Involved Parties
- James Oglethorpe: Founder of Georgia and the only trustee to personally lead the first settlers to the new colony.
- Tomochichi: Elderly chief of the Yamacraw Creek Indians who assisted Oglethorpe and maintained peace between the British colonists and other indigenous groups.
- John and Mary Musgrove: Owners of a trading post who served as translators between the British settlers and the Creek Indians.
- Jewish Immigrants: A group of 42 Jewish settlers led by Dr. Samuel Nunes who arrived in 1733, significantly contributing to Savannah’s early community.
- Salzburgers: Lutheran settlers from Salzburg, Germany who sought religious freedom and established the colony of Ebenezer.
- Moravians: A pacifist group of German-speaking settlers who later left Georgia for Pennsylvania due to lack of acceptance.
- Highland Scots: Settlers recruited by Oglethorpe for their military skills to help defend the colony.
Summary of the Event
In 1733, James Oglethorpe arrived in Georgia to establish a new colony, founding Savannah on a high bluff known as Yamacraw. He was supported by local Native American leaders, especially Tomochichi, who provided land and assistance. Oglethorpe’s leadership attracted various settlers, including Jewish immigrants, German Salzburgers, and Highland Scots, each contributing to the development of Savannah. This diverse group was key in establishing agricultural practices, building defenses, and maintaining peaceful relations with indigenous tribes.
Location
The event took place in the region that is now Savannah, Georgia, located near the Savannah River.
Regions in Georgia
The event primarily occurred in the coastal region of Georgia, specifically in the area of the Savannah River and what is now Chatham County.
Date of the Event
The founding of Savannah occurred in 1733, marking the beginning of the Georgia colony.
Importance to Georgia’s History
The event is crucial in Georgia’s history as it marked the establishment of the colony, which aimed to provide a new start for the poor and oppressed, support for debtors, and serve as a buffer against Spanish Florida. The diversity of its early settlers, the establishment of diplomatic relations with Native American tribes, and the development of agriculture played pivotal roles in shaping Georgia's cultural and social landscape. The success and challenges faced by the early settlers laid the groundwork for the growth of the colony into a prominent southern state in later years.