Unit 2 Lesson 6: Savannah and Early Life in Georgia

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?

The event involved James Oglethorpe and the group of settlers he led to Georgia. They were affected by the event because they were establishing a new colony and had to navigate the challenges of building a settlement. Other groups involved and affected by the event included the Native American tribes in the area, who interacted with the settlers.

The event involved James Oglethorpe and his group of settlers founding the city of Savannah. They arrived in Georgia and established a settlement, which became the first capital of Georgia.

The event took place in Georgia, specifically in the area that would later become the city of Savannah.

The event took place in the coastal region of Georgia.

The event took place in 1733, when James Oglethorpe and his group of settlers arrived in Georgia and founded Savannah.

This event is important to Georgia's history because it marks the beginning of the colonization of the state. It was the first English settlement in Georgia and led to the establishment of a new colony. Additionally, the founding of Savannah played a crucial role in the development of Georgia's economy and culture.

Who was involved?

James Oglethorpe was a key figure involved in this event. He was an English philanthropist and member of Parliament. Alongside Oglethorpe, a group of settlers known as the Trustees for the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia also played a significant role in founding Savannah.

What happened?
In 1733, James Oglethorpe and the Trustees founded the colony of Georgia as a place for debtors and England's poor to start a new life. Oglethorpe, along with 114 settlers, arrived in Georgia on February 12, 1733, and established the settlement of Savannah. They made agreements with the local Native American tribes, such as the Yamacraw, and negotiated land use and trade. The settlers built their homes and a fortification called Fort Savannah to protect the settlement.

Where did the event take place?
The event took place in the present-day state of Georgia, in what is now known as the United States.

What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in?
The event primarily took place in the Coastal Plain region of Georgia, specifically in the area where Savannah is located.

When did the event take place?
The event took place in 1733 when James Oglethorpe and the settlers arrived in Georgia and founded the colony.

Why is this event important to Georgia’s history?
This event is important to Georgia's history because it marked the founding of the colony of Georgia. Oglethorpe's vision for Georgia was to create a place where those in poverty and debt could have a fresh start and build a better life. His establishment of Savannah and the subsequent growth of the colony helped shape Georgia's identity as a colony founded on principles of social reform and equality. The settlement of Savannah also served as a strategic location for British interests in the Southeast, providing a barrier against Spanish Florida and acting as a trading port.

To answer these questions, you can start by conducting research on James Oglethorpe's arrival in Georgia and founding of Savannah. Here are some steps you can take to find the information:

1. Start by searching for reputable sources such as history books, academic articles, or reliable websites. The Georgia Historical Society, Georgia Encyclopedia, and National Park Service websites may provide valuable information.

2. Look for information specifically about James Oglethorpe and his role in founding Savannah. You may find details about his motivations, the people or groups involved, and the significance of this event.

3. Take note of the key details such as the year James Oglethorpe arrived in Georgia and established Savannah, the specific region(s) where the event took place, and the reasons why this event is important in the history of Georgia.

4. Once you have gathered the necessary information, you can answer the questions as follows:

- Who was involved? James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah, and the group of settlers known as the Trustees who sponsored the establishment of the colony.
- What happened? James Oglethorpe arrived in Georgia in 1733 and founded the city of Savannah. The settlers aimed to create a haven for debtors and provide an opportunity for the "worthy poor" to start anew.
- Where did the event take place? The event took place in the present-day city of Savannah, Georgia, along the Savannah River.
- What region(s) of Georgia did the event take place in? The event took place in what is now considered the Coastal Plains region of Georgia.
- When did the event take place? The event took place in 1733 when Oglethorpe and the settlers arrived in Georgia.
- Why is this event important to Georgia's history? This event is significant to Georgia's history because it marked the establishment of the first permanent settlement in the colony. Savannah served as the capital of Georgia and became an important economic and cultural center. Oglethorpe's utopian vision and the early social and economic experiments in Georgia laid the foundation for the state's development and influenced its future.