Many people who visit Savannah make a bee-line to Forsyth Park to take in the sights, including the famous fountain at the north end of Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is the largest park in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia. The beauty and peacefulness of Forsyth Park are appreciated by all who visit it - which is why this is a favorite spot in Savannah for proposals and weddings.
Forsyth Park covers 30 acres of land just south of Gaston Street and north of Park Avenue. The east border of Forsyth Park is Drayton Street and on the west is Whitaker.
For locals and tourists, Forsyth Park is a hub of social interaction. Concerts, recreation sports, people watching, sunbathing, reading, relaxing can all be seen going on in Forsyth Park depending on when you are there. At most times of the day, you can find people playing Basketball and Tennis on the courts at the South end of the park.
On Saturdays, there is a great Farmer's Market that takes place in Forsyth Park. If you are going to be visiting the historic district of Savannah, make sure to plan an hour to head over to Forsyth Park and check it out.
Forsyth Park was laid out in the 1840s. William Hodgson donated the land for the original space. At that time, Forsyth Park occupied 10 acres, much smaller than it is today. Then, in 1851 John Forsyth, the 33rd Governor of Georgia donated an additional 20 acres, bring the total size of Forsyth Park to its present size of 30 acres. The Park was named after him and still retains his name today.
Perhaps the most well-known feature of Forsyth Park is the large fountain that sits at the north end of Forsyth Park. The fountain was constructed in 1858. It has been remodeled several times, the latest being in 1988. It resembles a few other fountains found around the world, including fountains found in Paris and Peru. All around the Forsyth Park Fountain are benches. On any given day you can find many people, especially locals, lounging on the benches, taking in the scenery and great people watching that takes place in this area of the park.
In 1879, another Monument was introduced in Forsyth Park. This Monument is the Confederate War Monument, located in the center of Forsyth Park.
The Confederate Monument is a large ornate column with a bronze soldier on top. This bronze sculpture was the work of David Richards, who was a sculptor from New York City. The Monument was dedicated to all of the men who fought on behalf of the Confederacy during the American Civil War. The location of the Monument is a fitting place for the Monument as many of the men who went off to fight for the South drilled in Forsyth Park before being sent to war.
In 1879, another Monument was introduced in Forsyth Park. This Monument is the Confederate War Monument, located in the center of Forsyth Park.
Forsyth Park is a beautiful place to visit after the sun goes down. Savannah often lights up the fountain, making a light show with water and light beams dancing across the fountain. Keep in mind that Forsyth Park closes after dark, with the lighted areas staying open until 11 pm. It is recommended that if you go into Forsyth Park after dark that you always have someone with you. While Forsyth is considered a safe place to visit at night, it is always a good idea to have someone with you while in a new city.
Every year on St. Patrick's Day, the city of Savannah dyes the water in the fountain green. The ceremony when the water is dyed is a popular event attended by hundreds, sometimes thousands of local Savannahians. If you're wanting to get the best view of the fountain being dyed you'll want to arrive early, as many people attend this event!
This St. Patrick's Day Ceremony is hosted by the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. From start to finish the ceremony takes about 30 minutes. This tradition started in the 1980s and has only become more popular as time goes on!
Forsyth Park doesn't have a street address, but you can use "Drayton St & W Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401" to find the Park. Or, simply type in "Forsyth Park" into any map app on your phone and it will pull up the address for Forsyth Park.
Forsyth Park is located at the southern edge of the Historic District. It is located between Drayton Street on the east and Whitaker and the west. North and south Forsyth Park is bordered by Gaston Street and Park Avenue respectively.
Located at the south end of Forsyth Park you will find a parking lot which allows you to avoid street parking. However, this parking lot often becomes full very quickly. Your best bet for parking at Forsyth park is to take advantage of the on-street parking around the Park.
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