James Oglethorpe, an English philanthropist and soldier, founded the colony of Georgia in the early 1730s, intending to create a new settlement for English debtors and the impoverished. His vision was to establish a land where the less fortunate could start anew, away from the oppressive conditions of English prisons. Oglethorpe received a charter from King George II, which allowed for the establishment of Georgia as the last of the Thirteen Colonies. The new colony served not only as a haven for debtors but also as a strategic buffer between the British colonies in South Carolina and Spanish-held Florida.

The settlement of Savannah was laid out in 1733, designed by Oglethorpe himself. Notably, Savannah was one of the first planned cities in the United States, featuring a unique grid pattern that included green spaces known as squares, reflecting Oglethorpe's ideals about public health and community. The colony quickly attracted settlers, including various religious groups fleeing persecution, and welcomed a mix of European immigrants. The indigenous populations in the area were also part of Oglethorpe’s plans, as he aimed for peaceful relations with the Native Americans to ensure stability in the new colony.

In addition to being a refuge for the poor, the founding of Georgia was significant in the broader context of colonial expansion and geopolitical maneuvering. The establishment of the colony represented a pragmatic approach to colonial management, emphasizing economic development through agriculture and trade while enhancing the security of the southern frontier. The early settlers in Georgia faced numerous challenges, including conflicts with Native American tribes, harsh environmental conditions, and resource scarcity, yet their resilience laid the groundwork for the colony's future growth.