Forrest Gump’s House in Savannah, Georgia: An Iconic Location for Fans of the Classic Movie
Introduction
Forrest Gump is a classic movie that has continued to captivate audiences all around the world since its release in 1994. The movie tells the story of Forrest Gump, played by Tom Hanks, who goes on an epic journey spanning several decades of American history. Along the way, he meets famous historical figures like John F. Kennedy and Elvis Presley, goes to war in Vietnam, and falls in love with his childhood sweetheart, Jenny. However, for many fans of the movie, the most iconic location is Forrest’s home in Greenbow, Alabama. It begs the question, can you actually visit it?
The Location of Forrest’s House
The answer is both yes and no. While the exterior of the house seen in the movie is still standing, it is not located in Greenbow, Alabama but rather in Savannah, Georgia. The house was used as a location for filming several of the iconic scenes in the movie, including the scene where Forrest sits on the porch waiting for his son to come home from school. However, the interior shots of the house were filmed on a soundstage in Hollywood, so visitors cannot go inside the actual house.
The History of Forrest’s House
The house itself is a beautiful piece of architecture and is located on the famous historic district of Savannah which is the largest National Historic Landmark District in the United States. The address of the house is 17 Lincoln Street, and it is situated in the quiet and peaceful Chatham Square. The house is a 4,500-square-foot white colonial house that was built in 1853, which makes it nearly as old as the city itself. This is one of the reasons why it has become such an iconic location, both for the movie industry and for tourists who visit Savannah.
What You Can Do to Experience Forrest Gump’s Legacy
It is important to note that the house is private property and is owned by a family who resides there. Therefore, visitors are not allowed inside the house or to loiter outside. However, there are several things that tourists can do to experience the spirit of Forrest Gump, both in and around the house.
One of the most iconic parts of the house is the wooden bench that sits on its porch, where Forrest sits and tells his story to strangers who pass by. The bench was a prop used for the movie, and it has since become a popular pilgrimage destination for fans of Forrest Gump. However, in order to stop people from tampering with the bench or leaving litter behind, the bench has been removed and replaced with a bronze replica. The bench is now located in the Savannah History Museum, which is just a few blocks away from the house itself.
Forrest Gump fans can also take a guided tour of Savannah and visit some of the other iconic locations used in the movie. One of the more famous locations is Chippewa Square, where Forrest gives his speech at the famous anti-war rally in Washington D.C. Savannah is also where many scenes from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil were filmed, and that location became even more popular with fans of Forrest Gump. It is said that visitors come to Savannah from all over the world just to see these locations and walk in the footsteps of Forrest Gump.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Forrest Gump is a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades, and its legacy continues to thrive today. Unfortunately, visitors cannot go inside the actual house that was used in the movie, but there are many things that they can do to experience the spirit of the film. Savannah is an incredibly beautiful and historic city, and it offers a wealth of experiences for tourists who are looking to immerse themselves in the world of Forrest Gump. From visiting Chippewa Square to seeing the replica bench, there are countless opportunities to relive the magic of this timeless movie. So, if you are a fan of Forrest Gump, be sure to add Savannah to your list of must-visit destinations.