Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Italians in Georgia's Genesis

Photographed By Mike Stroud, July 2008

1. Italians in Georgia's Genesis Marker

Marker exhibits one side of the original Georgia Seal

Inscription. When James Oglethorpe left England to begin the new colony of Georgia, in 1732, one of the passengers was Paul Amatis, an Italian artisan, skilled in producing silk. He was later placed in charge of Trustees Garden. Later, more Italian familes came to pursue the task of producing silk. Joseph Ottolenghe is responsible for erecting a public filature in Savannah, on what is now Reynolds Square. It was at this filature that a record number of 15,212 pounds of cocoons were delivered for processing into raw silk. High hopes for success in this undertaking is examplified on one side of the original Georgia Seal which depicts a mulberry leaf, a silkworm, and a cocoon, with the encircled words: "Non sibis sed aliis": "Not for ourselves but for others."

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1732.

Location. 32° 4.754′ N, 81° 5.336′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. Marker is on Abercorn Street, in the median. East side Reynolds Square at Abercorn and St. Julian Streets. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Savannah GA 31401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Wesley, 1703 - 1791 (here, next to this marker); Site of Filature

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(a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named John Wesley (within shouting distance of this marker); Savannah: Colonial Capital and Birthplace of (within shouting distance of this marker); Wesley Chapel Trinity / John Wesley's American Parish (within shouting distance of this marker); Christ Church Parish House (within shouting distance of this marker); Lucas Theatre (within shouting distance of this marker); The Oliver Sturges House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.

Regarding Italians in Georgia's Genesis. The Marker mentions a "filature," which is a bobbin used in spinning silk into thread. A bobbin, like a spool or reel, is a winder around which thread, tape, film or other flexible materials can be wound.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Another Georgia location where silk was produced.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, December 29, 2020

2. Italians in Georgia's Genesis Marker

Italians in Georgia's Genesis Marker in Reynolds Square image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

3. Italians in Georgia's Genesis Marker in Reynolds Square

Italians in Georgia's Site of Filature Marker on nearby building image. Click for more information.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

4. Italians in Georgia's Site of Filature Marker on nearby building

Where colony's production of
silk was reeled until 1771.
Building then used for public
purposes. President Washington
attended a ball here in 1791.
Building destroyed by fire in 1859.
Click for more information.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,786 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2. submitted on May 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on July 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.