Jewish and Salzburger Settlers in Georgia

Study Notes

Jewish settlers arrived in Georgia in 1733, facing harsh conditions and illness.
Despite the Trustees' anti-Semitism, Oglethorpe allowed them to settle.
Dr. Samuel Nunez, a Jewish physician, saved many lives, highlighting the importance of their skills.
Oglethorpe granted land to 14 Jewish men, recognizing their value as farmers, soldiers, and tradesmen.
They established Congregation Mickve Israel, with their synagogue still standing today.
Abraham De Lyon, a skilled grape-grower and winemaker, contributed to Georgia's agricultural development.
Benjamin Sheftall, a Jewish lieutenant, served under Oglethorpe and played a crucial role in the militia.
Jewish settlers became successful planters, store owners, tavern keepers, and shipping merchants, contributing to the colony's economy.

Salzburgers, German-speaking Protestants, fled religious persecution in Germany and settled in Georgia.
Their initial settlement lacked access to the Savannah River, leading to health issues like malaria.
They established Ebenezer, which initially struggled but eventually thrived with dairy, grain, and beef production.
The Salzburgers' spiritual leader, Johann Martin Boltzius, established an orphanage that became a model for others.
John Adam Treutlen, raised in the Salzburgers' orphanage, became Georgia's first elected governor.
Some Salzburgers also settled at Frederica, a southern defensive post, and contributed to defending Georgia from Spanish forces.

Highland Scots were known for their military prowess and outnumbered other immigrant groups in the colonies during the 18th century.
They established the town of Darien along the Altamaha River, providing a company of infantry for Fort Frederica.
Their cultural practices, including clan leadership and Gaelic language, persisted for several years.
They defended Georgia against Spanish forces and also made significant economic contributions.
Darien became a successful settlement due to their hard work and agricultural skills.
They adapted to the unsuitable soil and focused on timber production and cattle raising.
Scots played important roles in the politics, economy, and military of colonial Georgia.

A group of "malcontents" (mostly Lowland Scots), demanded the lifting of the ban on slavery due to economic hardship.
They were opposed by the Trustees' supporters, including the Salzburgers and Highland Scots.
The Malcontents argued that their success stories were due to financial support from the Trustees.
Rice planters from South Carolina saw an opportunity to expand their influence and illegally introduced slaves into Georgia.
The argument for introducing slavery eventually prevailed, and the institution was legalized in 1751.
The legalization of slavery opened Georgia to merchants, speculators, and planters and led to a more traditional British colonial system.
Most slaves arrived from the West Indies or South Carolina, with direct links to Africa established later.
This decision significantly impacted Georgia's development, bringing both economic growth and social injustices.