Who was the founder of Georgia?

The founder of Georgia is James Oglethorpe, who established the colony in 1733. He envisioned Georgia as a place for debtors and the poor to start anew, providing a fresh start for those who were struggling in England. Oglethorpe aimed to create a society where those in debt could find opportunity and redeem themselves rather than remaining imprisoned due to financial struggles.

He was particularly concerned about social reforms and believed that in addition to providing a new home for these individuals, Georgia could serve as a buffer zone between the more established colonies and Spanish Florida. His leadership and principles set the stage for the colony's early government and development. This vision is a critical part of Georgia's origins, emphasizing humanitarian ideals and a strategic military purpose.

This context highlights why Oglethorpe is recognized as the founder of Georgia, distinguishing his role from others such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, or John Smith, who were pivotal figures in American history but did not have a direct role in the establishment of the Georgia colony.