In 1830 the Owens-Thomas House was purchased by George Welshman Owens, Mayor of Savannah, for the sum of $10,000. The property would remain in the Owens family for the next 120 years. In 1951, upon her death, Margaret Thomas, granddaughter of George Owens, bequeathed the mansion to the Telfair Museum of Art. It has been a house-museum ever since.
Today visitors to the Owens-Thomas House are guided through this beautiful, early 19th century home. They are greeted by room after room of precious antiques and watchful family portraits--portraits whose eyes seem to follow you about the room, keeping careful guard over their beloved home. Some of the home's former occupants are believed to be lingering about the stately mansion. A gentleman dressed in 1830's attire has been seen in the front parlors. He has stood quietly in the corner observing the home's visitor's, seemingly intent on their conversation, before he simply walks through the wall into what once was a guest room. Could this have been a former boarder that has remained well past his lease? Objects have been known to "rearrange" themselves, and furniture has seemed to have moved on its own accord at the Owens-Thomas House. Housekeepers have noticed a chair in the dining room being "pushed back" from the table which is set up on display with a period china setting. Perhaps a spectral diner had excused himself after a perpetual meal. These types of things will happen quite frequently, typical of a residual style haunting. Past events seemingly repeating themselves over and over.
Many folks have witnessed an elderly woman strolling about the beautiful English garden behind the mansion. She is seem wearing a gray shawl and large hat, reminiscent of that which was worn by the last occupant Margaret Thomas. In life Ms. Thomas was quite found of her garden and would quite frequently stroll about admiring it in the waning light of dusk.
For anyone visiting Savannah wishing to experience the true style and "spirit" of this charming city, a stop by the Owens-Thomas House is a must. Architectural enthusiasts, history buffs, and ghost hunters alike, will find themselves transported back in time, where Savannah's grandeur has been encapsulated within her gracious walls; and where it seems some of her previous occupants have lived on well beyond the grave.
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