Sorrel Weed House

The Basics

There are a few different ways for visitors to explore Sorrel Weed House. Daytime tours cover the antebellum history of this Southern estate and its architectural details, while evening tours include stories of its ghostly residents. Those with a special interest in paranormal investigation can join a late-night tour to get their hands on paranormal investigation equipment, like an EMF detector, ambient temperature sensor, and geophone.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Sorrel Weed House is a must on any paranormal tour of this Southern city.

• Reserve your tour ahead of time; some tours fill up early.

• Don’t forget your camera to capture your own evidence of the paranormal.

How to Get There

The Sorrel Weed House sits on one side of Madison Square in the middle of Savannah's historic district. It's a stop on historic house tours during the day and ghost tours at night.

When to Get There

If you’re interested in the haunted history of the Sorrel Weed House, plan to visit during a nighttime ghost tour when the property’s creepy factor is at its highest. Families visiting with children should opt for daytime or early evening tours.

Other Attractions in Madison Square

Madison Square sits in the heart of historic Savannah, where there’s plenty of history on display. A bronze statue of Sergeant William Jasper sits in the middle of the square, which is flanked by historic structures, including the Green-Meldrim House museum and St. John’s Episcopal Church, built in 1853 in a Gothic Revival style.

What is the history of Sorrel Weed House?

Sorrel Weed House in the Savannah Historic District was constructed in 1840. It's one of the city’s finest examples of Greek Revival and Regency architecture. Its name comes from two former owners, Francis Sorrel and Henry D. Weed. As a boy, Gilbert Moxley Sorrel, a Confederate brigadier general, lived here.

How big is Sorrel Weed House?

A notable Savannah historic house, Sorrel Weed House measures more than 16,000 square feet (1,486 square meters), making it one of the largest residences in Savannah. It's spread across three floors (including a basement) and features a carriage house separated from the main building via a courtyard.

How old is Sorrel Weed House?

Designed by architect Charles B. Cluskey, Sorrel Weed House was constructed between 1835 and 1840. Now a museum, the landmark is celebrated as an architectural icon thanks to its distinctive blend of Greek Revival and Regency styles. Today, it’s among the best-known buildings in the Savannah Historic District.

Who lived in Sorrel Weed House?

Two of Sorrel Weed House’s most notable former residents are also those who gave it its name: Francis Sorrel and Henry D. Weed and their families. Its best-known former resident was Gilbert Moxley Sorrel, son of Francis Sorrel. He later went on to be a Confederate brigadier general.

Which movie is Sorrel Weed House in?

Sorrel Weed House made a now-famous appearance in the opening scenes of the 1994 blockbuster “Forrest Gump,” starring Tom Hanks. Although the house is a landmark for history and architecture buffs visiting Savannah, it also attracts movie lovers owing to its silver-screen cameo.

Is visiting Sorrel Weed House worth it?

Yes, visiting Sorrel Weed House is worth it. Considered one of the most important heritage buildings in the Savannah Historic District, the landmark is notable for its architectural styles and for the important role it played in the city’s history. Many think it's haunted, and it's popular among ghost-hunters.