Historic District - North in Savannah in Chatham County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Landing of Oglethorpe and the Colonists
James Edward Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, landed with the original colonists, about 114 in number, at the foot of this bluff on February 1 (February 12, new style), 1733. The site where he pitched his tent is marked by the stone bench located about 100 feet west of this marker.
Savannah was for more than 100 years built according to Oglethorpe's unique city plan. Bull Street, the principal street of the city, is named in honor of colonel William Bull of Charleston, S.C., who assisted Oglethorpe in laying out the city.
The colonists sailed in the ship Anne from Gravesend, England, November 17, 1732; landed at Charles Town, S.C., January 13, 1733; proceeded later to Beaufort, S.C., and thence, in small boats, through the inland waterway to Yamacraw Bluff. The town site had already been selected by Oglethorpe in friendly negotiation with Tomo-chi-chi, Mico of the Yamacraws, and with Mary Musgrove, the English-speaking, half-breed Indian princess who later, as niece of Emperor Brim of the Creek Nation, claimed sovereignty of southeastern Georgia.
Erected 1982 by Georgia Historic Marker. (Marker Number 025-1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1861.
Location. 32° 4.873′ N, 81° 5.491′ W. Marker is in Savannah, Georgia, in Chatham County. It is in the Historic District - North. Marker is at the intersection of Bay St and Bull St., on the right when traveling west on Bay St. 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. This is Yamacraw Bluff (here, next to this marker); The Savannah (within shouting distance of this marker); The "John Randolph" (within shouting distance of this marker); Oglethorpe's House (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Customhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Oglethorpe Bench (within shouting distance of this marker); John Wesley (within shouting distance of this marker); A Storeroom By Any Other Name (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Savannah.
Also see . . .
1. James Oglethrope. Wikipedia biography:
It was Oglethorpe's idea that British debtors should be released from prison and sent to Georgia. This would theoretically rid England of its so-called undesirable elements, while providing him with a base from which to attack Florida. Ultimately, few debtors ended up in Georgia. Instead, many of Georgia's new settlers consisted of poor English tradesmen and artisans and religious refugees from Switzerland and Germany. (Submitted on February 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)
2. James Oglethorpe (1696-1785). New Georgia Encyclopedia entry (Submitted on February 16, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,789 times since then and 130 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 21, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on February 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6. submitted on November 13, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 7. submitted on February 9, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 8. submitted on February 16, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.