Historic District - South in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Forsyth Park

Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 2008

1. Forsyth Park Marker

Inscription. In the 1840s, William Brown Hodgson (1801-1871) conceived the idea of setting aside ten acres of wooded land at this site for development of Savannah's first recreational park. It was named for former Georgia Governor John Forsyth (1780-1841). William Bischoff created the original landscape design. In the early 1850s improvements to the park included removal of some pines for walkways and ornamental plantings, benches, and iron fencing around the perimeter. In 1854 the fountain and radiating walks were added. Originally created as a military parade ground, the twenty-one acre Park Extension was added in 1867. The dummy forts were built in c. 1909 and used for training during World War I.

Erected 2001 by Georgia Historical Society and Trustees' Garden Club, Inc. (Marker Number 25-10.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Horticulture & Forestry • Landmarks • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 32° 4.101′ N, 81° 5.759′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - South. It can be reached from Bull Street near

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Hall Street. Sign located well inside the park, in view of the Forsythe Fountain. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 501 Whitaker Street, Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Coastal Plain and on the Georgia Coast and the Golden Isles.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lafayette McLaws (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Francis Bartow (about 500 feet away); Warren A. Candler Hospital (about 600 feet away); Savannah's Marine Corps Memorial (about 700 feet away); Bynes-Royall Funeral Home (about 700 feet away); Georgia Historical Society (about 800 feet away); Former Home of Henry R. Jackson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jepson House Education Center (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Armstrong Junior College (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Forsyth Park - Parisian Inspired Beauty in Savannah, Georgia. The beautiful park and its stunning fountain were created during a 19th century beautification project. They are among Savannah's most beloved landmarks. (Submitted on January 21, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Photographed by Stephen L. Wilson, August 13, 2009

2. Forsyth Park Marker

Forsyth Park and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2013

3. Forsyth Park and Marker

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 15, 2013

4. Forsyth Park Marker

Forsyth Fountain image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 1, 2008

5. Forsyth Fountain

The Forsyth Park fountain, made completely of cast iron, was placed here in 1858. Designed to resemble the Place de la Concorde fountain in Paris, it is one of the most photographed monuments in Savannah.

Forsyth Fountain ready for St. Patrick's Day, with green water flowing image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 1, 2008

6. Forsyth Fountain ready for St. Patrick's Day, with green water flowing

Included is a "Scent Garden", with wonderful flower scents. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, March 2008

7. Included is a "Scent Garden", with wonderful flower scents.

Monument "To the Confederate Dead 1861-1865," another park focal point image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, June 2006

8. Monument "To the Confederate Dead 1861-1865," another park focal point

Forsyth Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, February 1, 2008

9. Forsyth Park

1851
Named to commerate the public service of
John Forsyth
Secretary of State of the United States,
Minister to Spain, Governor of Georgia

Photographed by Brian Scott, April 21, 2005

10. Forsyth Park Marker

Photographed by Brian Scott, April 21, 2005

11. Forsyth Fountain

Photographed by Brian Scott, April 21, 2005

12. Forsyth Fountain

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 4,624 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 15, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on August 25, 2009, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on September 16, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on March 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 10, 11, 12. submitted on October 6, 2012, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.