The Wayne-Gordon House, prior to 1886, showing the house before the additions of the top floor and piazza.

Birthplace Facts

Location

10 East Oglethorpe Avenue
Savannah, GA 31401-3707
In historic downtown Savannah, at the corner of Bull Street and Oglethorpe Avenue.

Construction

Between 1818 and 1821, for Mayor of Savannah James Moore Wayne, who later served as a U.S. congressman and an associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The cost was approximately $6,500.

Style

In English Regency. The architect is unknown.

Purchase

In 1831 by William Washington Gordon I, Juliette Gordon Low's grandfather and founder of the Central of Georgia Railway.

Alterations

By Detlef Lienau, a New York architect, who in 1886 added a new roof, a fourth floor and a large piazza. He also made interior alterations for Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Gordon II, Juliette Low's parents. In 1942, Mark Sheriden, a local architect, converted the building into apartments for the Gordon family.

Acquisition

By Girl Scouts of the USA from the Gordon family in 1953.

Dedication

On October 19, 1956, after extensive restoration, one of the earliest such projects in Savannah.

Recognition

In 1965 as a registered National Historic Landmark, the first in Savannah.

Visitation

By about 65,000 people annually, including 15,000 Girl Scouts in troops, 5,000 Girl Scout individuals and 50,000 tourists from around the world. On April 26, 2001, the Birthplace welcomed its two millionth visitor.

Collection

Of 19th-century furnishings, memorabilia and artwork that belonged to the Gordon family and Juliette Low.

For More Information

See the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Web site.

Archival film footage of the birthplace (no sound).