Who Was James Oglethorpe?
James Edward Oglethorpe was a British military officer, member of Parliament, social reformer, and founder of the colony of Georgia.
In 1733, he led the first group of colonists to the site that became Savannah. His arrival helped establish Georgia as the last of Britain’s original 13 American colonies.
At Hamilton-Turner Inn, the James Oglethorpe Suite honors the man whose name remains closely connected to the founding of both Savannah and Georgia.
Why Was Georgia Established?
Oglethorpe’s interest in creating Georgia grew partly from his work investigating poor conditions in English debtors’ prisons.
He supported the idea of a new colony where people facing poverty and limited opportunities could build more independent lives.
Georgia also served a strategic purpose. Located between South Carolina and Spanish-controlled Florida, the colony could act as a defensive buffer for Britain’s southern settlements.
In 1732, King George II granted a royal charter to the Trustees for the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia in America. Oglethorpe then sailed for North America aboard the ship Anne with more than 100 colonists.
When Did Oglethorpe Establish Savannah?
Oglethorpe and the first colonists reached present-day Savannah in February 1733.
They settled near Yamacraw Bluff, an elevated location overlooking the Savannah River that offered access to trade, water, and natural protection.
Savannah was not established by Oglethorpe alone. Yamacraw leader Tomochichi and interpreter Mary Musgrove played essential roles in the negotiations and relationships that made the settlement possible.
Their cooperation helped create the foundation for Georgia’s first city.
How Did Oglethorpe Design Savannah?
Savannah is often described as America’s first planned city.
Oglethorpe organized the settlement around a grid of streets, residential lots, public spaces, and neighborhood squares. Rather than creating one central park, the plan placed smaller shared squares throughout the city.
These spaces served as:
- Community gathering places
- Military assembly areas
- Centers of trade
- Public green space
- Organizing points for nearby homes and civic buildings
Savannah originally had 24 squares, and 22 remain today.
The city’s shaded, walkable character is one of the clearest examples of Oglethorpe’s lasting influence.
What Was Oglethorpe’s Vision for Georgia?
Oglethorpe and the trustees promoted Georgia as a colony of small farmers, tradespeople, and settlers who could support themselves.
The original colony also prohibited slavery. Oglethorpe opposed efforts to introduce it into early Georgia, although the ban was later removed after his influence declined.
Understanding his legacy means recognizing both the ideals associated with Georgia’s founding and the ways those ideals changed over time.
How Is Oglethorpe Remembered in Savannah?
Oglethorpe’s name appears throughout Savannah and Georgia, including:
- Oglethorpe Avenue
- Oglethorpe Square
- The Oglethorpe Monument
- Oglethorpe County
- Oglethorpe University
- The James Oglethorpe Suite
More importantly, visitors experience his influence every time they walk around one of Savannah’s historic squares.
What Is the James Oglethorpe Suite?
The James Oglethorpe Suite is a premium room at Hamilton-Turner Inn overlooking Lafayette Square.
The suite features:
- Eleven-foot windows
- An antique queen bed
- An in-room fireplace
- A separate sitting area
- A walk-in rain shower
- A freestanding clawfoot tub
The suite is particularly well suited for romantic getaways and honeymoons. Individual or couples’ massages may also be arranged in advance.
Where Is Hamilton-Turner Inn?
Hamilton-Turner Inn is located at 330 Abercorn Street on Lafayette Square in Savannah’s Historic District.
The French Empire-style mansion was built in 1873 and now contains 17 individually designed guest rooms. From the inn, guests can walk to many of Savannah’s best-known squares, restaurants, museums, churches, and historic sites.
FAQ
Who founded Savannah, Georgia?
James Oglethorpe led the expedition that established Savannah in 1733. Tomochichi and Mary Musgrove were also essential to the settlement’s development.
Why did James Oglethorpe establish Georgia?
Georgia was created partly as an opportunity for settlers and partly as a defensive buffer between South Carolina and Spanish Florida.
Did Oglethorpe design Savannah’s squares?
Oglethorpe developed Savannah’s original city plan, which organized neighborhoods around public squares and shared civic spaces.
How many historic squares remain in Savannah?
Savannah originally had 24 squares, and 22 remain today.
Where is the James Oglethorpe Suite?
The suite is located at Hamilton-Turner Inn on Lafayette Square in Savannah’s Historic District.
What features are in the James Oglethorpe Suite?
The suite includes an antique queen bed, fireplace, sitting area, eleven-foot windows, a rain shower, and a freestanding clawfoot tub.
The Isaiah Davenport Room at Hamilton-Turner Inn
This cozy garden-level room features:
- Exposed brick
- Marble rain shower
- Private entrance to front garden
- Pet-friendly option
Though one of the smaller rooms, it offers intimate historic charm.
