Andrew Low House

The Andrew Low House: Merchant Prince Mansion

The Andrew Low House represents one of Savannah's finest examples of Italianate architecture and upper-class 19th-century residential life. Completed in 1848, the mansion was built for Andrew Low, a wealthy Scottish cotton merchant who established himself as one of Savannah's most prosperous businessmen. Low spared no expense creating a home befitting his status—employing finest materials, craftsmen, and furnishings. The house's elegant proportions, sophisticated details, and urban garden demonstrate wealth and taste characteristic of Savannah's merchant elite during the cotton trade's golden age.

Juliette Gordon Low: Girl Scouts Founder

The Andrew Low House gained its greatest significance through Juliette Gordon Low (1860-1927), who married Andrew Low's son William and lived in the house after her marriage. Juliette, born in nearby house to prominent Gordon family, became one of America's most influential women through founding Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912. Following unhappy marriage and husband's death, Juliette channeled her energies into creating organization empowering girls through outdoor activities, skill-building, and community service. The first Girl Scout meeting occurred just blocks from the Andrew Low House, and Juliette used the house for organizational work and hosting. Today millions of American women trace their Girl Scout experiences to this remarkable woman's vision and determination.

Italianate Architecture & Design

The Andrew Low House exemplifies Italianate architectural style popular in mid-19th century America:

• Symmetrical Facade: Balanced composition with central entrance and matching windows
• Low-Pitched Roof: Gently sloping roof with wide overhanging eaves
• Ornate Ironwork: Elaborate cast-iron balconies and railings
• Tall Windows: Generous windows with decorative crowns providing natural light
• Stucco Finish: Smooth exterior over brick creating refined appearance
• Classical Details: Columns, cornices, and other classical architectural elements
• Urban Setting: Positioned on Lafayette Square, one of Savannah's most beautiful public spaces

The Museum Tour Experience

Guided tours reveal the house's architectural beauty and Low family history:

• Double Parlors: Elegant reception rooms with Victorian furnishings and decorative arts
• Dining Room: Formal space set with period china, silver, and table settings
• Library: William Low's personal library with period books and furnishings
• Family Bedrooms: Private quarters showing Victorian domestic life
• Juliette's Quarters: Rooms associated with Girl Scouts founder
• Original Furnishings: Low family furniture and possessions throughout house
• Decorative Arts: Period artwork, ceramics, textiles, and household objects

Victorian-Era Upper-Class Life

The house illustrates how wealthy Savannah families lived during Victorian era:

• Formal Entertaining: Elaborate social rituals and etiquette governing upper-class life
• Domestic Staff: Large household staff maintaining home and serving family
• Material Culture: Fine furniture, imported goods, and luxury objects displaying wealth
• Gender Roles: Separate male and female spheres within household
• Social Status: House and furnishings communicating family's position in society
• Cultural Activities: Music, reading, and refined pursuits as markers of cultivation

Girl Scouts of the USA Heritage

The Andrew Low House preserves and interprets Girl Scouts heritage:

• Founding Story: How Juliette Gordon Low created Girl Scouts in 1912
• First Meetings: Early Girl Scout gatherings in Savannah
• Juliette's Vision: Progressive goals of empowering girls through outdoor activities and skill-building
• Movement Growth: Expansion from 18 girls in Savannah to millions nationwide
• Contemporary Scouting: Modern Girl Scouts' connection to founder's legacy
• Girl Scout Visitors: Thousands of Girl Scouts visit annually to honor founder
• Special Programs: Girl Scout-specific programs and badges earned at the house

Connection to Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace

The Andrew Low House operates separately from the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace (her childhood home on Oglethorpe Avenue), which is also open for tours. Visiting both houses provides comprehensive understanding of Juliette's life—childhood home showing formative years, Andrew Low House showing married life and Girl Scouts founding period. The two houses together tell complete story of remarkable woman who overcame personal challenges to transform millions of girls' lives.

Famous Visitors & Literary Connections

The Andrew Low House hosted numerous notable 19th-century figures:

• Robert E. Lee: Confederate general visited the house post-Civil War
• William Makepeace Thackeray: British author stayed at house while writing
• Social Elite: Savannah's prominent families attended gatherings at the house
• Business Associates: Andrew Low's commercial contacts from around world

The Historic Garden

Behind the house lies beautifully maintained garden providing tranquil green space in urban setting:

• Period Plantings: Flowers, shrubs, and trees appropriate to Victorian era
• Formal Layout: Geometric garden design with pathways and beds
• Seasonal Beauty: Changing displays throughout the year
• Outdoor Space: Garden provided family recreation and entertaining area
• Historic Features: Original architectural elements including garden walls
• Photography Setting: Beautiful backdrop for photography, especially for Girl Scouts

Preservation & Museum Operations

The house is owned and operated by National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia, who acquired the property in 1928. This organization maintains the house as museum and educational resource, ensuring professional stewardship and public access. Preservation work maintains architectural integrity while allowing visitors to experience Victorian-era interiors authentically. The Colonial Dames' dedication ensures this important historic resource survives for future generations.

Women's History Significance

Beyond architecture, the Andrew Low House represents important site in American women's history. Juliette Gordon Low challenged gender conventions of her era, creating organization that encouraged girls to be active, independent, and capable. Girl Scouting represented progressive vision of female empowerment through outdoor activities, skill development, and leadership—radical concepts in early 20th century when women's roles were highly restricted. The house reminds visitors of battles fought for women's opportunities and ongoing work toward full gender equality.

Educational Programming

The house offers educational programs including:

• Guided Tours: Expert interpretation of house history and significance
• School Programs: Curriculum-aligned field trips for students
• Girl Scout Programs: Special programs and badge opportunities for scouts
• Special Events: Lectures, teas, and cultural programming
• Holiday Tours: Victorian Christmas decorations and celebrations

Lafayette Square Location

The house's position on Lafayette Square places it on one of Savannah's most beautiful public spaces. The square, dedicated to the Marquis de Lafayette, features the stunning Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, mature oak trees, and other significant historic buildings. Exploring the square before or after house tour enhances the experience, providing context for the neighborhood's 19th-century character.

Planning Your House Visit

To maximize your Andrew Low House experience:

• Take Guided Tour: Tours required; expert guides provide essential context
• Allow Time: Budget 1 hour for tour and garden exploration
• Girl Scout Connection: Girl Scouts find special meaning in visiting founder's home
• Visit Birthplace Too: Complete Juliette Gordon Low story by visiting both houses
• Explore Square: Lafayette Square deserves extended exploration
• Photography: Gardens provide beautiful photo opportunities
• Ask Questions: Guides welcome questions about house, family, and Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts' Enduring Legacy

Juliette Gordon Low's creation of Girl Scouts transformed American girlhood and womanhood. Millions of American women credit Girl Scouts with developing confidence, leadership skills, outdoor competence, and community service values. The movement continues evolving while maintaining core principles Juliette established. The Andrew Low House serves as pilgrimage site for scouts honoring their founder and connecting to scouting's origins. This living legacy makes the house particularly meaningful for the millions touched by Girl Scouting.

Pairing House Tour with Theatre Evening

The Andrew Low House provides elegant cultural enrichment before evening theatre. Tour the house, learning about Victorian-era life and remarkable founder of Girl Scouts, stroll through Lafayette Square admiring Cathedral and other architectural treasures, enjoy dinner nearby, then attend New Oak Theatre performance. The combination creates gracious day celebrating American heritage and women's achievement. Juliette Gordon Low's creativity in founding Girl Scouts connects naturally to theatrical creativity—both demonstrating how vision and determination create lasting institutions enriching community life.