Forsyth Park

Fountain Twins: The iconic Forsyth Fountain was installed in 1858 and is modeled after a fountain in Paris. Similar fountains exist in Poughkeepsie, New York; Madison, Indiana; and even Cuzco, Peru. 

Green Water Tradition: Every St. Patrick's Day, the fountain's water is dyed green to celebrate Savannah's Irish heritage—a tradition that began in the 1980s. 

Historic Playground: The park's playgrounds are part of the early 20th-century Recreation Movement, promoting public play spaces for children. 

Fragrant Garden: There's a special garden designed for the visually impaired, filled with aromatic plants like rosemary and lavender. 

Musical Roots: The park has hosted numerous concerts over the years, from local bands to large festivals, making it a hub for music lovers.

Civil War Memorial: A significant monument in the park honors Confederate soldiers, featuring a bronze statue and intricate carvings. 

Spanish–American War Tribute: At the south end stands "The Hiker," a statue commemorating soldiers from the Spanish–American War, the Boxer Rebellion, and the Philippine–American War. 

Movie Star Park: Forsyth Park has appeared in several films, including "Forrest Gump" and "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" as well as "Cape Fear" and "The Longest Yard,

Oldest Park: Established in the 1840s, it's one of the oldest public parks in the U.S., predating New York's Central Park.

Military Parade Ground: The southern part of the park was once a military parade ground and is still used for ceremonial purposes. 

Time Capsule: A time capsule was placed under the Confederate monument's cornerstone in 1874, containing artifacts like a piece of the Fort Sumter flagpole. 

Live Oak Canopy: The park's pathways are shaded by majestic live oaks draped in Spanish moss, creating a picturesque canopy.

Historic Homes: Surrounding the park are historic homes, some dating back to the 19th century, adding to the area's charm.

Farmers' Market: Every Saturday, the park hosts a farmers' market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts. 

Art Installations: Occasionally, the park features public art installations, turning it into an open-air gallery. Since 1979, the Savannah College of Art and Design has hosted the Sidewalk Arts Festival in the park, turning walkways into colorful chalk art galleries.

Fountain's Manufacturer: The fountain was made by Janes, Beebe & Co. in New York, the same company that worked on the U.S. Capitol dome. 

Dog-Friendly: The park is a favorite spot for dog owners, offering ample space for pets to play and socialize.

Seasonal Events: Throughout the year, the park hosts various events, from outdoor movies to cultural festivals. For a calendar of events, visit  https://www.savannahga.gov/3271/Special-Event-Calendar

Photography Hotspot: The fountain and tree-lined paths make it one of the most photographed locations in Savannah.

Educational Tours: Schools often organize field trips to the park, where students learn about its history and ecology.

Haunted History:  Savannah is known for its haunted locales, and Forsyth Park is no exception. Legends speak of underground tunnels connecting the park to nearby historic sites, with tales of ghostly apparitions.

Fountain Freeze:  In 1977, unusually cold temperatures caused the park's fountain to freeze, creating a rare icy spectacle in Savannah.

Pine Forest to Public Park:  Before becoming a park, the area was a pine forest and cattle grazing land. It was transformed into a public space in the 1840s and cows no longer eat the grass on sunny afternoons.  

Military Training Field:  In 1915, "Dummy Forts" were constructed in the park for military training exercises. These structures were used to simulate battlefield conditions for soldiers.