Savannah, Ga (aug 27, 1754 – jan 1, 1786)

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Savannah was the first ever capital city in Georgia. The city was mainly chose because of it’s placement in the state, as it’s directly on the coast, which was important at the time as a port city. The city was founded by James Ogelthorpe in 1733, and was established on the Savannah River giving the city easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. This was major to the state for military defense, trade, and communications with other colonies at the time.

Savannah was not just seen as another port town however, the city already had major political and cultural development because of the British. The city housed its colonies first legislative body and the first government organization. Savannah was a core part for Georgia’s commerce with many goods coming in at the port. The city was also a central spot for interaction with the local native american tribes of Georgia. The city also already had a major naval base at the time, Fort Pitt, making it significant for protection during war.

Savannah had many important people live there while it was the capital city. One of the most important being Lyman Hall who signed the Declaration of Independence as the representative of Georgia. The city also had many important events like the Revolutionary War and the Siege of Savannah. Savannah’s selection for the first capital city of Georgia was well thought out because of it’s rapid growth and protection which was essential for the state’s development.

Sources:
Wilkins, Barratt. “A View of Savannah on the Eve of the Revolution.” The Georgia Historical Quarterly 54, no. 4 (1970): 577–84. http://www.jstor.org/stable/40579247.

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