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Founding of the Georgia Colony

The founding of the Georgia Colony began on February 12, 1733, when James Oglethorpe and 120 colonists from England arrived at Yamacraw Bluff, now known as Savannah, Georgia. This initiative was driven by a mix of altruism and strategic interests, as Oglethorpe aimed to provide a refuge for England's oppressed debtor class while creating a defensive buffer between Britain’s southern colonies and Spanish Florida. Since Oglethorpe's arrival, Georgians have commemorated this date in various ways, reflecting on the colony's origins and its historical significance. Early celebrations included salutes and toasts honoring the founders, while larger festivities marked significant anniversaries, such as the centennial in 1833 and a river pageant in 1908 for the 175th anniversary. In 1909, a bill was passed to designate February 12 as Georgia Day, also known as Oglethorpe Day, solidifying its status as a state observance. This day continues to serve as a reminder of the diverse motivations and historical context surrounding the establishment of the Georgia Colony.

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Founding of the Georgia Colony

On February 12, 1733, James Oglethorpe, together with 120 other colonists from England, disembarked at Yamacraw Bluff in what is now Savannah, Georgia, to start a new colony. An unlikely combination of altruistic and imperialistic desires motivated Oglethorpe and the other colonists: They wanted to provide a refuge for England's oppressed and often imprisoned debtor class, and at the same time they realized the importance of creating a colony that would serve as a buffer between Britain's southern colonies and the Spanish who occupied Florida.

In the centuries since Oglethorpe and his followers arrived at Savannah, Georgians have observed February 12 in many ways. The earliest settlers marked the occasion by firing salutes and giving toasts in honor of Oglethorpe and the other colonies. Large-scale celebrations took place in the state on February 12, 1833, the centennial of the landing of the Oglethorpe party, and newspapers on that day suspended publication so that their employees might attend the festivities. In 1908 a river pageant was held in Savannah to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the 1733 landing.

In 1909, John M. Slaton, the president of the Georgia state senate, introduced a bill to make Georgia Day or Oglethorpe Day an official state observance. The bill was approved on August 13, 1909.



Full Article

Founding of the Georgia Colony

On February 12, 1733, James Oglethorpe, together with 120 other colonists from England, disembarked at Yamacraw Bluff in what is now Savannah, Georgia, to start a new colony. An unlikely combination of altruistic and imperialistic desires motivated Oglethorpe and the other colonists: They wanted to provide a refuge for England's oppressed and often imprisoned debtor class, and at the same time they realized the importance of creating a colony that would serve as a buffer between Britain's southern colonies and the Spanish who occupied Florida.

In the centuries since Oglethorpe and his followers arrived at Savannah, Georgians have observed February 12 in many ways. The earliest settlers marked the occasion by firing salutes and giving toasts in honor of Oglethorpe and the other colonies. Large-scale celebrations took place in the state on February 12, 1833, the centennial of the landing of the Oglethorpe party, and newspapers on that day suspended publication so that their employees might attend the festivities. In 1908 a river pageant was held in Savannah to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the 1733 landing.

In 1909, John M. Slaton, the president of the Georgia state senate, introduced a bill to make Georgia Day or Oglethorpe Day an official state observance. The bill was approved on August 13, 1909.



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