Who was the first Royal Governor of Georgia?

The first Royal Governor of Georgia was John Reynolds, who served from 1754 to 1756. Reynolds was appointed by the British crown after Georgia became a royal colony in 1752, shifting from a trustee-led governance to a system under direct royal control. His tenure marked the beginning of royal governance in Georgia after the initial period of settlement led by James Oglethorpe, who was the first founder and the colony’s first leader but not a royal governor.

Reynolds’ governance was significant as it introduced royal oversight into the colony, which led to changes in administration and policies aimed at improving relations with the Native American tribes and managing colonial affairs. Understanding the role of royal governors is crucial in studying the evolution of Georgia's political landscape during the colonial period, as it set the stage for future governance.