Portrait of General James Edward Oglethorpe, Founder of Georgia
Builders of a City
Savannah's rich history is inseparable from the visionary leaders, brave soldiers, and dedicated public servants who helped establish and shape this remarkable city. From James Oglethorpe's revolutionary urban planning to the Revolutionary War heroes who fought for independence, these figures left an indelible mark on Savannah's character.
Many of Savannah's historic squares bear the names of these influential figures, serving as permanent reminders of their contributions to the city's development and the broader story of American independence.
Founder of Georgia
General James Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia in 1733 and designed Savannah's unique city plan with its distinctive squares. His vision created one of America's most beautiful and functional urban layouts, establishing Savannah as a planned city that would serve as a model for urban development.
Key Achievements
Founded the Georgia Colony in 1733
Designed Savannah's revolutionary city plan
Established the square system still used today
Sir Robert Johnson served as the colonial governor of South Carolina and was a close friend and supporter of James Oglethorpe. Johnson Square, the first and largest square in Savannah, was named in his honor for his assistance in establishing the Georgia colony.
Key Achievements
Governor of South Carolina (1717-1719, 1729-1735)
Supported Oglethorpe's Georgia colony
Helped secure funding for the new settlement
Creek-English Interpreter
Mary Musgrove, daughter of an English trader and Creek woman, served as the crucial interpreter between James Oglethorpe and Chief Tomochichi. Her linguistic abilities and cultural understanding made the peaceful founding of Savannah possible.
Key Achievements
Interpreted between Oglethorpe and Tomochichi at first meeting
Facilitated peaceful establishment of Savannah
Operated trading post connecting English and Creek communities
William Bull was a skilled surveyor and close friend of James Oglethorpe who provided valuable assistance during the establishment of the Georgia colony. His expertise in mapping and colonial administration proved invaluable to Savannah's development.
Key Achievements
Skilled colonial surveyor and land planner
Close friend and advisor to James Oglethorpe
Supported the establishment of Georgia colony
Declaration of Independence Signer
Declaration of Independence Signer
Button Gwinnett was one of three Georgia signers of the Declaration of Independence and a key figure in Georgia's early Revolutionary government. Born in England, he emigrated to Georgia in 1765 and became a merchant, planter, and politician. His political career was cut short when he died from wounds received in a duel with General Lachlan McIntosh in 1777.
Key Achievements
One of three Georgia signers of the Declaration of Independence
President of Georgia's Revolutionary Council of Safety
Key drafter of Georgia's first state constitution (1777)
Colonial Governor and Explorer
Henry Ellis was an Irish explorer, author, and colonial administrator who served as the second Royal Governor of Georgia from 1758 to 1760. A Renaissance man who combined Arctic exploration with effective colonial governance, Ellis established crucial treaties with Creek Indians and conducted scientific research on Georgia's climate.
Key Achievements
Arctic explorer and Royal Society member
Second Royal Governor of Georgia (1758-1760)
Established peaceful treaties with Creek Indians
Nathanael Greene was one of George Washington's most trusted generals and the successful commander of the Southern Theater during the Revolutionary War. Known as 'The Fighting Quaker,' he liberated Georgia from British control and is buried in Johnson Square.
Key Achievements
One of George Washington's most trusted generals
Commander of the Southern Theater (1780-1783)
Developed innovative guerrilla warfare strategies
Reverend John Wesley, founder of the Methodist denomination, served as a missionary in colonial Georgia from 1736 to 1737. Though his time in Savannah was brief, Wesley established America's first Sunday school and left a lasting impact on the colony's religious development.
Key Achievements
Founded the Methodist denomination
Established America's first Sunday school (1736)
Served as Anglican missionary in Savannah
Captain John Reynolds was Georgia's first Royal Governor, serving from 1754 to 1757. He established the colonial government structure and the House of Assembly in what is now Reynolds Square, marking Georgia's transition from trustee to royal colony.
Key Achievements
First Royal Governor of Georgia (1754-1757)
Established Georgia's royal government structure
Created the House of Assembly in Reynolds Square
Born in London in 1716, James Wright was the son of the Lord Chief Justice of England and served as Georgia's third and final royal governor from 1760 to 1782. He became known as the most popular governor of the three and worked to settle Georgia's frontier while playing a key role in land cessions from surrounding Native American tribes.
Key Achievements
Third and final Royal Governor of Georgia (1760-1782)
Most popular of Georgia's three royal governors
Enforced the 1765 Stamp Act successfully
George Whitfield was different from most preachers. In an era long before television or radio were invented, the Reverend George Whitfield preached to millions of souls on two continents, sparked the Great Awakening and became known as the 'marvel of the age.' In a sense, he was America's first celebrity and for a time Savannah was his home.
Key Achievements
Preached 18,000 sermons to over 10 million people
Sparked the Great Awakening religious revival
Founded Bethesda Orphanage in 1740
History remembers him as the Father of American Church Music. A deeply religious man, Lowell Mason made a profound impact on sacred music and music education in the United States. His contributions to Savannah in the early 19th century will never be forgotten.
