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There are few if any places in Savannah that I don't care for in Savannah just so everyone knows. Chippewa square is a beautiful place. You can enjoy just sitting and watching the tourists go by, a picnic or meet there for a haunted tour. All are fun!
There are many squares in Savannah and it would be pointless to review all of them. This is one of the central ones, and definitely one you'd want to walk through if in the area. Many cities waste this sort of space, but you'll rarely see a more aesthetically pleasing urban park than a square in Savannah lined by twisted trees centered around a statue of someone you've probably never heard of but who nonetheless has some complex role in history. There are benches and it's usually pretty quiet, so a good place to eat a bit of takeout or just take a break.
Chippewa Square was laid out in 1815 as Savannah's 15th square. It was named in honor of the soldiers lost at the Battle of Chippewa, a skirmish in the War of 1812. It is also known as the "gateway square" because it is close to so many of Savannah's attractions. In the center of the square is a statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia. There is an Oglethorpe Square but his statue is in Chippewa Square. Oglethorpe was a social reformer and he wanted the create the colony of Georgia to help people in debtors prison have a place to go and work. The nine foot bronze statue of Oglethorpe was designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French and the pedestal was designed by New York architect Henry Bacon. Oglethorpe stands in his military uniform, sword drawn guarding the square with an eye to the south, on the lookout for Spanish invaders. The two artists collaborated to create the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.. Chippewa Square is famous for being in the movie Forrest Gump. It is where Forrest sat on the bench with the box of chocolates on his lap as and waits for the bus. Various bus riders sit down next to him and he relates his life story to them. One of the four buses used in the movie was donated to the city and you can view it in the Savannah History Museum. Another bench is at the I-95 Georgia Welcome Center. The square has many notable buildings surrounding it including the Savannah Theatre, which opened in 1818 and was designed by noted architect William Jay, the First Baptist Church which is the city's oldest surviving sanctuary, the 1847 Philbrick-Eastman House, and the Foley House Inn. This lovely square has towering oak trees and benches to sit and admire the view but plants and people are not all that exist in the square today. Beneath Chippewa Square is the native burial mounds of the Native American Yamacraw tribe, whose former village resided on the bluff that makes up most of Savannah's Historic District today.
"Life is like a box of chocolates..." There are 22 Squares in Savannah and each one is unique in its own right but Chippewa Square is probably one of the most popular one because who has not seen the movie "Forrest Gump?" Forrest Gump made Chippewa Square famous with its bench scenes. The bus stop scene in Forrest Gump was filmed here in Chippewa Square. The bench was located on the north side of the square facing Bull Street. There was no bench when we came back to the park on our own (after our trolley tour), it is now a garden on that spot. The prop bench was donated to the city and moved into the Savannah History Museum. The name Chippewa was used to commemorate the men who fought at the Battle of Chippewa in the War of 1812. There is a 9-foot bronze statue of James Oglethorpe in the center of the Square... General James Oglethorpe is the founder of the Colony of Georgia. Also located on the Square is the First Baptist Church, the Historic Savannah Theatre, the Eastman-Stoddard House and nearby is "Six Pence Pub" on Bull Street where Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid filmed a scene here in the romantic comedy movie "Something to Talk About." Hollywood has made it here... pretty interesting and cool part of Savannah. Review #1857
Chippewa Square is one of the many very nicely groomed central parks in Savannah. Central to the park is a statue of James Olgethorpe, a solider and a historical figure in the founding of the colony of Georgia. The square has the charming Spanish moss hanging from the trees and is very lush with plants and bushes. Chippewa Square is well-known for being the location of the Forest Gump park bench scene ("Life is like a box of chocolates...), but alas the actual park bench is housed in the theater across from the square. It is surprising that they didn't at least put another bench in that location. We were confused where the bench used to be so we just took a picture on one of the other benches. The square is not far from Broughton Street or other attractions in Savannah, so it should be a "must" for anyone visiting the city!
