The Founding of Savannah, Georgia
The story of Savannah, Georgia, begins not on American soil, but on the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean. On November 16, 1732, under the noonday sun, the ship Anne, a vessel embodying the hopes and dreams of a new colony, unfurled its sails. Resembling a magnificent seabird taking flight, it departed from the shores of England, embarking on a westward journey towards the promise of a new life. Aboard this ship were James Oglethorpe, a man of many facets – a British General, a Member of Parliament, and a dedicated philanthropist – and 120 emigrants, all bound for a destiny intertwined with the future of what would become Georgia.
The voyage of the Anne was not a direct path to the shores of Georgia. Oglethorpe, a pragmatic leader, understood the importance of counsel and support. Therefore, the ship’s course was set for Charleston, South Carolina. The rationale behind this decision was Oglethorpe’s desire to seek the advice and assistance of the Governor of South Carolina in the establishment of his colony. He recognized the value of collaboration and the potential benefits of aligning with the existing English presence in the region.
After weeks at sea, the Anne finally reached Charleston on January 13, 1733, dropping anchor just outside the harbor’s protective bar. Oglethorpe, eager to begin the process of establishing his colony, left his people safely aboard the ship and was rowed ashore in an open boat. He was greeted with great respect and ceremony by Governor Robert Johnson and the Legislature of South Carolina, who were in session at the time.
Governor Johnson, having been informed of Oglethorpe’s impending arrival, was prepared to offer a warm and supportive welcome. The people of South Carolina held a favorable view of the establishment of an English colony in Georgia. They understood that it would serve as a buffer, providing much-needed protection against the threat posed by the Spanish in Florida.
Governor Robert Johnson pledged to offer any assistance within his power to Oglethorpe and the establishment of the new colony. He appointed Colonel William Bull, a respected and influential figure in South Carolina, to serve as Oglethorpe’s guide and advisor in settling the colony in Georgia. In a further act of generosity, Johnson offered to provide care for the emigrants until a suitable location for their permanent settlement could be identified.
The Anne was then relocated to Port Royal Bay, where it was securely moored in the harbor. At the head of the bay lay the small town of Beaufort, a strategic outpost garrisoned by 100 South Carolina soldiers. A new barracks building had recently been constructed for the soldiers, but it had not yet been occupied. Governor Johnson generously offered the use of this building to the emigrants, providing them with comfortable accommodations while Oglethorpe sought a permanent home for them. This act of kindness provided the initial settlers of the founding of Savannah, Georgia with secure housing.
With the well-being of his people assured, Oglethorpe embarked on a mission to locate a suitable site on Georgia soil for his burgeoning colony. His study of maps had led him to favor a location along the banks of the Savannah River. This broad and picturesque waterway, originating in the northwest, meandered for 150 miles, forming a natural boundary between South Carolina and Georgia before gracefully curving towards the Atlantic Ocean.
On January 16th, Oglethorpe, accompanied by Colonel Bull, departed from Port Royal in a small vessel provided by Governor Johnson and manned by four sailors. They sailed down the South Carolina coast and entered the Savannah River, where Tybee Island marked the entrance to the ocean. As they navigated upstream, the landscape was initially dominated by low-lying, barren islands and flat salt marshes covered in coarse seagrass. This stark and somewhat desolate scenery may have caused a moment of apprehension in Oglethorpe’s heart as he contemplated the task ahead. However, approximately 18 miles upriver, the southern bank of the river dramatically transformed into a prominent, forest-covered bluff rising 45 feet above the water.
The vessel was brought to a halt at the foot of this bluff, and Oglethorpe and Colonel Bull ascended to its summit. Upon reaching the top, they were greeted by an expansive, level plain stretching as far as the eye could see, adorned with magnificent pine forests interspersed with majestic, spreading live oaks. For a moment, Oglethorpe stood in silent awe, captivated by the beauty and potential of the location. He then proclaimed, "Surely a merciful God has designed this glorious spot as a restful home for my poor, persecuted people!" It was this moment that cemented the vision for the founding of Savannah, Georgia.
Colonel Bull, familiar with the region, informed Oglethorpe that a small, isolated Native American tribe known as the Yamacraw resided at the far end of the bluff, approximately three miles away. They were the only indigenous people within a 40-mile radius. Oglethorpe recognized the critical importance of establishing amicable relations with these natives before establishing his settlement. Accompanied by Colonel Bull, he set out to meet the Yamacraw.
