James Oglethorpe was not a Salzburger; he was an Englishman and the founder of the Georgia colony. The Salzburgers were German-speaking Protestant refugees from the Catholic Archbishopric of Salzburg (now in present-day Austria) who immigrated to the Georgia Colony in 1734 to escape religious persecution.
James Oglethorpe’s Role in Assisting the Salzburgers
Upon their arrival in Savannah on March 12, 1734, the Salzburgers were met by James Oglethorpe, who assigned them a settlement area about twenty-five miles upriver on Ebenezer Creek. Oglethorpe permitted Jews, Lutheran Salzburgers, and other persecuted religious minorities to settle in Georgia.
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The Salzburgers’ Settlement in Georgia
Under the leadership of pastors Johann Martin Boltzius and Israel Gronau, about 300 Salzburgers accepted the invitation to settle in Georgia. They established the town of Ebenezer, where they built the Jerusalem Church and administered the settlement with a strong religious element.
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FAQ
- Who were the Salzburgers?
The Salzburgers were German-speaking Protestant refugees from the Catholic Archbishopric of Salzburg who immigrated to the Georgia Colony in 1734 to escape religious persecution. - What role did James Oglethorpe play in the Salzburgers’ settlement?
James Oglethorpe, the founder of the Georgia colony, welcomed the Salzburgers upon their arrival and assigned them land to establish their settlement. - Where did the Salzburgers establish their settlement in Georgia?
The Salzburgers established the town of Ebenezer, located about twenty-five miles upriver from Savannah on Ebenezer Creek. - What was the Salzburgers’ contribution to the Georgia colony?
The Salzburgers were known for their industriousness and strong religious faith. They established successful agricultural practices, built mills, and contributed to the colony’s economic and cultural development. - Is the Jerusalem Church built by the Salzburgers still standing?
Yes, the Jerusalem Church, established by the Salzburgers in Ebenezer, is still standing and is one of the oldest churches in the United States.
In summary, while James Oglethorpe was not a Salzburger himself, he played a crucial role in facilitating their settlement in Georgia, reflecting his commitment to religious freedom and the growth of the colony.
