The Scarbrough House was built in 1818 for William Scarbrough, owner of the Savannah Steamship Company. The house was designed by William Jay and is considered to be one of the earliest examples of classical Greek Revival architecture in the South. Though built as a home, the Scarbrough House served as a school for almost a hundred years. In fact, the West Broad Street School, as it was known, was the first black public school in Savannah. In poor condition after the closing of the school in 1962, the house underwent two renovations and is today home to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum. In 1974, the Scarbrough House was designated as a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing the significance of the design and association with William Jay. Now restored to its former glory, the Scarbrough House’s importance to the African American community is nearly forgotten.
