The fountain modeled after Place de la Concorde in Paris
The magical canopy of live oaks and Spanish moss
Forsyth Park is a Savannah landmark located on the south end of the Historic District. Along with the squares of Savannah, it is part of the green space that contributes to our city's picturesque setting. Forsyth Park lies between Drayton Street on the east and Whitaker Street on the west; Gaston Street lines the north and Park Avenue borders the south. This 30-acre commons area showcases the magnificent beauty and charm of Savannah. It's also a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the outdoors while taking in the historical significance of our city.
Park History
Inspired by the French and the beauty of Parisian parks, Fredrick Law Olmstead, along with Savannah's city planners created the picturesque Forsyth Park. Work on the park began in the 1840s. In 1851, the park was named after one of the generous land donors and Georgia Governor John Forsyth. Since its beginning, the park has served not only as a garden and community space, but also as a public meeting place and parade ground for the city. Confederate soldiers used the area as a training ground during the Civil War, adding to its historical significance.
Activities & Recreation
You can do today what tourists and locals have done for centuries at Forsyth Park – have a picnic or toss a Frisbee in an open area or sit on a bench in the shade and ponder life. Let your child swing from the monkey bars in the play area. Get married. Go jogging or stroll along the 1.5-mile sidewalk, play tennis, or dribble a basketball on one of the public courts. On Saturdays, you can purchase locally grown produce and handmade goods at the Forsyth Farmers' Market. In the afternoon, you can hear live music from the band shell or enjoy a meal at the café.
On the north end, you'll find the famous Forsyth Park Fountain. Modeled after a water feature in the Place de la Concorde in Paris, the fountain was installed in 1858. Just type in the word 'Savannah' into any Internet search engine, and you'll find the Forsyth Park fountain is one of the most photographed areas in the city. Follow the sidewalk a bit south of the fountain, where you'll find an incomparable picturesque view through the tunnel of live oaks and hanging moss.
This authentic 1891 drawing captures the Forsyth Park fountain just three decades after its installation in 1858. The illustration shows Victorian-era visitors enjoying the park's beauty, demonstrating how the fountain has been a beloved gathering place for Savannahians for over 160 years. The artistic detail reveals the fountain's ornate design and the lush park setting that continues to enchant visitors today.
Photography Tips
The fountain is one of the most photographed areas in Savannah. For the best shots, visit during golden hour when the light filters through the live oaks and Spanish moss, creating a magical atmosphere around the fountain.
Majestic Live Oak Canopy
Beyond the famous fountain, Forsyth Park's true magic lies in its ancient live oak trees draped in Spanish moss. These magnificent giants create natural cathedral-like spaces where golden sunlight filters through the canopy, casting enchanting patterns on the emerald green lawns below.
The park's walking paths wind through these majestic oak groves, offering countless opportunities for peaceful reflection and photography. Many visitors find the oak canopy areas just as captivating as the iconic fountain, representing the timeless beauty of Savannah's natural landscape.
Historic Monuments
Savannah's Confederate War Memorial lies in the middle of the park. It was constructed in 1879 to honor the soldiers who served and those who gave their lives for the Confederacy. A sandstone base is the foundation for a statue of a bronze Confederate soldier. An iron fence protects the monument and the busts of two Savannah Civil War heroes.
The Spanish-American War Memorial lies to the south near the corner of Bull St. and Park Ave. It was erected in 1931 to honor Georgians who died in the Spanish-American War of 1898. The monument features a bronze statue of a soldier looking out for the city from his stone pedestal.
Special Gardens
Just southwest of the fountain is the Fragrant Garden for the Blind. It was created by the Trustees Garden Club of Savannah and has been around since 1963, but has only recently been opened to the public. Solid cement walls to hold in the flowery aromas surround the garden. A treat for the senses, the plant name plaques also feature Braille writing. The garden is open 9AM to 2PM Monday through Friday.
Fragrant Garden for the Blind
This unique sensory garden features plants selected for their fragrance and texture, with plant plaques in Braille for accessibility.
Hours: 9AM to 2PM, Monday through Friday
Visitor's Center
Neighboring the Fragrant Garden is one of the park's newest additions – the Forsyth Park Visitor's Center, which was opened in 2009. The center consists of a stage, fountain and café. The stage, complete with a band shell, is the venue for many of Savannah's public concerts and events. The café is great for a fresh sandwich or salad, coffee, tea or bottle of water.
A Savannah tradition featuring live entertainment and family fun. There are theme-inspired picnic contests and fundraisers for local charities. Bring a cooler and a blanket or set up a real dining table complete with candelabras and fine china.
Shakespeare in the Park
Three free nightly performances of Shakespeare-inspired short acts, dances and music, followed by a professional presentation of a classic Shakespearian play. Call (912) 234-9860 for information.
Sidewalk Arts Festival
Hosted in the spring by the Savannah College of Art and Design. This festival brings vibrant color to the lush green of the park in the form of chalk art masterpieces. This art is one-of-a-kind and, of course, temporary.
Other Events
SCAD New Alumni Concert and The Shalom Y'all Jewish Food Festival are among the other annual events that call Forsyth Park home.
Boundaries: Drayton Street (east), Whitaker Street (west), Gaston Street (north), Park Avenue (south)
Hours: Open daily from sunrise to sunset
Perfect For
Weddings, picnics, jogging, photography, family outings, and peaceful contemplation in the heart of Savannah.
Historic Significance
Experience the same green space that has served Savannah for over 170 years, from Civil War training grounds to modern community gatherings.
Forsyth Park honors Governor John Forsyth, one of Georgia's most accomplished statesmen. He served as Georgia's Governor (1827-1829), U.S. Secretary of State under Presidents Jackson and Van Buren, and was the only Georgian to hold that position until 1961.
Forsyth Park's beautiful design was created by Frederick Law Olmsted, known as the "Father of American Landscape Architecture." The same visionary who designed Central Park in New York City and the U.S. Capitol grounds brought his French-inspired aesthetic to create Savannah's most beloved public space.