First Families of Georgia 1733–1797: Honoring the Founders of the Thirteenth Colony

Georgia, the last of the original thirteen colonies, was founded in 1733 under the leadership of General James Edward Oglethorpe. Established as a philanthropic and strategic colony under the Trustees for Establishing the Colony of Georgia in America, it was intended as both a haven for worthy poor debtors and a military buffer between South Carolina and Spanish Florida.

The designation “First Families of Georgia 1733–1797” refers to the descendants of those early settlers who lived in Georgia from its founding in 1733 through the end of the 18th century, encompassing the colonial, Revolutionary, and early statehood periods.

Lineage organizations centered on Georgia’s founding families seek to preserve the memory, records, and contributions of these early residents who shaped the colony’s development.

The Trustee Period (1733–1752)

Georgia’s earliest years are often called the Trustee Period, when the colony was governed by a board of trustees in London. During this time:

Slavery was initially prohibited (until 1751)
Land ownership was restricted and tightly regulated
The colony emphasized small farms and defensive settlements
Religious tolerance was broadly practiced

Early settlements included Savannah, Frederica, Ebenezer, and Augusta, populated by English settlers as well as Salzburgers, Highland Scots, Jews, and other European immigrants.

Families who established roots during this period laid the foundations for Georgia’s civic institutions, agriculture, trade, and defense.

Royal Colony and Revolution (1752–1783)

In 1752, Georgia transitioned from trustee governance to a royal colony. Restrictions on land ownership and slavery were lifted, leading to expanded agricultural development.

During the American Revolution, Georgia was a contested and divided colony. Many early families participated in:

Patriot militia service
Provincial Congress leadership
Revolutionary-era civil administration
Economic support of the Patriot cause

Others remained Loyalists, highlighting the complex allegiances within early Georgia society.

The period culminating in 1797 captures not only colonial settlers but also those who guided Georgia into statehood after independence.

Why 1797?

The year 1797 is often used as a genealogical cut-off because it marks the close of Georgia’s earliest formative generation. By that time:

The Revolutionary War generation had largely assumed leadership
Georgia had adopted its state constitution
County formations and record-keeping were more established
The frontier was rapidly expanding inland

Limiting eligibility to ancestors who lived in Georgia between 1733 and 1797 ensures the focus remains on the colony’s founding families rather than later 19th-century migration waves.

Notable Early Georgia Families

Many prominent Georgia surnames trace their roots to the colony’s earliest years, including families associated with:

The Salzburg settlement at Ebenezer
The Highland Scots community of Darien
Savannah’s founding English colonists
Revolutionary-era leadership and militia units

Descendants of these families often participate in multiple lineage organizations reflecting colonial, Revolutionary, and regional heritage.

Joining the First Families of Georgia 1733-1797

Regular life membership in First Families of Georgia, 1733-1797, is based upon direct lineal descent from one or more of the men and women who resided in the colony now known as the state of Georgia during the period 1733 through 1797. Collateral descent is not acceptable. Membership is by invitation only.

The Importance of Preservation

The story of Georgia’s first families reflects a unique blend of philanthropy, military strategy, immigration, religious diversity, and frontier resilience. Preserving their genealogies ensures that:

Early land and church records are not forgotten
Revolutionary contributions are properly documented
Descendants maintain a tangible connection to colonial America

As America approaches the 250th anniversary of independence, renewed attention to Georgia’s founding generation underscores the importance of preserving accurate and documented lineage.