James Oglethorpe
James Oglethorpe was a British general, philanthropist, and founder of the colony of Georgia in America. He launched a national campaign to reform England's prisons after witnessing the horrible conditions faced by prisoners.
Explorer
December 22, 1696
June 30, 1785
88
James Oglethorpe, a British army officer and philanthropist, founded the American state of Georgia in 1733. He aimed to create a colony where English debtors could begin anew, free from the confines of debtors’ prisons in England. Oglethorpe played a crucial role in defending Georgia against the Spanish during the War of Jenkins’ Ear and was an advocate for prison reform in the British Parliament. He established the settlement of Savannah, Georgia, and fostered peaceful relations with neighboring Native American tribes.
In addition to his efforts in founding Georgia, Oglethorpe contributed significantly to the colony’s economy by implementing restrictions on slavery and promoting industries such as silk production. He was also a member of the Royal Society, being one of the first non-scientist members to be elected. Oglethorpe passed away on June 30/July 1, 1785, at Cranham Hall in Essex, England.
An intriguing aspect of James Oglethorpe’s life is that his interaction with a prisoner infected with smallpox in jail inspired him to initiate a nationwide campaign for prison reform in England.
