James Oglethorpe arriving in Georgia and founding Savannah

Who was involved? Think about the people or groups who were involved and affected by this event.
What happened? Summarize the event!
Where did the event take place?
What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
When did the event take place?
Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?

1 answer

People involved: James Oglethorpe, English colonists, Native American tribes, Spanish forces

What happened: In 1733, James Oglethorpe and a group of English colonists arrived in Georgia and founded the city of Savannah. They sought to establish a colony where England's poor debtors could have a fresh start and live peacefully. Oglethorpe negotiated with local Native American tribes for land and maintained a peaceful relationship with them. However, conflicts also occurred with Spanish forces from Florida.

Where: The event took place in present-day Savannah, Georgia.

Region: The event took place in the Coastal region of Georgia.

When: The event took place in 1733.

Why it is important to Georgia's history: This event is important to Georgia's history as it marked the beginnings of the British colonization in the area. Oglethorpe's establishment of Savannah paved the way for further settlement and ultimately led to the formation of the Georgia colony. The colony became a haven for those seeking economic opportunities and religious freedom, and its success contributed to the growth and development of the state. Additionally, Oglethorpe's fair treatment of Native Americans and efforts to promote a peaceful coexistence set a precedent for future relations between colonists and indigenous peoples in Georgia.