Malcolm R. Maclean (1919-2001)

Malcolm R. Maclean served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and the Korean War, rising to the rank of commander. After Harvard Law, Maclean entered Savannah politics. His fellow aldermen selected Maclean as mayor in 1960 to fill an unexpired term. Elected with bi-racial support in 1962, Maclean sought to avoid the violence surrounding the Civil Rights movement that occurred elsewhere. He responded with moderation to protests and a boycott of segregated businesses. Maclean negotiated with business and Civil Rights leaders, including W. W. Law and Eugene Gadsden, to accomplish the largely peaceful desegregation of Savannah before the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Voters rejected Maclean's reelection bid in 1966. Maclean also helped establish Memorial Health hospital and recruit Gulfstream Aerospace. Maclean lived nearby on E. 45th Street and is buried in Bonaventure Cemetery.