Savannah Standard

The Savannah Powder Magazine has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service (NPS). This designation underscores its historical importance and adds it to over 80 sites and landmarks in Chatham County, including Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District.

Constructed in 1898, the Savannah Powder Magazine is located off Ogeechee Road/Hwy. 17. The building was designed in the Gothic Revival style by notable Georgia architects Alfred S. Eichberg and Hyman W. Witcover. It was originally built to store explosives safely away from residential areas.

This structure is unique as it is the only known intact design resulting from the collaboration between Eichberg and Witcover in Savannah. Both architects have other significant works independently, with Witcover designing Savannah’s City Hall and Eichberg responsible for Telfair Hospital, now known as Telfair Arms Apartments.

The construction of the powder magazine was part of a series of public works projects aimed at enhancing safety during a time of rapid growth in Savannah.

The NPS’s National Register of Historic Places, authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, lists historic sites worthy of preservation. Properties on this register may be eligible for preservation benefits and incentives.

Ellie Isaacs from Landmark Preservation Consulting collaborated with the City’s Municipal Archives department to complete the application process for this recognition pro bono.