I love the little squares they have throughout the city of Savannah. The old live oak trees and the Spanish moss are gorgeous. And I have to say that coming here during Fall is much better than during summer because the temperatures are gorgeous instead of grueling like they are during the summertime. Come check them out for yourself. Each one is unique and pretty in its own way. If I remember correctly, there are 22 squares throughout the city
Chippewa Square is the most famous square of Savannah. It is where in the movie Forrest Gump sat on a park bench waiting for a bus. The actual park benches used in the movie are of course not there. They are housed in a historical museum, so you won't see it when you visit Chippewa Square. Matter of fact, you won't even find a marker noting where they were located. But what you will see is a lovely park like square with a most imposing 9 foot statue of John Oglethorpe who is considered the founder of the Colony of Georgia. I have say that instead of a British general, his likeness is closer to that of a swashbuckling pirate with sword drawn. The park however doesn't get its name from Oglethorpe or having anything to do with its central monument. Instead it honors American bravery and arms at the legendary Battle of Chippewa. It was where American troops met with British regulars who were fresh and well trained from the Napoleonic Wars, forcing them to retreat and restoring the prestige of the American Army. Though the history made add to it, just the serene pleasure of the square is alone good enough reason to visit it.
I love this square. This is of course known as the Forest Gump Square. If you sit on a bench, there is a lot of great people watching because everyone comes here to try and find the bench from the movie that isn't there anymore. It's a stop for almost every tour.
Savannah is the city of Squares. There are 22 Squares. Most of Savannah's squares are named in honor or in memory of a person, persons or historical event, and many contain monuments, markers, memorials, statues, plaques, and other tributes. Today I'm spending time doing some volunteer work at Chippewa Square. It is a beautiful day. People are friendly and we are enjoying some very nice conversations with them. There's a very cute coffee shop on the corner of Bull St. and East Perry St. Check out my Yelp review. I recommend you stop by and have a cup of coffee. The squares are always interesting. Today we have a nice trumpet playing. He is GOOD!!! I am looking forward to coming back here again!!! In the meantime, I'll enjoy my work here for the rest of the day!!!
The famous square where Tom Hanks sat on the park bench in the Forrest Gump movie. This is yet another impressive place with lots of trees and a marvelous statue in the middle. An excellent place to relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Forest Gump bench was just a prop, so don't go expecting it there. Savannah is a beautiful place to visit perhaps to even live there. So many historic places to visit. You will not be disappointed. The people are so friendly as well.
I was so excited to visit this square since you hear about it's ties to the movie Forest Gump and housing Forest's bench. However, I hate to disappoint you, but you won't find the bench here. "It" (or rather a prop-version) has been moved to the Savannah History Museum but you will find a statue of Savanna's founder: James Oglethorpe. It was pointed out to me that he is facing South towards Florida, Savannah's sworn enemy at the time, with sword drawn. But, since Oglethorpe already has his own square named after him (although no statue in 'his' square), this square is named after the Battle of Chippewa which took place in Upper Canada and where the British defeated American forces. Chippewa Square might be the most trafficked square, with neighbors such as the Savannah Theater, one of the United States' oldest continually-operating theatres and which our tour guide led assumptions that possibly John Wilkes Booth performed at--although this cannot be confirmed and restaurants (short walk from The Public Kitchen & Bar and The Collins Quarter). You can't miss the beauty of the First Baptist Church located to one side and the Philbrick-Eastman House (which house several prominent Savannah families). Square Review 3:22
This is probably the most famous of the Savannah Squares simply because it was setup for the filming of the iconic "life is like a box of chocolates" scene in Forest Gump. Let me tell you the solitary singular bench in the movie is not what it looks like in person. There is a vast rounded concrete expanse that envelopes the area. Nonetheless this is one beautiful square. The giant and oh so old trees that are scattered about the span just give it a feel only Savannah can muster. There are 22 squares total, 23 if you look at the tourist guide. We walked all of them in a day. It's just a hair over 5 miles of walking. Countin' the reviews of every square down. Chippewa is one of my favs!