They discovered the Yamacraw village, consisting of around 30 wigwams, nestled beneath the trees in a scenic spot overlooking the river. The tribe’s chief, or mico, was an impressive elder named Tomo-chi-chi. Despite his advanced age of 90, Tomo-chi-chi remained physically and mentally robust. He was a tall man, standing over six feet in height, and possessed a commanding presence. His immediate family consisted of his wife, Seenawki, and his nephew, Toonahowi, a 13-year-old boy whom he had adopted as his son.
Upon arriving at the village, Oglethorpe requested to speak with Tomo-chi-chi. The chief emerged, displaying a regal demeanor. He was not surprised by the arrival of the white men, having encountered them previously during a visit to Charleston, where he had negotiated a treaty with the Governor and the Legislature. Furthermore, English and Spanish traders frequently visited his village. At the time of Oglethorpe’s arrival, an English trading post, operated by a white man named John Musgrove, was located in the woods a short distance from the village. Musgrove’s wife, Mary Musgrove, was a woman of mixed Native American and European heritage who had been raised and educated among the whites in South Carolina. She was fluent in both the Indian and English languages and had served as Tomo-chi-chi’s interpreter during his visit to Charleston. She was summoned to facilitate communication between Oglethorpe and the chief.
Oglethorpe explained to Tomo-chi-chi his intention to establish a colony in the nearby woods, assuring him that his people would not interfere with the Yamacraw in any way. He emphasized that they intended to do no harm but only good, offering blankets, hatchets, guns, and other useful items, and providing assistance in various ways. He expressed his hope that they could coexist peacefully as friendly neighbors.
Oglethorpe’s sincere demeanor, kind words, and generous promises deeply resonated with Tomo-chi-chi. The chief responded, "There is plenty of room here for both red men and white men. Bring your people onto our woods. As soon as they get settled, we will call to welcome them." Tomo-chi-chi was a wise and pragmatic leader. He recognized the potential benefits of cooperation with the whites and understood that hostility would inevitably lead to the downfall of his people. This initial meeting marked the beginning of a strong friendship between these two remarkable men, who would collaborate harmoniously in the founding of Savannah, Georgia.
Oglethorpe and Colonel Bull spent several days surveying the surrounding area, accompanied by Yamacraw guides. They explored the deep, dark, and beautiful forests, returning each night to sleep in their small boat at the foot of the bluff. The more Oglethorpe explored the land, the more he appreciated its potential. The high bluff extended for more than a mile along the riverbank and stretched five miles inland, forming a level plain. Standing on the edge of the bluff, he could observe the wide expanse of the Savannah River as it flowed towards the sea. The water depth at the base of the bluff was sufficient for large ships to dock directly at the bank.
On February 5th, Oglethorpe concluded his survey and returned to Port Royal. He discovered that during his ten-day absence, the colonists had been treated with exceptional kindness by the soldiers and residents of Beaufort. Many people from the surrounding area had visited them, bringing gifts of food and provisions. The colonists were in good health and high spirits, having been treated as honored guests.
The night after his return, Oglethorpe gathered the colonists and described the beautiful location in Georgia that he had chosen for their home. He also recounted his meeting with the Yamacraw Indians. He instructed them to prepare to depart for Savannah (the name he had already chosen for the settlement) early the following Monday morning.
On the Sunday morning before their departure from South Carolina, the colonists held a special Thanksgiving service. Following the service, Oglethorpe, at his own expense, hosted a grand feast, inviting the soldiers and the kind people of South Carolina who had shown them such hospitality. More than 300 people attended the celebration, which featured an abundance of food and drink. Despite the ample supply of liquor, the event remained orderly, with no instances of intoxication. This event could be considered the first Georgia barbecue, demonstrating the spirit of generosity that would characterize the new colony and marking an important precursor to the founding of Savannah, Georgia.
The following morning, the colonists boarded four small vessels and set sail for Georgia. On the afternoon of February 12th, 1733, they landed at the high bluff on the Savannah River. By sunset, they had erected four large white tents beneath the towering pine trees, providing shelter for the entire colony – men, women, and children. Thus, they spent their first night on Georgia soil, with Oglethorpe himself occupying a small tent pitched beneath a cluster of three tall pine trees.
Early the next morning, the colonists gathered in front of Oglethorpe’s tent for prayers, led by the Chaplain, Reverend Henry Herbert. After prayers, Oglethorpe delivered a kind and encouraging speech, offering guidance and advice. The colonists then began their work, unloading the boats and organizing their belongings.
