The Houston Museum

Could a simple bench hold the weight of history? Here at The Houston Museum, formerly the Central of Georgia Railway passenger depot, it does. The Savannah History Museum, housed within these very walls, holds a replica of the bench from Forrest Gump. This unassuming piece of movie magic draws visitors from near and far, eager to connect with a piece of cinematic history. The Houston Museum itself is a historical artifact. Built in 1860, it served as a vital transportation hub for the Central of Georgia Railway. This makes the building itself a testament to Savannah’s rich past, a past intertwined with the railroad’s expansion. Inside The Houston Museum, you’ll find more than just a famous bench. Over 10,000 artifacts tell the story of Savannah, from its pre-colonial days to the present. You’ll encounter stories of Eli Whitney’s revolutionary cotton gin, developed at the nearby Mulberry Grove Plantation. Military relics, local crafts like quilting and fishing gear, and period clothing offer glimpses into everyday life. Antique carriages and steam engines, including a rare 1902 Crestmobile and a 1908 steam locomotive, showcase the technological advancements of the era. The museum also celebrates the legacy of Savannah’s own Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, and the musical genius of Johnny Mercer. The building also briefly housed the Great Savannah Exposition of 1984. A mural inside commemorates this event, depicting scenes that now echo the museum’s exhibits: the Girl Scouts, Eli Whitney and his cotton gin, the SS Savannah, and James Oglethorpe. The Houston Museum stands as a link between Savannah’s past and present. It reminds us that history isn’t just about grand events, but also the everyday objects and stories that shape a city’s identity.