The Trustee Period of Georgia, which lasted from 1732 to 1752, was a significant time in the colony’s history. During this period, the Trustees implemented several key policies and achieved notable milestones that shaped the future of Georgia.
1. Establishment of the Colony
The Trustees successfully established the colony of Georgia as a place for debtors and the poor to start anew. They aimed to create a utopian society based on principles of equality and hard work.
2. Prohibition of Slavery
One of the most notable achievements was the prohibition of slavery. The Trustees believed that slavery would undermine the colony’s social and economic goals. This policy set Georgia apart from other colonies in the Americas.
3. Land Ownership Policies
The Trustees implemented land ownership policies that limited the amount of land an individual could own. This was intended to prevent the concentration of wealth and promote a more equitable society.
4. Promotion of Agriculture
The Trustees encouraged the cultivation of crops such as silk, wine, and indigo. They hoped that these crops would become profitable exports and help the colony become self-sufficient.
5. Establishment of Savannah
The Trustees founded the city of Savannah, which became the colony’s first and most important settlement. Savannah was designed with a unique grid pattern that included public squares, which became a model for future urban planning.
6. Defense Against Spanish Threats
The Trustees played a crucial role in defending the colony against Spanish threats from Florida. They established a militia and built fortifications to protect the colony’s borders.
These achievements during the Trustee Period laid the foundation for Georgia’s development and had a lasting impact on its history.