One of Savannah’s most iconic landmarks is getting some well-deserved care. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the Forsyth Park fountain has been fully taken apart and sent off for a complete restoration.
Crews began carefully dismantling the historic cast-iron fountain on Monday morning. Passersby stopped to watch as familiar figures—like the mermen and the main statue—were lifted piece by piece and loaded for transport to Robinson Iron Corporation in Alabama. This is the same team that restored the fountain back in 1988.
City officials say the project will tackle structural fixes, repainting, plumbing updates, and a few design touch-ups to better match the fountain’s original look from its installation in 1858. The surrounding fence, masonry, and lighting will also get attention while the fountain is away.
The work was timed to happen after spring’s big events like the St. Patrick’s Day parade and graduations, but it does mean a temporary gap for weddings and photo sessions during the busy fall season. City leaders hope the community understands it’s a necessary step to keep this landmark in good shape for decades to come.
Right now, the plan is for the fountain to return to Forsyth Park sometime in the fall, depending on weather and restoration progress. In the meantime, temporary signs will share a bit of history about the fountain and the project timeline.
So if you’re walking through Forsyth this summer, don’t be surprised to see the familiar basin empty—but rest assured, Savannah’s most photographed fountain will be back, looking its best, before the year is out.
