Forsyth Park

Savannah, GA 31401
30 acres | 12 hectares

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Playground
Field
Parking

About the Location

Historic Significance

Forsyth Park is a historic 30-acre public park located in the heart of Savannah, Georgia's Historic District. Established in the 1840s, it stands as one of the oldest public parks in the United States, predating even New York City's Central Park.

The park has strong historical ties to Savannah. It houses monuments commemorating the Confederate War and the Spanish-American War. In 1915, two small fort-like structures were built on the park's southern edge for use by the Savannah Volunteer Guards, adding to its historical significance.

The ornate fountain sprays water around classical statuary
The ornate fountain sprays water around classical statuary
Photo: DoNotLick (CC BY 2.0)

Iconic Features

The park's most iconic feature is the large fountain at its north end, installed in 1858. This cast-iron fountain, manufactured by Janes, Beebe & Co., bears resemblance to fountains found in Paris and Peru. It serves as a popular gathering spot and photographic subject for visitors.

Forsyth Park is characterized by its expansive green spaces, lined with towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss. These open areas provide ample room for various recreational activities and are frequently used for picnics, frisbee games, and sunbathing.

Tree-lined pathways provide shaded routes for visitors
Tree-lined pathways provide shaded routes for visitors
Photo: marada (CC0)

Community Hub

In more recent years, Forsyth Park has become a hub for community events. It hosts a weekly farmer's market on Saturdays, as well as various concerts and festivals throughout the year.

The park also features a visitor center and café, providing amenities for the numerous tourists and locals who frequent the area. Forsyth Park serves as both a recreational space and a living piece of Savannah's history, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's past while providing a serene escape from urban life.

All Features & Facilities

Active Recreation

Basketball CourtTennis Court

Nature & Wildlife

Open Grassy Area

Visitor Services

AmphitheaterMemorialPaved PathsPlaygroundRestroomsVisitor Center

Food & Gathering

Drinking WaterPicnic Area

Photo Gallery (click to enlarge)

Large oak trees draped with Spanish moss create natural shade
Large oak trees draped with Spanish moss create natural shade
Photo: sporadic (CC0)
The ornate fountain sprays water around classical statuary
The ornate fountain sprays water around classical statuary
Photo: DoNotLick (CC BY 2.0)
Water cascades over the fountain's curved edge
Water cascades over the fountain's curved edge
Photo: DoNotLick (CC BY 2.0)
Spanish moss hangs from ancient oak throughout the grounds
Spanish moss hangs from ancient oak throughout the grounds
Photo: justgrimes (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A small fountain adorns the Garden of Fragrance
A small fountain adorns the Garden of Fragrance
Photo: justgrimes (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Vibrant crepe myrtle trees add splashes of pink to the landscape
Vibrant crepe myrtle trees add splashes of pink to the landscape
Photo: justgrimes (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The park's beautiful fountain stands at the north end
The park's beautiful fountain stands at the north end
Photo: daveynin (CC BY 2.0)
Historic homes frame the green space along the park's edge
Historic homes frame the green space along the park's edge
Photo: marada (CC0)
Tree-lined pathways provide shaded routes for visitors
Tree-lined pathways provide shaded routes for visitors
Photo: marada (CC0)
Water jets create a misty display in the fountain basin
Water jets create a misty display in the fountain basin
Photo: KirkandLynn_photos (CC0)
The Civil War Monument with a bust of Lafayette McLaws
The Civil War Monument with a bust of Lafayette McLaws
Photo: Paul and Jill (CC BY 2.0)
Golden sunlight illuminates the historic Civil War Monument
Golden sunlight illuminates the historic Civil War Monument
Photo: jeffgunn (CC BY 2.0)
Informational plaque beneath moss-draped trees shares park history
Informational plaque beneath moss-draped trees shares park history
Photo: Jason Riedy (CC BY 2.0)
The Spanish-American War Memorial watches over the southern corner
The Spanish-American War Memorial watches over the southern corner
Photo: Jason Riedy (CC BY 2.0)

Park Size

30 acres | 12 hectares

Opening Hours

Monday:Open 24 hours
Tuesday:Open 24 hours
Wednesday:Open 24 hours
Thursday:Open 24 hours
Friday:Open 24 hours
Saturday:Open 24 hours
Sunday:Open 24 hours

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