What colony was Georgia originally envisioned as a place for?

Georgia was originally envisioned as a place for convicts and the impoverished, which was a significant aspect of its founding. The colony was established in 1732 by James Oglethorpe, who sought to create a new type of colony that would provide a fresh start for those who were in debtor's prisons in England and for the poor. Oglethorpe and other founders believed that by relocating these individuals to Georgia, they could offer them a chance for rehabilitation and productive lives as farmers and laborers.

This vision was also tied to the larger goals of creating a buffer between the British colonies and Spanish Florida, as well as a place where the poor and downtrodden could become self-sufficient, contributing to the development of the colony while also reducing overcrowding in English prisons. The initial plans of the colony included restrictions on land ownership and slavery to encourage a focus on small-scale farming and community support among settlers, which directly aligned with the vision for the impoverished population. This unique foundation has shaped Georgia's identity and history, distinguishing it from other colonies that primarily catered to wealthy landowners, agricultural elites, or other established groups.