During the trustee period, what was the number of trustees that led Georgia?

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By Kristy Tolley

The trustee period was a significant era in Georgia’s early history when the colony was ruled by a group of trustees appointed by King George II in 1732. The trustees’ main objective was to establish a colony that would serve as a buffer between Spanish Florida and the English colonies to the north. This article explores the number of trustees that led Georgia during the trustee period, their policies, the role they played in the colony’s development, and the criticisms that the period received.

The beginning of the trustee period

The trustee period began in 1732 when James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, and twenty other trustees were granted a royal charter to establish a colony in America. The trustees were appointed to govern the colony for a period of twenty-one years, during which they were responsible for its administration. The trustees were not allowed to own land in Georgia or to benefit financially from their positions, which was a significant departure from the norm in other colonies.

The first trustees of Georgia

The original twenty-one trustees included prominent figures such as James Oglethorpe, Thomas Tower, Robert More, Edward Digby, and John Burton. These trustees were responsible for making decisions regarding the colony, such as choosing the location of the settlement, recruiting settlers, and establishing the colony’s laws.

Changes in the number of trustees

During the trustee period, the number of trustees overseeing the colony varied. While there were initially twenty-one, some trustees resigned or passed away, and new ones were appointed to take their place. At its peak, the number of trustees reached ninety-two, but this number gradually decreased towards the end of the period.

The role of the trustees in Georgia

The trustees played a critical role in the development of Georgia. They were responsible for recruiting settlers, providing them with land, and establishing the colony’s laws. The trustees also oversaw the development of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings. They were instrumental in establishing the first schools in Georgia and promoting religious tolerance.

The relationship between trustees and colonists

The relationship between the trustees and the colonists was complex. While the trustees had the best interests of the colony at heart, they often made decisions that were unpopular with the colonists. For example, the trustees’ ban on slavery was a significant point of contention between them and the colonists, who believed that slavery was necessary for the colony’s economic success.

The trustees’ policies in Georgia

The trustees implemented a range of policies in Georgia aimed at promoting the colony’s growth and development. These policies included bans on slavery and the importation of rum and brandy. The trustees also encouraged the cultivation of silk and wine in Georgia, which they believed would be profitable industries for the colony.

Criticisms of the trustee period

The trustee period was not without its critics. Some colonists believed that the trustees’ policies were too strict, while others believed that the trustees were not doing enough to promote the colony’s growth. There were also concerns about the trustees’ lack of accountability and the restrictions placed on individual freedoms.

The end of the trustee period

The trustee period officially ended in 1752, after which Georgia became a royal colony. The transition was relatively smooth, and many of the trustees’ policies remained in place. The ban on slavery was lifted, and Georgia became a slave society like its neighboring colonies.

The legacy of the trustee period

The trustee period left a lasting legacy on Georgia’s early history. The trustees’ policies and decisions shaped the colony’s development and set it on a path towards becoming the state we know today. The period also highlighted the tensions that existed between individual freedoms and the need for collective responsibility in the early colonies.

Conclusion

The trustee period was a critical era in Georgia’s early history. The trustees played an essential role in establishing the colony and implementing policies aimed at its growth and development. While the period was not without its critics, its legacy is still felt today in Georgia’s unique history and culture.

References

  • Roper, L. B. (2007). The Trustee Period in Georgia, 1732-1752. University of Georgia Press.
  • Wright, R. K. (1977). The Trustees, Economic Development, and the Legacy of Slavery in Georgia, 1732-1752. Civil War History, 23(1), 5-19.
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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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