Trustees for the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia in America facts for kids
The Georgia Trustees were a special group of people who helped start the colony of Georgia in America. This group was put together by James Edward Oglethorpe and his friends. They wanted to help people who were struggling in Britain, especially those who had been in prison because they couldn't pay their debts.
In 1731, they asked the King of England, George II, for permission to create this new colony. The King agreed in 1732. James Oglethorpe himself led the first group of colonists from England in November 1732. They arrived at the place that is now Savannah, Georgia on February 12, 1733. The founding of Georgia is often celebrated on February 1, 1733, which is the date on our modern calendar.
Contents
Why Was Georgia Founded?
In 1729, the British government looked into the bad conditions in prisons. James Oglethorpe was in charge of this investigation. Many prisoners were released but had nowhere to go and no jobs. Oglethorpe had an idea: create a new colony where these people could start fresh and find work.
His plan for the colony quickly grew bigger. It wasn't just about helping former prisoners. It also had other important goals.
A man named Dr. Thomas Bray, who also wanted to improve prisons, suggested Oglethorpe use an organization he had already started. Oglethorpe added more people to this group, including other social reformers. After Dr. Bray passed away in 1730, Oglethorpe became the main leader, and this group soon became the Georgia Trustees.
Oglethorpe and the other Trustees created a detailed plan for how the Georgia Colony would be settled. This plan, now called the Oglethorpe Plan, explained how towns would be set up, how land would be shared fairly, and how the community would protect itself in a new and sometimes dangerous land.
Even though Oglethorpe wanted people who had been in debt to go to Georgia, the King had other ideas. The King decided the colony would be a military protection for South Carolina against the Spanish and some Native American groups.
Because of this, the new "Georgians" were chosen for their useful work skills. The men were also trained to be part of a militia, ready to defend Georgia and South Carolina. Most of the first 114 colonists brought their families with them. For example, Dr. William Cox, the colony's doctor, came with his wife, son, daughter, and a servant. Sadly, Dr. Cox died soon after arriving from a lung illness. He was buried with military honors. His family returned to England, but his 11-year-old son, William, stayed and helped build Bethesda, which is America's oldest orphanage.
Who Were the Georgia Trustees?
The Georgia Trustees were a group of important people, including members of Parliament, religious leaders, and social reformers. They worked together to manage the new colony. They were responsible for making rules, choosing colonists, and overseeing the colony's development.
Some of the first Trustees were named in the royal charter, which was like the colony's official permission slip. More Trustees joined later at annual meetings. They were all dedicated to making Georgia a successful and safe place.
How Was Georgia Governed?
The Trustees managed the Georgia colony from when it was founded in 1733 until June 28, 1752. This period is known as Trustee Georgia. During this time, the Trustees in London made most of the decisions for the colony. They had officials on the ground in Savannah, like William Stephens, who served as Secretary and later as President of the colony.
The Georgia Trustees Today
The idea of the Georgia Trustees was brought back in 2008 by the Georgia Historical Society. Each year, during a special event, two new people are named as Georgia Trustees. These new members are chosen by the Georgia Historical Society and the Governor of Georgia. They are honored for their hard work and important contributions to the state of Georgia today.
For example, in 2010, baseball legend Hank Aaron and CNN founder Ted Turner were named Georgia Trustees. In 2013, S. Truett Cathy, who started Chick-fil-A, was honored. These modern Trustees continue the spirit of dedication to Georgia's future.
Images for kids
-
James Oglethorpe presenting the Yamacraw Indians to the Georgia Trustees in 1734.
