Old Sorrel-Weed House

Insider Tip

A couple feet away is Chippewa Square – the backdrop for the "Forrest Gump" scene where Tom Hanks sits on a bench to narrate the character's life story. If you are looking for the bench, visit the Savannah History Museum to see a replica.

The Old Sorrel-Weed House: History and Significance

Constructed in 1840 in the Greek Revival style, this Mediterranean villa was initially owned by a shipping merchant named Francis Sorrel. The house later became the childhood home of Brig. Gen. Moxley Sorrel, a Civil War figure. However, it's not merely the historical significance that makes this house famous.

Appearances in Media

Besides its mention in the opening scenes of "Forrest Gump," the house has also been featured in an episode of HGTV's "Ghost Adventures." Known as one of the most haunted buildings in Savannah, it's a common highlight on numerous Savannah ghost tours.

Haunted History

Legend has it that Francis Sorrel's second wife and one of his enslaved workers died by suicide within the house. This tragic history adds to the house's eerie allure, making it a popular destination for those interested in the paranormal.

Visiting Experience

Visitors to the house can choose from several tours including a history and architecture tour, a historic walking tour, a ghost tour, or a "paranormal investigation."

Guest Reviews

Recent visitors have praised the eerie experience, lauding the tour guides as "knowledgeable" and the tours as phenomenal. It is worth noting that the nightly tours can be quite intense, guiding small groups through dimly-lit hallways and dark basements. Some reviews mention that, during daytime visits, only the ground floor and basement are accessible to the public.

The Old Sorrel-Weed House is located around Madison Square, adjacent to Bull Street.

Hours and Tickets

Tour times and admission rates vary based on the selected tour, which can be reserved online on the house's website.

History and Architecture Tours

Cost: $14 for ages 8 and older

Available: 11 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Ghost Tours

Cost: $35, intended for visitors ages 10 years and older

Duration: 75 minutes, available between 7 and 10 p.m.

Paranormal Investigative Tours

Cost: Approximately $75 per person, exclusive to adults ages 18 and older

Duration: Two-hour tour, starting at 10:30 or 11 p.m.