The Revolutionary War: People and Events in Georgia

Introduction

The Revolutionary War: People and Events in Georgia icon Georgia experienced many mixed feelings about the Revolutionary War. Many of the older population of Georgia had been born in England and stayed loyal to her during the Revolution. Other settlers who had migrated from Northern colonies, supported the Revolution and the battle for independence. In the winter of 1778, British troops moved inland from Georgia’s coast. The first major battle in the South took place in Savannah and fell to the British on December 29, 1778. One month later Augusta fell to the British.

Important Battles

Battle of Kettle Creek - During the Revolutionary War little fighting took place in Georgia. The Battle of Kettle Creek took place near Washington, Georgia. It is important to Georgia militia as it allowed them to capture weapons and horses from British soldiers and increased the morale of the militia. Georgia’s militia was led by Elijah Clarke and John Dooly. African Americans served in Georgia’s militia as well such as Austin Dabney, but Georgia did not allow slave enlistments.

Siege of Savannah - The second bloodiest battle in the American Revolution was led by American General Benjamin Lincoln and French fleet commanded by Count Charles Henri D’Estaing in an attempt to regain control of Savannah. Thousands of American and French soldiers were killed. Count Casmir Pulaski, a famous Polish soldier, led the Calvary. He died in action.

Famous Georgians

Austin Dabney - Patriot militia fighter in the Battle of Kettle Creek. A slave, who was freed to serve in his master’s place.

Nancy Morgan Hart - British soldiers demanded housing in her farm during the war. She secretly hid their weapons. Nancy killed one soldier, wounded another, and held the others at gunpoint until her husband arrived. It is said that she was also a spy for the Patriots and crossed the Savannah River on raft to seek information for the Patriots.

Lyman Hall - A minister and doctor he served on the Second Continental Congress and signed the Declaration of Independence. He became governor of Georgia in 1783. He focused on rebuilding the state’s economy and dealing with problems involving the Native Americans.

George Walton - A lawyer, who was the third Georgian to sign the Declaration of Independence (Button Gwinnett and Lyman Hall were the other two.) He served on in the military and was wounded in the Siege of Savannah. Later in life Walton served as a representative to Congress, chief justice of Georgia, Georgia governor, and United States Senator.

View the portraits of Famous Georgians and images of the important battles in the activity below.

Review

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Think About This

Georgia might not have seen numerous battles compared to other colonies, but they played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. Three delegates traveled to represent Georgia and our independence movement so that the voices of Georgians would be represented. After the Revolution concludes and the former colonies must decide on their future, Georgia will continue to be present in negotiations of our new government.

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