Key Achievements
Published 'The Handel and Haydn Society's Collection of Church Music' (1822)
Created first Sunday school music collection 'The Juvenile Psalmist'
Co-founded Boston Academy of Music (1833)
Physician & Revolutionary Leader
Physician & Revolutionary Leader
Noble Wimberly Jones was an American physician and statesman of Savannah who arrived with the earliest settlers in 1733. He served under General Oglethorpe, became a wealthy rice planter, and played a crucial role in Georgia's transition from colony to state during the American Revolution.
Key Achievements
One of Savannah's first settlers, arriving in 1733
Self-taught physician following his father's profession
Served under General James Edward Oglethorpe in colonial militia
Casimir Pulaski was a Polish descendant who fought for freedom in his home country of Poland, as well as the United States. He's a well remembered soldier and military commander who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for American liberty at the siege of Savannah.
Key Achievements
Formed his own multinational legion in 1778
Successfully defended Charleston, South Carolina
Served alongside George Washington as chief of cavalry
George Michael Troup served as the 32nd Governor of Georgia for two terms (1823-1827) and was known as 'the Hercules of states' rights.' A fierce advocate for state sovereignty, he also served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and negotiated the controversial Treaty of Indian Springs.
Key Achievements
32nd Governor of Georgia (1823-1827)
Served in U.S. House of Representatives (1807-1815)
Served two terms in U.S. Senate
Governor & U.S. Secretary of State
Regarded as one of the most accomplished statesmen in Georgia's history, John Forsyth made a great impact on the state throughout his life. From graduating Princeton University at age 19 to serving as U.S. Secretary of State under two presidents, his career encompassed law, diplomacy, and governance.
Key Achievements
Graduated Princeton University at age 19 (1799)
Attorney General for the state of Georgia (1808)
U.S. House of Representatives (1813-1818)
Architect
Charles B. Cluskey is known as an antebellum architect in the United States. Born in Ireland in 1808, he immigrated to America in 1827 and settled in Savannah in 1829. Known as the creator of the Greek Revival architectural style, Cluskey positively impacted the architectural scene in Savannah and influenced countless architects throughout the South.
Key Achievements
Trained at Town and Davis, first official U.S. architectural firm
Designed Savannah's City Hall in Greek Revival style
Created the Governor's Mansion at Oglethorpe University (1840)
John S. Norris
1804-?
Architect
John Norris, a New York City native, was a self-taught architect who worked his way up from mason to master architect. During his fourteen years in Savannah, he designed some of the city's most significant buildings, including the famous Mercer-Williams House and the Savannah Custom House.
Key Achievements
Self-taught progression from mason to architect
Won design competition for Savannah Custom House (1852)
Designed the famous Mercer-Williams House on Monterey Square
Juliette Gordon Low, known as 'Daisy' to her family, founded the Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912. Born in Savannah's Wayne-Gordon House, she revolutionized opportunities for young girls in America and created an organization that continues to empower millions of girls worldwide with confidence, character, and compassion.
Key Achievements
Founded Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912
Established America's first Girl Scout meeting in Savannah
Created organization empowering millions of young girls
Landscape Architect
Frederick Law Olmsted was born in 1822, and is regarded as the founder of landscape architecture in America. From his early setback of missing Yale due to sumac poisoning to becoming the designer of Central Park and Forsyth Park, his 30+ year career transformed American public spaces.
Key Achievements
Designed Central Park in New York City with Calvert Vaux
Created the U.S. Capitol grounds in Washington D.C. (1873)
Designed Forsyth Park in Savannah with French-inspired beauty
Landscape Architect
Clermont Huger Lee was a Savannah-born landscape architect of the 20th century, responsible for the revival and restoration of many historical gardens in Savannah. Her meticulous attention to detail helped Savannah become the picturesque tourist attraction that it is today.
Key Achievements
First female professional landscape architect in Georgia
Restored historic gardens at Owens-Thomas House
Designed landscapes for Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
Born in Savannah in 1909, Johnny Mercer became one of America's most celebrated lyricists and songwriters. From his early years singing in church choirs to writing over 1,500 songs including 'Moon River' and 'Days of Wine and Roses,' Mercer brought Savannah's musical soul to the world stage.
Key Achievements
Wrote over 1,500 songs including 'Moon River' and 'Lazybones'
Co-founded Capitol Records in Hollywood, California
Won multiple Grammy Awards for songwriting excellence
For a man who wasn't born in Savannah, John Berendt certainly has an unusually close bond with our city. His masterpiece 'Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil' stayed atop the New York Times Best Seller List for four years and transformed Savannah into a must-visit literary destination.
Key Achievements
Wrote 'Midnight in the Garden of Good & Evil' (1994)
Held New York Times bestseller record for 4 years
Former editor of New York Magazine (1977-1979)
Paula Deen is an American celebrity chef and entrepreneur, a native Savannahian from humble beginnings. From an impoverished single mother with $200 to becoming the face of southern cuisine and comfort food, Paula's career has been an enormous success and inspiration to many.
Key Achievements
Built restaurant empire starting with 'The Bag Lady' catering service
Published bestselling cookbook 'The Lady & Sons Savannah Country Cooking' (1997)
Hosted Food Network shows including 'Paula's Home Cooking' (2003-2013)
Visit the historic squares and sites where these remarkable figures left their mark on Savannah. Each location tells a story of vision, courage, and dedication that shaped our city.