Chippewa Square in Savannah is a really nice spot to slow down and take in some history. Sitting under the shade of those big oak trees with the Spanish moss hanging down gives it that classic Savannah feel you expect. I liked the statue of James Oglethorpe in the center and how peaceful the whole area felt, even with people coming and going. read more
Chippewa Square is also known as "the Forrest Gump square," for its use as the backdrop of the scenes where the title character sits on a bench as he waits for a bus, a box of chocolates in his lap, and narrates his life story for the other characters who sit down beside him. The scene was shot on the north side of the square with Oglethorpe in the background, using a bench that was brought in for filming. A replica of the prop bench can be found at the Savannah History Museum, and also at Georgia's I-95 Welcome Center, where visitors can sit next to a life-sized Forrest to have their picture taken. The square itself has lots of old big trees that provide lots of shades to those who want to sit under them....on the grass or on one of the many wooden benches...there are lots of nice bars, restaurants and shops around the square, making this a nice cute little area to stroll around. read more
3 years ago
There are few if any places in Savannah that I don't care for in Savannah just so everyone knows. Chippewa square is a beautiful place. You can enjoy just sitting and watching the tourists go by, a picnic or meet there for a haunted tour. All are fun! read more
There are many squares in Savannah and it would be pointless to review all of them. This is one of the central ones, and definitely one you'd want to walk through if in the area. Many cities waste this sort of space, but you'll rarely see a more aesthetically pleasing urban park than a square in Savannah lined by twisted trees centered around a statue of someone you've probably never heard of but who nonetheless has some complex role in history. There are benches and it's usually pretty quiet, so a good place to eat a bit of takeout or just take a break. read more
Chippewa Square was laid out in 1815 as Savannah's 15th square. It was named in honor of the soldiers lost at the Battle of Chippewa, a skirmish in the War of 1812. It is also known as the "gateway square" because it is close to so many of Savannah's attractions. In the center of the square is a statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia. There is an Oglethorpe Square but his statue is in Chippewa Square. Oglethorpe was a social reformer and he wanted the create the colony of Georgia to help people in debtors prison have a place to go and work. The nine foot bronze statue of Oglethorpe was designed by sculptor Daniel Chester French and the pedestal was designed by New York architect Henry Bacon. Oglethorpe stands in his military uniform, sword drawn guarding the square with an eye to the south, on the lookout for Spanish invaders. The two artists collaborated to create the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.. Chippewa Square is famous for being in the movie Forrest Gump. It is where Forrest sat on the bench with the box of chocolates on his lap as and waits for the bus. Various bus riders sit down next to him and he relates his life story to them. One of the four buses used in the movie was donated to the city and you can view it in the Savannah History Museum. Another bench is at the I-95 Georgia Welcome Center. The square has many notable buildings surrounding it including the Savannah Theatre, which opened in 1818 and was designed by noted architect William Jay, the First Baptist Church which is the city's oldest surviving sanctuary, the 1847 Philbrick-Eastman House, and the Foley House Inn. This lovely square has towering oak trees and benches to sit and admire the view but plants and people are not all that exist in the square today. Beneath Chippewa Square is the native burial mounds of the Native American Yamacraw tribe, whose former village resided on the bluff that makes up most of Savannah's Historic District today. read more
"Life is like a box of chocolates..." There are 22 Squares in Savannah and each one is unique in its own right but Chippewa Square is probably one of the most popular one because who has not seen the movie "Forrest Gump?" Forrest Gump made Chippewa Square famous with its bench scenes. The bus stop scene in Forrest Gump was filmed here in Chippewa Square. The bench was located on the north side of the square facing Bull Street. There was no bench when we came back to the park on our own (after our trolley tour), it is now a garden on that spot. The prop bench was donated to the city and moved into the Savannah History Museum. The name Chippewa was used to commemorate the men who fought at the Battle of Chippewa in the War of 1812. There is a 9-foot bronze statue of James Oglethorpe in the center of the Square... General James Oglethorpe is the founder of the Colony of Georgia. Also located on the Square is the First Baptist Church, the Historic Savannah Theatre, the Eastman-Stoddard House and nearby is "Six Pence Pub" on Bull Street where Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid filmed a scene here in the romantic comedy movie "Something to Talk About." Hollywood has made it here... pretty interesting and cool part of Savannah. Review #1857 read more
