Honoring Our Namesake, The Squarewright of Savannah, and His Alliance Building Legacy
James Edward Oglethorpe is the the founder of Georgia. When it was unheard of for a member of Parliament to lead an expedition into unknown territory, he organized and made the first voyage from London to a high bluff on the Savannah River in 1733. He guided development of the new colony for its first nine years. His vision and persistent efforts maintained financial support from the Trustees in England.
Social and Community Innovator: Oglethorpe prohibited slavery in the new colony. He governed wisely in the face of harsh living conditions, and constructed an enduring foundation of community. He wove together diverse religious groups, created trading relationships with indigenous people. Additionally, he defended the colony against encroachment on the southern border by Spain.
The Squarewright of Savannah: James Oglethorpe has no descendants in America. However, his name is well known in connection with the City of Savannah and Georgia’s Oglethorpe County, City of Oglethorpe, Oglethorpe University, and Oglethorpe Power Company. The town square plan he created for Savannah endures today and continues to influence American community planning and design.
Scholars have attributed to Oglethorpe a legacy of “experimentation and high ideals ” which is “impressive and sobering.” He was described as a “social and political innovator. ” Historians have suggested that we “best honor Oglethorpe by remembering him as a man who wouldn’t quit, and as one who lived by the simple but profound philosophy that life is not about self, but about others.” James Oglethorpe connected with people and transformed ideas and great practices into enduring public benefits.
115 East Hancock Street, Suite 1766, Athens, GA 30606
(833) 512-7475
Oglethorpe Solutions 