Chippewa Square is a free public garden and historic landmark on Bull Street between Hull and McDonough streets, Savannah, Georgia 31401, in the southern half of the downtown Historic District. Laid out in 1815 and named for the 1814 Battle of Chippewa during the War of 1812, it combines shaded walking paths, a monumental statue of Georgia founder James Edward Oglethorpe, and the filming location of Forrest Gump’s bus-stop scenes. Travelers come for the movie connection, then discover an unusually concentrated lesson in Savannah’s architecture and town planning.
What to Expect at Chippewa Square
Live oaks draped with Spanish moss shade the square’s intersecting paths and perimeter benches. At its center stands the James Edward Oglethorpe Monument, dedicated in 1910, with a bronze figure by Daniel Chester French and an architectural setting by Henry Bacon. Four lions surround the base, accompanied by heraldic shields connected with Oglethorpe’s life and Georgia’s history. The general faces south toward what was Spanish Florida, recalling the military rivalry that shaped the early colony.
The square’s northern edge along Hull Street supplied the setting for the famous Forrest Gump bench sequences in the 1994 film. The bench was a movie prop, not permanent park furniture; a filming bench is displayed at the Savannah History Museum, across downtown rather than inside this square. Look beyond the film location to the surrounding buildings: Savannah Theatre opened in 1818, while First Baptist Church presents a Greek Revival frontage. Together, these buildings make the square rewarding even without the Hollywood association.
- Oglethorpe Monument: Walk around the pedestal to examine the lions, shields, inscriptions, and changing views of the bronze figure.
- Forrest Gump filming location: Visit the Hull Street edge for the setting, but expect ordinary streetscape rather than the original bench.
- Savannah Theatre: The theater at 222 Bull Street traces its opening to 1818 and remains an active performance venue.
- First Baptist Church: The congregation’s 1833 building at 223 Bull Street adds classical columns and religious history to the square.
- Philbrick-Eastman House: This 1847 Greek Revival residence on the southern side illustrates the scale of Savannah’s prosperous nineteenth-century domestic architecture.
Chippewa Square at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Bull Street between Hull and McDonough streets, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Savannah Historic District; Bull Street corridor |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday: open 24 hours |
| Admission / Price Range | Free admission; $; nearby performances and museums charge separately |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 20 to 40 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | CAT’s fare-free DOT downtown shuttle; Liberty Street-area stops. Liberty Street Parking Garage, 301 West Liberty Street, approximately 7–10 minutes away on foot |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Savannah; information: +1 912-231-0906 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive in the morning for cooler temperatures and clearer views before walking tours gather around the monument. Spring brings fresh foliage and nearby azalea color; summer calls for water and a shaded rest, while winter offers more comfortable midday walking. No reservation is needed. Metered curbside parking surrounds the area, but read posted restrictions rather than assuming every open space is available. For transit, consult Chatham Area Transit for current DOT shuttle stops and service hours.
The square is largely level, with paved paths, curb-ramp approaches, and benches for rests; uneven paving and tree-root movement require attention when using wheelchairs or strollers. Cross surrounding streets carefully, and do not expect public restrooms or a playground inside the square. Keep dogs leashed and clean up after them. Pair your visit with Colonial Park Cemetery, roughly five minutes east, the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, about five to ten minutes southeast, or Forsyth Park, approximately 10–15 minutes south along Bull Street. After dusk, favor the main paths and well-lit surrounding streets.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chippewa Square open, and when should I visit?
The square is open 24 hours daily. Morning is the most comfortable choice in warm weather, while daylight makes architectural details and monument inscriptions easier to appreciate.
Does Chippewa Square require tickets or reservations?
No tickets, admission payment, or reservations are required to enter the square. Savannah Theatre performances and the Savannah History Museum are separate attractions with their own ticket arrangements.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 20–40 minutes for the monument, movie location, and surrounding architecture. Budget an hour or more if you want a leisurely shaded break and a walk to nearby landmarks.
Is Chippewa Square suitable for families and wheelchair users?
Its compact layout, paved paths, and resting benches suit short family visits and many mobility needs. Watch for uneven surfaces and street crossings; children should not climb the monument or enter the roadway to recreate film photographs.
When planning your Savannah travel guide or comparing verified attractions and museums in Savannah, pair this stop with standout local spots including The Pirates' House, American Prohibition Museum, The Vault Kitchen & Market, and Perry Lane Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Savannah (0.2 km away).