Chippewa Square is one of the many very nicely groomed central parks in Savannah. Central to the park is a statue of James Olgethorpe, a solider and a historical figure in the founding of the colony of Georgia. The square has the charming Spanish moss hanging from the trees and is very lush with plants and bushes. Chippewa Square is well-known for being the location of the Forest Gump park bench scene ("Life is like a box of chocolates...), but alas the actual park bench is housed in the theater across from the square. It is surprising that they didn't at least put another bench in that location. We were confused where the bench used to be so we just took a picture on one of the other benches. The square is not far from Broughton Street or other attractions in Savannah, so it should be a "must" for anyone visiting the city! read more
I love the little squares they have throughout the city of Savannah. The old live oak trees and the Spanish moss are gorgeous. And I have to say that coming here during Fall is much better than during summer because the temperatures are gorgeous instead of grueling like they are during the summertime. Come check them out for yourself. Each one is unique and pretty in its own way. If I remember correctly, there are 22 squares throughout the city read more
Chippewa Square is the most famous square of Savannah. It is where in the movie Forrest Gump sat on a park bench waiting for a bus. The actual park benches used in the movie are of course not there. They are housed in a historical museum, so you won't see it when you visit Chippewa Square. Matter of fact, you won't even find a marker noting where they were located. But what you will see is a lovely park like square with a most imposing 9 foot statue of John Oglethorpe who is considered the founder of the Colony of Georgia. I have say that instead of a British general, his likeness is closer to that of a swashbuckling pirate with sword drawn. The park however doesn't get its name from Oglethorpe or having anything to do with its central monument. Instead it honors American bravery and arms at the legendary Battle of Chippewa. It was where American troops met with British regulars who were fresh and well trained from the Napoleonic Wars, forcing them to retreat and restoring the prestige of the American Army. Though the history made add to it, just the serene pleasure of the square is alone good enough reason to visit it. read more
7 years ago
2 years ago
I love this square. This is of course known as the Forest Gump Square. If you sit on a bench, there is a lot of great people watching because everyone comes here to try and find the bench from the movie that isn't there anymore. It's a stop for almost every tour. read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
Savannah is the city of Squares. There are 22 Squares. Most of Savannah's squares are named in honor or in memory of a person, persons or historical event, and many contain monuments, markers, memorials, statues, plaques, and other tributes. Today I'm spending time doing some volunteer work at Chippewa Square. It is a beautiful day. People are friendly and we are enjoying some very nice conversations with them. There's a very cute coffee shop on the corner of Bull St. and East Perry St. Check out my Yelp review. I recommend you stop by and have a cup of coffee. The squares are always interesting. Today we have a nice trumpet playing. He is GOOD!!! I am looking forward to coming back here again!!! In the meantime, I'll enjoy my work here for the rest of the day!!! read more
The famous square where Tom Hanks sat on the park bench in the Forrest Gump movie. This is yet another impressive place with lots of trees and a marvelous statue in the middle. An excellent place to relax and enjoy the fresh air. read more
5 years ago
Forest Gump bench was just a prop, so don't go expecting it there. Savannah is a beautiful place to visit perhaps to even live there. So many historic places to visit. You will not be disappointed. The people are so friendly as well. read more
I was so excited to visit this square since you hear about it's ties to the movie Forest Gump and housing Forest's bench. However, I hate to disappoint you, but you won't find the bench here. "It" (or rather a prop-version) has been moved to the Savannah History Museum but you will find a statue of Savanna's founder: James Oglethorpe. It was pointed out to me that he is facing South towards Florida, Savannah's sworn enemy at the time, with sword drawn. But, since Oglethorpe already has his own square named after him (although no statue in 'his' square), this square is named after the Battle of Chippewa which took place in Upper Canada and where the British defeated American forces. Chippewa Square might be the most trafficked square, with neighbors such as the Savannah Theater, one of the United States' oldest continually-operating theatres and which our tour guide led assumptions that possibly John Wilkes Booth performed at--although this cannot be confirmed and restaurants (short walk from The Public Kitchen & Bar and The Collins Quarter). You can't miss the beauty of the First Baptist Church located to one side and the Philbrick-Eastman House (which house several prominent Savannah families). Square Review 3:22 read more
10 years ago
