Description
James Edward Oglethorpe (1696-1785) played many roles during his life. He was a social reformer, a leader, a general, and an opponent of slavery. Most importantly, Oglethorpe was the founder of Georgia. In 1732 His Majesty King George II of Great Britain and Ireland appointed James Edward Oglethorpe and twenty other men as Trustees for the Establishment of the Colony of Georgia in England, the governing body chartered to establish a new colony in North America. The southern location and warm climate of Georgia led the Trustees to believe it would be suitable for the cultivation of silk and fruits and would provide Great Britain with raw goods and materials. Oglethorpe and a group of 114 colonists arrived in Georgia in 1733, starting the city of Savannah. The young colony would eventually grow into the Peach State. Scholars to this day are working to piece together the legacy of James Oglethorpe, one of the most interesting individuals of early eighteenth century America.
As the founder of Georgia, Oglethorpe has been commemorated in a number of ways, with counties and an entire university being named in his memory. There are several statues and busts of Oglethorpe across Georgia, including this one in the state capitol. It was commissioned by Eric Underwood of London for the State of Georgia, and was carved by Felix Weihs. It serves as a constant reminder to all Georgians who visit the capitol of the noble spirit that helped to found our state.
