The State of Georgia

IA. History

Georgia was the last of the 13 British colonies established on the Atlantic seaboard. The state of Georgia was founded by James Edward Oglethorpe. This was on February 12, 1733 with 114 original settlers. This was at the current site for the city of Savannah. The city of Savannah itself was the center for colonial government in Georgia for 50 years.

Precolonial History

Before colonial times the Native Americans settled in Georgia and the evidence remains by the numerous trails, mounds, sites and legends that sprinkle the countryside. The tribes that have left their mark are Cherokee, Etowah, Kolomoki and Chehaw. A visit to Etowah Indian Mounds Historic Site in Cartersville provides 54 protected acres that include six eastern mounds, a defensive ditch, plaza and village area. This was the site for thousands of Native Americans between the years 1000 and 1500. Next came the Spanish who started off in Florida, but established missions up the Georgia coast. When England established a colony in South Carolina 1670 this caused problems between the colonial powers and Georgia become a battleground between the English and Spanish.

Civil War

11,000 Georgian residents give their lives defending this state during the Civil War and the state suffered immense destruction. The end of this war produced something even more significant as 460,000 African Americans were set free from slavery.

Civil Rights

Georgia had a key role in Civil Rights movements in the USA. From early coastal slave settlements to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's Georgia is where many equal rights battles began. This is where it all began for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. where the dream took place. Georgia is the place that his dream can be enjoyed . A dream of equality, peace and prosperity for all, a dream that earned him the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. Georgia is the home of The King Center, which is a living memorial to Dr. King's legacy. The area commemorates the place in Atlanta where Dr. King was born and raised. Dr. King's historic home can be toured.

Modern History