About
One landmark in Savannah offers ghost and historical tours, appealing to various interests. Welcome to The Old Sorrel-Weed House Museum, a stunning architectural landmark with a complex and chilling history.
Our story began when renowned architect Charles Cluskey built the mansion in the 1840s for Francis Sorrel, a wealthy French-Haitian merchant. The mansion's Greek Revival and Regency features make it a rare architectural treasure.
Tours of the mansion give visitors a first-hand experience of the intricate woodwork, marble, and furnishings. The rooms are time capsules from a bygone era when Cotton was King, and enslavement was part of the culture. This era and the folklore around Sorrel's business and slave ownership add intrigue to a visit.
As if this isn't enticing enough, there's the story of Matilda, Sorrel's second wife, and a young slave named Molly. We'll discuss this in more detail in our next section, but suffice it to say the story is a classic Southern Gothic mystery.
This diverse background enables visitors to partake in two tours: the Savannah Ghost and the History tour. And with its location in the Historic District, you can easily combine a museum visit with other nearby landmarks. For instance, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a short walk away and rich with history and architecture. To continue learning about Savannah's stunning mansions and dark history, touring the Mercer Williams House Museum is a must.
The Old Sorrel-Weed House will intrigue those fascinated with macabre tales of the past and those curious about history and architecture. Be sure to include a tour on your Georgia getaway.
The Old Sorrel-Weed House Museum: Fun Facts & Cool Features
The mansion's sordid tale about Matilda and Molly will appeal to mystery and history buffs. According to urban legend, Matilda discovered her husband, Francis Sorrel, in bed with Molly, a young slave. Overcome with grief and betrayal, Matilda threw herself from the second-story window. As if this wasn't enough, Molly was later found hanging from a rafter in the carriage house. With much left to the imagination, you must determine how many of these accounts are fact and fiction. But the story makes for a chilling tour!
The Paranormal Investigation tours and lock-ins will appeal to ghost hunters over 18. Paranormal investigators and mediums lead these for an otherworldly experience.
Beyond Francis Sorrel's life and slave trading business, there is the mansion's architecture and history. The mansion's original design features intricate ironwork balconies, robust limestone detailing, and expansive drawing rooms evoking Savannah's charm. On your tour, you'll feel you've entered another era, with period-appropriate furnishings and design elements throughout the museum.
For movie and television fans, The Old Sorrel-Weed House made a Hollywood cameo in the popular film "Forrest Gump." These pop culture connections add an extra layer of fun to any visit.
Aside from being central to other Savannah attractions, you're never far from a delicious meal. The Grey offers artisan cuisine in a refurbished 1938 Greyhound bus station, while Leopold's Ice Cream is a must for sweet tooths!
The combined elements of history, mystery, and pop culture make The Sorrel-Weed House a fascinating stop. Its unique blend of enriching education, captivating stories, and thrilling experiences makes it worth adding to your Savannah itinerary.
Getting There
Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Savannah to The Old Sorrel-Weed House Museum:
- Head west on E Broughton St.
- Turn left onto Bull St.
- Turn right at W Harris St.
- Address: 6 W Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401.
Local Tips
- Parking can be limited; arrive early to secure a spot.
- Plan your tour around a meal at a nearby hotspot.
- Take time to explore Madison Square.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for a more enjoyable tour.
