George Walton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Walton
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Portrait by Charles Willson Peale
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| United States Senator from Georgia |
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| In office November 16, 1795 – February 20, 1796 |
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| Appointed by | George Mathews |
| Preceded by | James Jackson |
| Succeeded by | Josiah Tattnall |
| Acting Governor of Georgia | |
| In office January 7, 1789 – November 9, 1790 |
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| Preceded by | George Handley |
| Succeeded by | Edward Telfair |
| Delegate from Georgia to the Continental Congress | |
| In office 1776 – 1777, 1780–1781 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 1749 Cumberland County, Virginia |
| Died | February 2, 1804 (aged 54–55) Augusta, Georgia |
| Political party | Federalist Party |
| Relations | The Walton family of Atlanta, Georgia; North Carolina. |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | Georgia Militia |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
George Walton (born around 1749 – died February 2, 1804) was an important person in early American history. He was one of the Founding Fathers. George Walton signed the United States Declaration of Independence for the state of Georgia. He also served as the second leader of Georgia.
Contents
Early Life and Education
George Walton was born in Cumberland County, Virginia. We don't know his exact birth year, but it was likely around 1749. Sadly, his parents passed away when he was very young. An uncle adopted him and taught him how to be a carpenter.
George loved to learn and study. His uncle didn't like this, thinking it made him lazy. But George kept studying whenever he could. After his carpentry training, he moved to Savannah, Georgia, in 1769. There, he studied law and became a lawyer in 1774. By the time the American Revolution began, he was a very successful lawyer in Georgia.
Fighting for Independence
George Walton strongly supported the American colonists who wanted independence. He became a leader in Georgia's local government. In 1776, he was chosen to represent Georgia at the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia. This was a big meeting where leaders from the colonies discussed their future.
On July 2, 1776, George Walton voted for the United States Declaration of Independence. He signed it along with Button Gwinnett and Lyman Hall from Georgia. This document declared that the American colonies were free from British rule.
A Prisoner of War
During the American Revolutionary War, George Walton also served as a soldier. He became a colonel in the First Georgia Regiment of Militia in 1778. He fought in the Battle of Savannah in 1778.
During this battle, he was shot in the leg and fell from his horse. The British soldiers captured him. They let his wound heal before sending him to prison. He was later set free in October 1779 as part of a prisoner exchange. This is when opposing sides trade prisoners.
After his release, George Walton was elected governor of Georgia for the first time. He held this important job for about two months.
Leading Georgia
George Walton continued to serve Georgia in many ways. In 1795, he was chosen to be a U.S. Senator. He filled a vacant spot and served from November 1795 to February 1796.
He had some political disagreements with other leaders, like Button Gwinnett. These disagreements were common in early American politics. George Walton also supported a land sale that caused some debate.
Important Roles
Throughout the 1780s, George Walton focused on Georgia's state government. He served as the chief judge of the state. He also helped settle a border dispute between Georgia and South Carolina.
In 1789, he was elected governor of Georgia for a second time. During this term, Georgia adopted a new state constitution. The capital city was also moved to Augusta. After being governor, he served as a judge until he passed away.
George Walton also helped start important schools. He was a founder of the Academy of Richmond County in Augusta. He also helped establish Franklin College (now the University of Georgia) in Athens.
Offices Held
George Walton held many important positions during his life:
- Delegate to the Continental Congress (1776–1778)
- Colonel in the First Georgia Militia (1778)
- Governor of Georgia (1779–1780)
- Member of the U.S. Congress (1780–1781)
- Chief Justice of Georgia (1783–1789)
- Governor of Georgia (1789–1790)
- U.S. Senator (1795–1796)
His Lasting Impact
George Walton passed away on February 2, 1804, at his home called Meadow Garden in Augusta. He was buried in Augusta. Even though he was from Georgia and Virginia, he did not own slaves.
Many places are named after him to honor his contributions. Walton County, Georgia, is named for him. There are also schools like George Walton Comprehensive High School in Marietta, Georgia, and George Walton Academy in Monroe, Georgia.
His son, George Walton, Jr., also held important roles. He was the first secretary of the Territory of Florida. Walton County, Florida, is named after him.
See also
