Mercer-Williams House – Savannah, GA

The story

The iconic house from John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Built 1860-1868, it was the site of the 1981 shooting of Danny Hansford by antiques dealer Jim Williams, who was tried four times for murder. Now a museum open to the public. General Hugh Mercer (great-grandfather of Johnny Mercer) commissioned the house but never lived in it due to the Civil War.

Everything that was here

1868–present · still open
Mercer-Williams Househistoric home
The iconic house from John Berendt's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Built 1860-1868, it was the site of the 1981 shooting of Danny Hansford by antiques dealer Jim Williams, who was tried four times for…
See the map in 1869 →
1969–1990
Jim Williams Residence & Antiquesprivate residence
Renowned antiques dealer Jim Williams purchased and meticulously restored the house. On May 2, 1981, Williams shot and killed his companion Danny Hansford inside the house. Williams was tried four times - three…
See the map in 1970 →
1860–1868
Hugh Mercer House (Construction)private residence
Commissioned by General Hugh W. Mercer (Confederate general and great-grandfather of songwriter Johnny Mercer). Construction was interrupted by the Civil War. Mercer never lived in the completed house. The Italianate…
See the map in 1861 →