Hey there, movie fans! Ever wondered where that iconic shrimp boat from Forrest Gump actually came from? Well, I’ve done some digging, and I’m excited to share the fascinating story behind one of cinema’s most memorable vessels While the movie was set in Alabama, the real filming locations might surprise you!
The Jenny’s True Home: Lady’s Island and Lucy Creek
The heart of the shrimping scenes wasn’t filmed in Alabama at all – it was actually shot in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina! The main filming location was Lucy Creek on Lady’s Island, which served as the perfect backdrop for Forrest’s shrimping adventures.
Here’s what made this location so special:
- Lucy Creek flows into the Beaufort River, making it super convenient for filming
- The creek provided easy access to multiple filming locations
- The natural scenery perfectly captured that authentic lowcountry feel we see in the movie
The Real Boat Behind the Movie Magic
Let me tell you something interesting – the boat wasn’t just a movie prop! The vessel that became the famous “Jenny” was actually called “Miss Sherri” and belonged to a local Beaufort shrimper named Jimmie Stanley. Here are some cool details about the boat:
- It was a 55-foot trawler built in 1972
- Originally constructed by Captain Charles Sutler and his son Parker
- Built on the banks of the Chechessee River
- Movie scouts discovered it during the 1993 Beaufort Water Festival
Key Filming Locations
The filming crew didn’t just stick to one spot – they moved around quite a bit! Here’s where you can find some of the most memorable shrimping scenes
Primary Locations:
-
Lucy Point Creek (Lady’s Island)
- Main filming location
- Home base for most boat scenes
- Where Forrest learned to captain the boat
-
Fripp Island
- Secondary filming location
- Provided beautiful marsh backgrounds
- Perfect for distant shoreline shots
-
Port Royal
- Famous hurricane scene location
- Used the Ports Authority Terminal
- They actually used a jet engine from SC Air National Guard to create the storm effects!
Behind-the-Scenes Stories
Y’all won’t believe some of the cool stories from filming! Here’s some insider info:
- The Gay Fish Company on St. Helena Island provided over 6,000 pounds of fresh shrimp for filming
- The crew loved eating at Bob and Hilda’s Shrimp Shack between takes
- Local shrimper Jimmie Stanley’s frogmore stew became a favorite among the cast and crew
What Happened to the Jenny?
Many folks ask me what happened to the famous boat after filming. Well, here’s the scoop:
- The boat was sold to Planet Hollywood at Disney World in Florida
- It was displayed outside the restaurant for many years
- In 2014, it was removed during renovations
- Currently, it’s in storage with no immediate plans for display
Fun Facts That’ll Blow Your Mind
Did you know:
- The boat was chosen partly because its wide sides made it easier for the film crew to work
- They had only one shot to film the scene where the boat crashes into the dock
- The crew actually used the wrong direction in Lucy Creek for some scenes (but hey, movie magic!)
- Local Jimmy Stanley’s son was almost Lt. Dan’s stunt double for the ladder climbing scenes
Tips for Visiting the Filming Locations
Wanna check out these spots yourself? Here’s what you need to know:
- Lady’s Island is easily accessible from downtown Beaufort
- Many locations offer public access
- Several local tour companies offer “Forrest Gump” themed tours
- The Woods Memorial Bridge (where Forrest runs) is still standing and looks almost identical
Impact on Local Culture
The movie’s legacy lives on in Beaufort! Here’s how:
- Regular “Run Forrest Run” races are held in the area
- Local restaurants serve Bubba Gump inspired dishes
- The Chocolate Tree (Tom Hanks’ favorite spot) still operates
- Many businesses display movie memorabilia
Final Thoughts
Even though Forrest Gump hit theaters way back in 1994, its impact on Beaufort and the surrounding areas remains strong. The shrimp boat scenes, in particular, captured something special about life in the lowcountry that still resonates today.
Whether you’re a film buff, history enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good story, the real-life locations of Forrest’s shrimping adventures offer a unique glimpse into movie magic. And remember, as Forrest would say, “That’s all I have to say about that!”
