Georgia, the last of the thirteen colonies to be founded, was established in an unusual way. James Oglethorpe, a member of Parliament and a great social reformer, was deeply disturbed by the widespread unemployment in England in the 1730's. Under his direction, a charter to establish the new colony was obtained from the king, and money was raised to send members of the "worthy poor" to settle the land. Those chosen were impoverished people who were not guilty of any serious crime.

The Georgia Colony tells the story of how these settlers dealt with the problems of starting a new life in a strange, wild territory. They built towns and farms, traded with the friendly Yamacraw and Creek Indians, and fought many bloody battles with the Spanish in Florida and their Indian allies.

As they conquered the difficulties of their new home, the colonists grew into a self-reliant, self-governing people ready to throw off the domination of England. By 1776 most Georgians were fervent supporters of the movement for independence and enthusiastically celebrated the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

From the dust jacket