One of the earliest known photographs of the Forsyth Fountain, taken 1865. Sam A. Cooley Photographer.

Forsyth Park, established in 1841, is a premier example of the role of landscape architecture and urban planning in the United States during the nineteenth century. The Park is a very early example of a rapidly urbanizing community developing a central park dedicated to public use. The park offered the residents of Savannah, the thirty-third largest city in the U.S. in 1840, a carefully conceived and constructed open space for residents seeking both passive and active recreation, a space still used the same way today.

Forsyth Facts

  • Part of General Oglethorpe’s original 1733 town plan
  • A pine forest and cattle grazing area before becoming a place for community to gather
  • One of the oldest parks in the country
  • The Dummy Forts were built in 1915 to be used by the military for training exercises
  • The fountain is named for John Forsyth who represented Georgia in Congress and was our 33rd Governor
Park History

Historically Significant

  • A premier example of the role of landscape architecture and urban planning in the United States during the nineteenth century
  • The boundaries of the park have remained unchanged
  • The design of the current circulation system reflects its 1850s layout
  • Many of the mature trees are historic, some appearing in photographs of the park from the 19th century
  • Original playgrounds were an example of the Recreation Movement in the early 20th century

Our Park, Our Stories

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