Around eleven o’clock, as they were engaged in their tasks, they were startled by the sound of distant shouting and the rhythmic beating of a drum-like instrument. Looking in the direction of the sound, they observed a group of Native Americans approaching through the pine forest. The colonists were initially alarmed, gathering around Oglethorpe’s tent with weapons in hand. However, Oglethorpe quickly reassured them, explaining that it was Tomo-chi-chi and his people, fulfilling their promise to welcome the new settlers.
The Yamacraw priest, or "medicine man," led the procession. He was adorned in elaborate and colorful attire, with his face and upper body painted in vibrant hues of red, blue, yellow, and black. He wore the antlers of a young stag on his head and the skin of a fawn draped over his shoulders. In each hand, he carried a fan of eagle feathers attached to a long handle adorned with jingling bells. As he approached, he performed a series of graceful yet peculiar movements, crouching low to the ground, straightening to his full height, and leaping into the air, all while jingling his bells and chanting in the Indian language. Those following behind him emitted a guttural "Ugh, ugh!" sound.
As the procession drew near, Oglethorpe stepped forward to greet them. The group halted, except for the "medicine man," who advanced slowly and deliberately, circling Oglethorpe and stroking him from head to foot with the eagle feather fans. He chanted repeatedly in the Indian language, "May there be eternal peace between your people and our people!"
Following this ceremony, Tomo-chi-chi took a buffalo robe from one of his attendants and presented it to Oglethorpe, saying:
"We have come to welcome you as I promised. I have brought you a present. This is the skin of a buffalo, which is the strongest of all beasts; in the inside, you see painted the head and feathers of an eagle, which is the swiftest and farthest flying of all birds. So the English are the strongest of all people, and nothing can withstand them; and they have a swift and far flight like the eagle, seeing that they have flown hither from the uttermost parts of the earth, over the vast seas. The eagle’s feathers are soft and signify love; the buffalo’s robe is warm and signifies protection; therefore, love and protect our little families."
Mary Musgrove translated Tomo-chi-chi’s words sentence by sentence. Oglethorpe was deeply moved by the chief’s gesture and eloquent speech. He responded with a kind and dignified speech of his own, while the colonists looked on in awe at the extraordinary scene.
Oglethorpe invited his visitors to stay for dinner, which they readily accepted. The women of the colony worked diligently to prepare a meal for their distinguished guests. By two o’clock, the food was ready. In the meantime, the men entertained the Native Americans by showing them the various items they had brought from England. After dinner, as the guests departed, Oglethorpe presented each of them with a gift. Tomo-chi-chi received a scarlet shawl with a heavy fringe, the other men each received a blanket and a hatchet, and the women received a string of beads and a looking glass. He then bid them farewell and invited them to visit again. This event marked the first "state dining" held in Georgia.
For more than a year, Oglethorpe lived in his small tent beneath the three pine trees overlooking the river, overseeing the work of the colonists and sharing in their hardships. He laid out the plan for the town that would be built in the forest. This plan remains largely intact in the city of Savannah today, although the original streets have been extended and new streets and squares have been added. Oglethorpe’s six original streets – Bull, Bryan, Drayton, Abercorn, St. Julian, and Whitaker – remain the city’s principal thoroughfares. Bull Street was named in honor of Colonel William Bull, who provided invaluable assistance in establishing the colony. The other streets were named after benevolent individuals in England and South Carolina who had supported the colony through financial contributions and other means.
In the challenging task of clearing the forests, building homes, constructing forts, and cultivating gardens, the colonists received significant support from the generous people of South Carolina during the first year. They provided numerous laborers and mechanics free of charge. The Legislature of South Carolina also donated a herd of 105 cows and a drove of 80 hogs, while private citizens presented flocks of sheep and a number of horses.
Over time, new emigrants arrived, sent by the Trustees overseeing the colony. By the end of the first year, the colony consisted of approximately 600 people, all under the paternal care of James Oglethorpe.
This is the story of the founding of Savannah, Georgia, and the beginning of the state of Georgia. Savannah became the colonial capital of the Province of Georgia and later the first capital of the state. Today, Savannah, Georgia, is the county seat of Chatham County and boasts a population of more than 142,000 people. It is Georgia’s fifth-largest city and attracts millions of visitors each year who enjoy the city’s architecture and historic buildings, its history, access to the coastal islands and the Savannah Riverfront, and visits to historic landmarks such as Fort Pulaski and the nearby Wormsloe Plantation.
