What was the initial settlement established by James Oglethorpe?

James Oglethorpe established Savannah as the initial settlement of the Georgia colony in 1733. Savannah was chosen due to its strategic location on the Savannah River, which provided a means for trade and access to the Atlantic Ocean. Oglethorpe envisioned Savannah as a planned city that would provide a fresh start for debtors and the poor from England, embodying the ideals of tolerance and community. The layout of the city included a grid pattern with public squares, which was innovative for urban planning at that time. Savannah's establishment marked the beginning of the colony of Georgia, which was founded as a place where individuals could pursue economic freedoms and escape the harsh conditions of debtors' prisons in England. This historical context highlights why Savannah holds such significance in Georgia's history, distinguishing it from other cities mentioned in the options.