09/16/2026
Strolling through the south end of Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia, you might pass right by this bronze soldier without knowing the story behind it.
​Dedicated in 1931, "The Hiker" stands as a tribute to the Georgia volunteers who served during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Why is it located right here in Savannah? Because Savannah sent more volunteer soldiers per capita than any other city in the state, making Forsyth Park the ideal permanent home for this piece of history.
​The nickname "Hiker" was actually what the soldiers called themselves, referencing the long, grueling treks they made through tropical landscapes. It was sculpted by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, a pioneering female artist of her time, who modeled the soldier after a real-life war veteran.
​Savannah is filled with incredible hidden gems and rich military history around every corner. Next time you take a walk through Forsyth Park, take a moment to stop by the southern edge and check it out for yourself!
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