Chippewa Square

Historic Origins

Situated in the heart of Savannah's Historic District, Chippewa Square was established in 1815 and stands as one of the city's 22 historic squares. You'll come across it right where Bull Street meets McDonough Street, 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.)

Visitors have their picture taken in front of the monument

Photo: daveynin (CC BY 2.0)

Central Monument

Dominating the center of the square is a striking bronze statue of General James Oglethorpe, the visionary who founded Georgia. Created by renowned sculptor Daniel Chester French 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 - keeping an eye on those neighbors, even in bronze form.

Twisted oak branches draped with Spanish moss create natural canopy

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.

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.

Historic statue of James Oglethorpe stands amid greenery in Chippewa Square

Photo: Garden State Hiker (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.

Interestingly, the actual bench was just a movie prop and now resides in the Savannah History Museum. 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.

Mature trees provide natural shade under their canopy

Photo: Steve Edwards (CC BY-SA 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.

Walkway through the square

Photo: Jason (CC BY 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.