Yamacraw Bluff facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Yamacraw Bluff
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location	Savannah, Georgia, U.S.
Coordinates	32°04′52″N 81°05′19″W / 32.081111°N 81.088611°W / 32.081111; -81.088611

Yamacraw Bluff is a high piece of land next to the Savannah River in Savannah, Georgia. It's a really important place in history. This bluff is where General James Oglethorpe landed in 1733. He came to start the British colony of Georgia.

Before Oglethorpe arrived, the Yamacraw Native Americans lived here. Today, you can find a special stone marker and a statue on the bluff. They help us remember its big role in history.

A Historic Landing Spot

Chief Tomochichi and his nephew, Toonahawi

Around 1730, a group of Creek Indians settled at Yamacraw Bluff. They called themselves the Yamacraw Indians, named after the bluff itself. Their leader was a wise chief named Tomochichi. He was also the founder of their tribe.

In 1733, something big happened. General James Oglethorpe arrived at the bluff with 114 other people. They had traveled all the way from England. With help from Chief Tomochichi and a local interpreter named Mary Musgrove, Oglethorpe started the city of Savannah.

The Yamacraw people lived on the bluff for less than 20 years. Later, they decided to join a larger Native American tribe living further inland.

Remembering the Past

People wanted to remember the founding of Georgia. So, in 1930, a special stone marker was placed on Bay Street. This was done to get ready for Georgia's 200th birthday celebration in 1933.

The marker is in a small park. It's just west of the Savannah City Hall. The words on the stone tell us:

• This is Yamacraw Bluff where the Colony of Georgia was founded, February 12, 1733, by Gen. James Edward Oglethorpe
• Voted by the Georgia Daughters of the American Revolution The Most Historic Spot in Georgia.