Savor the Outdoors in Savannah's Beautiful Parks

Chatham Square

Chatham Square is an historic neighborhood green that is also referred to as Barnard Square, located along Barnard Street near the city's lively tourist-friendly Liberty Street district. The square, which was originally designed in 1847, is named in honor of William Pitt, the Earl of Chatham, a major political leader in England throughout the Seven Years' War and a major supporter of the establishment of the Colony of Georgia.

Ancient oak trees line the beautiful square, which offers a quieter respite alternative to some of its nearby neighbor squares. Iconic attractions include the Barnard Street School, constructed in 1906, which now serves as a facility for the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Barnard St & West Gordon Street, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-351-3841, Map

Chippewa Square

Chippewa Square is one of Savannah's best-known public squares, immortalized in the feature film Forrest Gump as the site of the character Forrest's bus stop scenes.

The square, which is named in honor of the War of 1812's Battle of Chippewa, is anchored around a nine-foot statue of Colony of Georgia founder James Oglethorpe, designed in 1910 by artist Daniel Chester French.

Because of the statue's prominence, the square is often mistakenly referred to as Oglethorpe Square, causing confusion with the real Oglethorpe Square nearby. Visitors can view one of the benches used for filming during Forrest Gump preserved on display at the Savannah History Museum. Other attractions include the 1818 Savannah Theatre, designed by architect William Jay, and the First Baptist Church, home to the city's oldest surviving sanctuary.

Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-231-0906, Map

Columbia Square

Columbia Square is a lovely public square located along Habersham Street between York and State Streets, originally laid out in 1799 to honor Columbia, the popular poetic personification associated with the United States' early years. The square is home to a beautiful serene fountain which formerly stood on the estate grounds owned by Noble Jones, one of the state's first settlers.

Live oak trees line the square, which is home to buildings such as the 1820 Josiah Davenport House, constructed in a beautiful Federal architectural style. Other attractions include the Francis Stone House, the Kehoe House, and the Abraham Sheftall House.

Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-238-1453, Map

Crawford Square

Crawford Square was originally laid out in 1841, meant to honor the United States Secretary of the Treasury William Harris Crawford, who ran for president in 1824 but was defeated by John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson.

Despite the square's designation as Savannah's smallest square by area, it anchors the city's largest ward district, which includes the full grounds of the historic Colonial Park Cemetery.

It is anchored at Houston Street between Perry and Hull Streets, along the eastern edge of the famed Savannah Historic District. Throughout the city's Jim Crow era, it served as the only public square allowing integrated activity from the city's African American residents.

Today, the square is home to a lovely children's playground, as well as a public gazebo and day-use basketball court.

Crawford Square, Savannah, GA 31401

Ellis Square

Ellis Square is a lovely public square within Savannah's Decker Ward, located between Bryan and Congress Streets.

The square, which was originally named Decker Square, was renamed in honor of Royal Governor Sir Henry Ellis, though it was also known as Marketplace Square from time to time throughout the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries due to its housing of four prominent market houses.

Though the original square was razed in 1954, a restored square was reclaimed in 2004, formally dedicated to the public in March of 2010. Attractions include a bronze statue of songwriter Johnny Mercer, a children's water fountain play area, a life-sized chess set, and the popular Lady and Sons Restaurant, operated by celebrity chef Paula Deen.

Ellis Square, Barnard St & W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31410, Phone: 912-651-6610

Greene Square

Greene Square is a lovely public square located between York and State Streets, originally laid out in 1799 and named in honor of Revolutionary War figure Nathaniel Greene, who commanded southern forces under the guidance of George Washington.

The square, which was once a hub for the city's African American community, is home to the historic Second African Baptist Church, known as the site of General William Sherman's "40 acres and a mule" speech during the American Civil War. Historic building surrounding the square include the Cunningham House, constructed in 1810 by former slave and pastor Henry Cunningham, and the iconic Green Palm Inn facility.

Greene Square, Savannah, GA 31401, Map

Johnson Square

Johnson Square was the first public square constructed in Savannah, named in honor of colonial South Carolina governor Robert Johnson.

The square, which is located between Bryan and Congress Streets on Bull Street, remains the city's largest public square today, best known as the interment site of Revolutionary War hero Nathaniel Greene, who died in 1786 and was originally buried at the city's Colonial Park Cemetery.

A sundial at the park pays tribute to colony founder Colonel William Bull, showcasing four panels, a bronze dial, and a panel depicting a 1734 map of the city. The square is home to the city's financial district, showcasing structures such as the Johnson Square Business Center, the city's first skyscraper, constructed in 1911.

Johnson Square, 2 E Bryan St, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-351-3837

Lafayette Square

Lafayette Square is a lovely public square located along Abercorn Street between Charlton and Harris Streets, originally laid out in 1837 and named in honor of the noted French American Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette.

The square is home to charming cobblestone sidewalks and an historic fountain commemorating the Colony of Georgia's 250th anniversary, donated to the park in 1984.

Historic structures around the park include the Roman Catholic Cathedral of John the Baptist, which was constructed between 1872 and 1876 by architect Francis Baldwin, and historic homes such as the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home and the Andrew Low House, connected to Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low.

The park is also home to prominent St. Patrick's Day celebrations for the city, dying its fountain waters green for the holiday each year.

Lafayette Square, 201 E Charlton St, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-651-6610

Madison Square

Madison Square is named in honor of fourth United States President James Madison, originally laid out in 1837.

The square showcases gorgeous examples of Greek Revival, Romanesque, and Gothic architecture, including the Green-Meldrim House, which was designed in 1853 by architect John S. Norris and is open today as a living history museum facility.

Other homes and structures on the square include the 1853 St. John's Episcopal Church and the Sorrell-Weed House, which was designed by architect Charles Cluskey, noted for his work on the United States Capitol.

Park features include an 1888 statue dedicated to Sergeant William Jasper, a significant figure in the Siege of Savannah, and a vintage cannon preserved from the Savannah Armory.

Madison Square, 332 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401

Monterey Square

Monterey Square is located along Bull Street between Gordon and Taylor Streets, commonly considered to be one of the city's most picturesque town squares.

The square was originally laid out in 1847, meant to commemorate the previous year's Battle of Monterey, a seminal battle of the Mexican-American War. Nearly all of the square's original buildings remain, including the Mercer House, which was prominently featured in the 1994 novel Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Several major motion pictures have used the square as a film setting, including the 1997 film adaptation of the iconic novel. Iconic park features include an 1853 statue honoring General Casimir Pulaski, while other noted square buildings include the Congregation Mckve Israel, one of America's few Gothic-style synagogues.

Monterey Square, Savannah, GA 31401, Phone: 912-351-3837