So there you have it, folks! Now you know the real story behind where Forrest Gump’s shrimp boat scenes were filmed. Next time you’re watching the movie, you’ll know exactly where those iconic scenes took place. Pretty cool, right?
Other Locations to Visit
“Forrest Gump” filming locations don’t end there. If your tour doesn’t feel complete, here are a few other locations to explore:
- The live oak featured in the film is in Beaufort, near the Carolina Shores subdivision entrance.
- The box of chocolates was provided by The Chocolate Tree, a shop in Beaufort. You can still purchase chocolates there as a delicious homage.
- Scenes of Forrest cutting grass were filmed at a baseball field in the Basil Green Complex. It was transformed into a football field using CGI.
- The University of South Carolina-Beaufort campus was transformed through CGI to create the Gump Medical Center.
- The scene of Forrest running under fire in Vietnam was filmed partly on Hunting Island, and partly on Fripp Island. He dropped wounded soldiers near the lagoon on Hunting Island.
Forest Gump Filming Locations in Beaufort, SC – Welcome Home Beaufort
FAQ
Where was the shrimp boat in Forrest Gump?
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a dock and boathouse on Coosaw Island. Shrimp boat scenes were shot on Lady’s Island, along Lucy Creek.
Where did they film Forrest Gump in South Carolina?
Many scenes from the movie Forrest Gump were filmed in South Carolina, particularly around the Beaufort area. Key locations include the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Performing Arts Center (representing the Bayou La Batre hospital/Gump Medical Center), the Woods Memorial Bridge (where Forrest crosses the Mississippi), and the area around Lucy Creek on Lady’s Island (where the shrimp boat scenes were filmed).
What happened to Forrest Gump’s shrimp boat?
Forrest Gump’s boat Jenny was at sea at the time of the hurricane. It suffered damage from the storm but was not destroyed by being blown on land like other boats. Forrest’s business prospered after the hurricane, leading to an abundance of shrimp while also eliminating much of the competition.
Was any of Forrest Gump filmed in Savannah?
A look at the ‘Forrest Gump’ scenes filmed in Coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry. ‘Forrest Gump’ was famously shot in and around Savannah.
Where was Bubba Gump Shrimp filmed?
ust like Forrest’s childhood, most Bubba Gump Shrimp scenes were filmed in SC. Here are some movie locations to watch out for: Bubba Gump Shrimp Company is a dock and boathouse on Coosaw Island. Shrimp boat scenes were shot on Lady’s Island, along Lucy Creek.
Where was the shrimp boat filmed?
The majority of the scenes of the shrimp boat were done in the creek as well, and the special scene after the big storm, when Forrest catches all the shrimp, was filmed in the creek waters. The story goes that all of the shrimp from Forrest’s hurricane trip were brought in from Gay Fish Company in St. Helena.
Did Tom Hanks use a shrimp boat to film Forrest Gump?
The Beaufort shrimp boat used as actor Tom Hanks’ ship Jenny to film the movie Forrest Gump is the subject of a museum exhibit in Georgetown, SC.
Where was Forrest Gump filmed in South Carolina?
The Bayou Le Batre Hospital, which is renamed the Gump Medical Center, was filmed in the front exterior of the USC Beaufort Performing Arts Center. You can find it on 801 Carteret Street in downtown Beaufort. Check out the Shows and events while you’re there! Bubba Blue’s house is located on Alston Road on Lady’s Island.
Did you see the movie Forrest Gump filmed in Beaufort?
When describing Beaufort, it’s said that lots of folks can say to outsiders, “did you see the movie Forrest Gump…it was filmed in the town I live in.” Forrest Gump is Beaufort. It’s pretty awesome to watch a movie and see some of your favorite spots in your favorite town. It really does make you feel right at home.
Where is ‘Forrest Gump’ Museum?
What: Museum exhibit on the Beaufort shrimp boat Miss Sherri used as “the Jenny” in the blockbuster movie “Forrest Gump.” Where: S.C. Maritime Museum; 729 Front St., Georgetown, SC 29440. When: Museum is open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission: Free, donations accepted.