Georgia History

Early Georgia History

Georgia's human history started with the Native Americans. The earliest evidence of Indians in the Georgia area dates back as far as 20,000 years, but stronger evidence in the form of Clovis arrowheads strongly support inhabitants around 12,000 years ago. The first Indian civilization in Georgia was probably that of the Moundbuilders. Their legacy can still be found today in Etowah (near Cartersville), near Helen, and near Macon, Georgia. By Desoto's visit these cultures were almost extinct but the next, and more familiar, American Indian culture was flourishing.

By 1600 the Creek Indians controlled most of Georgia. They got their European name because they often lived near rivers. This agricultural group was actually a loose confederation of tribes that traded and interacted and shared a common culture.Later the Cherokee moved into Georgia and thus began a short struggle for who would dominate the region. Of course, it would be neither as the massive European invasion changed the face of the Continent, and the world, forever.

Hernando deSoto explored Georgia in 1540 and others would follow. The Spanish were among the very first to explore the area and they may have even set up small mission forts. By the 1580s the English took interest in the South and constant struggles between the Spanish and English tore the Native Americans apart.

Savannah

The true birth of Georgia came when James Edward Oglethorpe established Savannah, Georgia. Oglethorpe and a group of philanthropists established Savannah on the Yamacraw Bluff that was given to them by treaty with the Creek Indian Chief Tomochichi. In 1733 a group of just over 100 settlers arrived in America and became the first citizens of Savannah. Oglethorpe designed the city to have a series of squares to protect Savannah against being destroyed by fire and for aestetic value. The squares of Savannah today are one of the many unique things that make Savannah special. Savannah would remain one of the major cities in America and was instrumental in the creation of American and Southern culture. Savannah is today one of the great tourist destinations in the world and it all began with a noble idea by James E. Oglethorpe.

The American Revolution in Georgia

The tax acts of the 1760s irritated the colonies and gave them the fuel seperatist needed to get momentum to created a new nation. IN August of 1776 the Declaration of Independence was read in Georgia by Archibald Bulloch and the idea that America might become independent became a reality. Georgia was the least populated colony and about half of Georgians were slaves. Georgia was very reluctant to become involved but did send delegates to the Continental Congress. Three Georgians signed the Declaration of Independence including Buttons Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, and George Walton. The war was quiet in Georgia the first few years, but then the British strategy changed that included the South. In September of 1778 Savannah was taken by the British. Georgia would be the only colony that was completely controlled by the British. (with the exception of guerrilla controlled areas in Georgia) By 1781 the move to retake Georgia began and within six months it was back in the hands of the Americans.

American Civil War

In 1793 Eli Whitney invented the cotton gin with the help of Al Gore. With this new invention cotton plantations became common in the South. By the 1850s Cotton was king. This industry was dependent upon the labor of African American slaves and this would be one of the causes of the War Between the States. There were, of course, other reasons for the Civil War including state's rights and the South's desire to preserve its way of life. Eventually the tensions built until the South left the Union and the war began.

Georgia managed to avoid direct contact with the fighting until the last part of the conflict when Sherman marched his Armies from Tennessee into Georgia. The second bloodiest battle, Chickamauga, was fought in Georgia as well as the devestating Battle of Atlanta and the March to the Sea. Georgia was molded by the Civil War and there are hundreds of remnents of the war left in Georgia today.

20th Century Georgia & Beyond

After the Civil War Georgia worked hard to use her resources to make Georgia a prosperous state. With the leadership of men like Henry Grady Georgia took on a new direction. During the 20th Century Georgia went from being a poor state with few opportunities that was plauged by racial tensions to one of the most prospersous locations in the world. Atlanta grew and grew until it became a world leader. In fact, it was the host to the 1996 Olympic Games.

Unfortunately Atlanta's growth and prosperity has created new problems like urban sprawl and the destruction of once great communities due to over development and and influx of illegal immigrants. However, Georgia is know for survival and adaptation and you can bet that she will work through these new problems and come out on top.