Old Savannah Cotton Exchange
The Savannah Cotton Exchange building was completed in 1887, during the era when Savannah ranked first as a cotton seaport on the Atlantic and second in the world. in its heyday as a cotton port over two million bales a year moved through Savannah. the cotton Exchange was the center of activity in the staple which dominated this city´s economic life before its eveloution into a leading industrial seaport.
The Exchange was designed by the nationally known Boston architect, Willaim Gibbons Preston (1844- 1910). His design won out in a competition participated in by eleven architects. the exchange is believed to one of the few structures in the world erected over n existing public street.
The beautiful iron railing around this grass plat, with panels featuring medallions of famoous statesmen, authors and poets once graced the ante-bellum Wetter House in Savannah.
The former Cotton Exchange is now the headquarters of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce, which cordially invites you to drop in for a visit.
GHM 025-56 Georgia Historical Commission 1957
Plaque courtesy Lat34North.com.
Original page, with additional info, here.
Photo credit: Byron Hooks of Lat34North.com.