The Founding of Georgia

1. The Founding of Georgia Georgia the 13th Colony James Oglethorpe

2. James Oglethorpe • Oglethorpe 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.

3. James Oglethorpe • Debtors Prison- many prisons in England were full of people who owed money. • Some of Oglethorpe’s friends were in debtors prison and had also died in prison.

4. Reasons for Founding Georgia • Charter- written document by the king granting certain rights • For Oglethorpe this charter meant to establish a colony. (Georgia) • Oglethorpe and his friends saw the colony serving several purposes.

5. Reasons for Founding Georgia • Economic – 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.

6. The Charter of 1732 • Charter 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)

7. The Charter of 1732 • Trustees 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.

8. Preparation for the Voyage • Applicants were carefully interviewed before being chosen for the trip. • No prisoners/debtors were ever chosen.

9. Colonists in Georgia • People 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

10. Requirements for Georgia Colonists • Defend the colony • They 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.

11. Arrival in Georgia • Departure from England - November 17, 1732 • Arrival 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.

12. Mary Musgrove • Mary 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.

13. Chief Tomochichi • Tomochichi 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.

14. Savannah • Oglethorpe 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 Oglethorpe’s journal on page 119