Chippewa Square

Historic Origins

Established in 1815, Chippewa Square is one of Savannah's 22 historic squares, sitting where Bull Street meets McDonough Street in the Historic District. It's a charming intersection that captures the essence of old Savannah.

The square wasn't named randomly - it honors the American soldiers who fought in the Battle of Chippawa during the War of 1812. (Yes, the square's spelling differs slightly from the battle it commemorates - one of those quirky historical details.)

Central Monument

Dominating the center of the square is a striking bronze statue of General James Oglethorpe, the visionary who founded Georgia. Created by sculptor Daniel Chester French and architect Henry Bacon and unveiled in 1910, this 9-foot monument shows Oglethorpe in full military glory, sword drawn and facing south toward what was once Spanish Florida. Notably, French and Bacon were the same duo who later produced the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., making the Oglethorpe statue something of an early preview of one of America's most iconic works of public art.

The statue is so prominent that locals have been known to call this place "Oglethorpe Square" - which can cause some confusion, since there is in fact a separate Oglethorpe Square located a few blocks to the northeast. Worth keeping in mind if you're asking for directions.

The historic statue of James Oglethorpe stands amid greenery in Chippewa Square

Photo: Garden State Hiker (CC BY 2.0)

Notable Surroundings

The buildings framing Chippewa Square tell their own stories. The Savannah Theatre dates back to 1818 and holds the distinction of being one of America's oldest continuously operating theaters. If those walls could talk!

The First Baptist Church, constructed in 1833, stands as one of Savannah's oldest surviving church buildings, its facade watching over generations of visitors to the square. The Independent Presbyterian Church is another historic religious landmark bordering the square, giving Chippewa Square an unusually strong concentration of notable ecclesiastical architecture for such a compact space.

Need a caffeine fix? Gallery Espresso sits on the corner of Bull Street, offering an ideal spot to sip something warm while people-watching or soaking in views of the square's timeless beauty.

Visitors have their picture taken in front of the monument

Photo: daveynin (CC BY 2.0)

Pop Culture Fame

Even if you've never been to Savannah, you might recognize Chippewa Square from the big screen. This is where Forrest Gump shared his life philosophy and chocolate preferences in the 1994 film "Forrest Gump". The famous bench scenes were filmed on the north side of the square.

The actual benches were movie props - two were used during filming. One is now on display at the Savannah History Museum, while the second ended up at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles. While there's no commemorative bench marking the spot today, film buffs still flock to the north side of the square to stand where movie history was made.

Twisted oak branches draped with Spanish moss create a natural canopy

Photo: Garden State Hiker (CC BY 2.0)

Natural Beauty

The square itself is a living postcard of Southern charm - magnificent oak trees draped with Spanish moss create dappled shade across brick pathways that meander through the space. Scattered benches invite you to sit and savor the moment, whether you're reading a book or simply watching the world go by.

During Savannah's warmer months (which, let's be honest, is most of the year), those mature trees provide blessed relief from the Georgia sun, making this cool, green oasis particularly inviting.

Mature trees provide natural shade under their canopy

Photo: Steve Edwards (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visitor Experience

Chippewa Square welcomes visitors around the clock, making it great for early morning strolls or evening walks under the stars. It's a favorite among both tourists discovering Savannah and locals who appreciate its timeless appeal. Your four-legged friends are welcome too, however they'll need to stay leashed.

During St. Patrick's Day celebrations, the square transforms into a prime viewing spot for parades and festivities - busy enough to feel festive but not as packed as some other areas.

While there aren't designated picnic areas or public restrooms within the square itself, the numerous benches and grassy spaces make it easy to enjoy a casual outdoor snack or meal. Just remember to pack out what you bring in to help keep this historic space beautiful for everyone.