Chippewa Square is the square where Forrest Gump sat on a bench and famously narrated the story of his life. It’s one of the larger and more picturesque squares in Savannah.

It’s also a quality spot for people-watching, since there are a decent number of artists and musicians who like to hang out in the square.

My favorite is a dapper older gentleman named Sirdeepy. You might spot him on one of the benches with his guitar.

If you do, ask him if he’ll sing his Savannah song for you!

Statue of a lion in Chippewa Square with an open mouth, standing and leaning against a coat of arms

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Chippewa Square | Located at Bull Street between E Hull and W Perry streets

Notable Structures in Chippewa Square

I’ll tell you one notable structure that’s NOT in the square, and that’s the famous Forrest Gump bench.

It was just a movie prop, so there was never a real bench located on that particular spot along the northern side of the square.

Once the movie wrapped, the film company donated the prop bench to the Savannah History Museum, which is located inside the Savannah Visitor Center.

Black sign with "Chippewa Square" printed on it. Green and yellow landscaping is visible in the background
Even though the “Forrest bench” is long gone, many tourists still stop to take pictures next to the sign. | ©ErinClarkson

There is, however, a statue of James Oglethorpe in the center of Chippewa Square.

If you’re thinking that it would make more sense to have a statue of Oglethorpe in the center of Oglethorpe Square, well — you’d be right.

Notable Structures Around Chippewa Square

You’ll find the Historic Savannah Theatre located on the east side of the square.

It was built in 1818 and is one of the oldest continually operating theaters in the U.S.

The red and green marquee sign for the Historic Savannah Theatre

The impressive 12,000 square foot Philbrick-Eastman House faces the southwest corner of Chippewa Square.

It was designed in 1844, completed in 1848, and was considered the “finest home in the city” at one point in time!

First Baptist Church faces the northwest corner of the square.

It was first used in 1833 and is one of the oldest surviving church buildings in the city.

First Baptist Church at night, illuminated by eerie green lighting
A metal marker on First Baptist Church lists the address as 223 Bull Street and states, "Chartered on November 26, 1800. Savannah's Oldest House of Worship was Erected in 1830-1833. Worship Hour- Eleven O'Clock."

Independent Presbyterian Church is located half a block north of the square, and it’s my personal favorite building in the area. It’s quite beautiful!

The green and white steeple of Independent Presbyterian Church in Savannah juxtaposed against a deep blue sky
You might recognize this steeple from the opening feather scene in the movie “Forrest Gump.” | ©ErinClarkson

The old Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education building is another historic structure located half a block north of the square.

Make sure you look towards the top of the building to see if you can spot any carved faces peering back at you!

The carving of a woman peers out from a section near the roof of the Savannah-Chatham Board of Education building
Details carved into the eaves of the Savannah Chatham Board of Education Building showing a woman reading to a child while another woman seems to peer down towards passersby on the street below
Details carved into the side of the Savannah Chatham Board of Education Building show a woman reading to a child while two other individuals study nearby
There’s a world of details taking place at the top of some of these buildings in Savannah that many passersby never even notice. | ©ErinClarkson

Favorite Photo Spot

My favorite things to photograph within the square are the lions at the base of the James Oglethorpe Monument.

There is a ferocious-looking one guarding each corner of the statue’s base, and they’re low enough that you can pose in front of them and have them show up in the background of your photos.

Statue of a lion with an open mouth and oak trees and a second statue visible in the background
Statue of a lion with an open mouth and oak trees visible in the background

Plan Your Trip: Chippewa Square

Where is Chippewa Square located?
Address: At Bull Street between Perry and Hull streets, Savannah, GA 31401
Safety: It’s a busy square with very little crime, some homelessness
Restrooms: Fancy Parker’s at 222 Drayton St., open 24 hours

What else is popular in the area?
Colonial Park Cemetery | 0.2 miles

Stay Nearby:
Perry Lane Hotel
Foley House Inn
Home Rentals

Show me more like this!
The Ultimate Guide to Savannah’s Squares – coming soon
An Insider’s Guide to Wright Square in Savannah
An Insider’s Guide to Columbia Square

Savannah Historic District map with a yellow star marking Chippewa Square, which is in the northwestern section of the district. The Savannah First-Timer's Guide logo is placed in white on a navy blue background in the bottom right-hand corner
Chippewa Square is centrally located in Savannah’s Historic District, where the yellow star is placed on the map. | ©ErinClarkson

Do you have any questions about Chippewa Square? Please let me know in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer.

Erin authored the Savannah First-Timer's Guide and loves helping first-time visitors plan their trips. She lives in the artsy Starland District and enjoys exploring Savannah's hidden gems, as well as the surrounding Lowcountry.