Nestled just a short walk from the Savannah River, the Pirates’ House stands on one of Georgia’s most historically significant sites. This land was once home to the Trustees’ Garden, established in the early 1730s under the guidance of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia colony. The Trustees’ Garden was America’s first public experimental garden inspired by European botanical gardens. It served as a testing ground for crops such as mulberry trees (for silk production), indigo, cotton, and medicinal plants—part of the colonial vision for economic self-sufficiency.
By the 1750s, as Savannah began to flourish and the original agricultural ambitions waned, the garden site was gradually repurposed. Around 1753, one of the earliest structures to appear on this land was an inn built to accommodate the growing number of seafarers arriving in the busy port. This building would eventually become known as the Pirates’ House.
Although tales of pirates frequenting the inn are steeped in folklore, Savannah’s reputation as a prominent seaport lends credibility to the idea that sailors from all corners of the world—including some of questionable repute—might have found refuge there. The cellar of the house even connects to rumors of secret tunnels leading to the river, allegedly used for smuggling or for shanghaiing unwary patrons. While these tales are harrowing to confirm, they remain an enduring part of the house’s mystique.
Over the centuries, the building withstood the test of time, witnessing the rise and transformation of Savannah. However, by the end of World War II, the once-lively structure had fallen into disrepair and was at risk of being lost entirely. In 1945, the Savannah Gas Company purchased the property to demolish it. That course changed thanks to Mary Hillyer, the wife of company president Hansell Hillyer. Mary, alongside a group of passionate local women, spearheaded a restoration effort that would preserve the Pirates’ House and honor Savannah’s colonial charm.
Through their vision and dedication, the house was not only saved but reborn as a unique restaurant that embraced its historical character. The original architecture was preserved where possible, and the spirit of the building was rekindled with a blend of fact, folklore, and Southern hospitality. Today, the Pirates’ House is a popular dining destination and a living piece of Savannah’s heritage, where guests can enjoy a meal surrounded by centuries of history.
Until Next Time, Knowledge Is Power