This is probably the most famous of the Savannah Squares simply because it was setup for the filming of the iconic "life is like a box of chocolates" scene in Forest Gump. Let me tell you the solitary singular bench in the movie is not what it looks like in person. There is a vast rounded concrete expanse that envelopes the area. Nonetheless this is one beautiful square. The giant and oh so old trees that are scattered about the span just give it a feel only Savannah can muster. There are 22 squares total, 23 if you look at the tourist guide. We walked all of them in a day. It's just a hair over 5 miles of walking. Countin' the reviews of every square down. Chippewa is one of my favs! read more
8 years ago
Forest Gump bench movie location. The bench is no longer here but it is a beautiful square. And a must see for visiting film buffs. read more
Probably the most visited square, Chippewa Square is where they filmed the bench scenes of Forrest Gump. The bench has since moved to a nearby museum, but you can still walk around the square and picture where the scene was. Beautiful monument in the center with multiple placards and benches in the square to peruse and hang around. This is the same in most of the squares, but you'll find more people frequenting this one due to its proximity to downtown and the Forrest Gump reference. read more
11 years ago
If you find yourself visiting Savannah, a tourist to-do is to visit Chippewa Square. After all, it's where Tom Hanks, in Forrest Gump, famously said, "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get." Unfortunately, unlike the movie, there's no bench -- a replica of it (yes, replica) resides in one of Savannah's local museums -- and the street isn't a two way. (Gasp. Hollywood lied.) Instead of a bench, you'll see a short concrete wall with flowers planted in front, and a sign designating the square. Oh, and you can find it located on the intersection of Bull and Hull streets. Chippewa Square is a little more than this scene from this Oscar winning movie, though. It's beautiful, with those ghostly-looking trees thanks to the endless strands of Spanish Moss that seem to appear out of no where. There's a romantic circular walkway that my dog loved peeing all-over. And, smack-dab in the middle, a gigantic statue of British General, Savannah's founder, Native American homie, and overall bad*ss, James Oglethorpe resides. About the statue itself, the man stands with sword in hand facing south to Florida. Also, behind his right heel is a pomelo. The symbolism? Back then, Georgia served as a protectorate of South Carolina (who exported tons of pomelos), and often fought with the Spaniards down in Florida. Some battle happened in the square, too, and I'm sure, like pretty much everywhere in the most haunted city on Earth (according to Duke University), hundred or thousands of people are buried beneath the Square's concrete. (So, don't be afraid if you see an orb, or two, or three at night.) Overall, is it worth to check out? Sure. But after spending several days at the Foley House (which resides on that square), I don't think it's anything worth going out of the way for. read more
This is my favorite square in Savannah, primarily because of its location. It's near a bunch of cafes and stores, making it a perfect place to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee or some lunch. It's big enough that there is always a bench free, and surrounded by gorgeous lush scenery. read more
8 years ago
11 years ago
History on EVERY corner and square within historic Savannah ! Beautiful, educational and mind blowing. Along with the natural beauty of the meandering and tower oaks.... appreciate that history is savored and documented for all to enjoy and learn from. read more
Savannah is lined with public squares and while this may not be any larger or grandiose then the others, it has a certain peacefulness as well as a lot of benches along the side that serve as a good rest stop in the middle of a long day of walking. The statute of Oglethorpe the founder of Savannah, is an impressive one, made by the same sculptor who did the Lincoln Memorial Nice! read more
13 years ago
Beautiful park. No doubt we came because of the movie, Forrest Gump...but we grabbed a seat & stayed a while. It's definitely a nice stop for a serene lunch or a calm walk. Randomly - we even met an actor who plays Forrest for the Trolley Tours. Very nice treat! read more
11 years ago
Two words: Forest Gump! Of corse since this is one of my favorite movies I had to visit the famous savannah square! Unfortunately they do not have the original bench because it was placed into a museum, but it is still cool to visit knowing that's where it was filmed! read more
11 years ago
Went here to see the old "Forrest Gump bus stop" but the bench wasn't there. Apparently it was just a prop that they used and they moved it over to a Museum. Still cool to see. There was plenty of places to sit and the park was definitely beautiful. read more
10 years ago
Came here, took the Forest Gump photo and left. Score! Is life like a box of chocolates?? Trust no one. read more
9 years ago
Forrest .......I was a smart man!!! I brought a 24oz Pabst for me and Amieeee! Stupid is as Stupid Does but I poured out a little for Bubba(my homie)!!! But on a serious note this is a MUST stop while in Savannah although it's a shame to see that people just dump their trash and cigarette butts on the ground...classless read more
16 years ago
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Bull St
Savannah, GA 31401
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