Oglethorpe was a wealthy, intellectual member of England's Parliament.
He felt strongly about the terrible conditions of those living in debtors prisons in England.
He became particularly interested in the cause when his friend, Robert Castell, died from illness in a debtor's prison.
The idea of creating a new colony was appealing to him so that he could help Britain's poor, or worthy poor.
He began planning the new colony in 1720, but would not propose the idea to the king until 1730.
King George II was the king at the time, and agreed to grant the charter so long as the new colony served other purposes as well.
The colony was to be name Georgia, in honor of the king.

	Created by Sydney Jones over 5 years ago

8th grade US History Note on Georgia's Founding and Colonial, created by Sydney Jones on 14/09/2018.