The Founding of Georgia

Georgia the 13th ColonyJames OglethorpeThe Founding of GeorgiaJames OglethorpeOglethorpe was from England and once a member of the British Parliament.He became chairman of the committee examining British Jails.Conditions were terrible and full of debtors.

James OglethorpeDebtors Prison- many prisons in England were full of people who owed money.Some of Oglethorpes friends were in debtors prison and had also died in prison.

Reasons for Founding GeorgiaCharter- written document by the king granting certain rightsFor Oglethorpe this charter meant to establish a colony. (Georgia)Oglethorpe and his friends saw the colony serving several purposes.Reasons for Founding GeorgiaEconomic he convinced King George II that the colony could produce goods like silk, cotton dyes, and wine which England had to import from other countries. Protection barrier- (Buffer Zone)Oglethorpe believed the new colony could be a protective barrier against the Spanish.Charity- people in debtors prison would have a place to go and work to pay debt.Religion- an opportunity to spread the Protestant religion to the Indians.The Charter of 1732Charter granted to Oglethorpe which established the conditions under which the colony would be established.The colony would be ruled by a group of trustees for 21 years.(people who hold responsibilities for others)

The Charter of 1732Trustees could not own land, hold political office or receive money for work.Catholics, black slaves, lawyers, and liquor dealers were not permitted in the colony.All authority belonged to King George, trustees could make no laws.

Preparation for the VoyageApplicants were carefully interviewed before being chosen for the trip.No prisoners/debtors were ever chosen.

Colonists in GeorgiaPeople selected for the trip to Georgia were given several promises by England. 1. 50 acres of land 2. tools to work the land 3. food to get them through the first year Requirements for Georgia ColonistsDefend the colonyThey could not sell their land given to them.They could not borrow money against the land.They had to use certain portion of the land to grow mulberry trees. (silk)Agree to obey all regulations put in place by the trustees.Arrival in GeorgiaDeparture from England - November 17, 1732Arrival in South Carolina January 13, 1733

Oglethorpe begins searching for a place to settle.He chooses a place 17 miles south of the Savannah River called Yamacraw Bluff.Mary MusgroveMary was half Creek Indian born from a white father. She and her husband operated a trading post in the Georgia territory.When Oglethorpe arrived, Mary acted as an interpreter with Tomochichi, the Yamacraw chief.

Chief TomochichiTomochichi was head of the local Creek Indian tribe.Oglethorpe needed to make piece with the Indians to obtain the land for the new settlement.Mary Musgrove and her husband acted as interpreters for the two leaders.He and Oglethorpe became good friends and worked together many years.

SavannahOglethorpe was given land by Tomochichi at Yamacraw Bluff to build the settlement.Oglethorpe named the town Savannah.The town was divided into square lots and each male was given 5 acres as a garden plot and on the edge of town 45 acres.Two forts were also constructed to protect from Spanish and hostile Indians.* read Oglethorpes journal on page 119