The Beginning

The geography of Georgia is probably the most important factor in Augusta's location. The Savannah River, originating from the streams and tributaries in the mountainous northern regions of Georgia and South Carolina, winds it's way Southeastward and feeds into the Atlantic at the seaport city of Savannah Georgia. In doing so, it forms a 218 mile natural border between Georgia and neighboring South Carolina.

It is at the fall line, created at the point where the rocky edge of the Appalachian plateau erodes into the Atlantic coastal plains, that the Savannah River takes it's last tumble, and then continues in a smooth uninterrupted flow to the Atlantic.

It was this ridge of rock that served as a river crossing for the trade routes and trails of the territory's native Americans. Perhaps it was inevitable that this become the point of convergence between the European settlers traveling up the river from Savannah and the thriving fur trade of the back country.

In 1735, two years after British General James Edward Oglethorpe founded the colony of Georgia at Savannah, he sent a detachment of troops up the river. Oglethorpe ordered a town be built at the head of navigation under the direction of Nobel Jones. The new settlement was to provide a first line of defense against the French and Spanish, and to provide access to the lucrative fur trading routes. Oglethorpe named the town in the honor of Princess Augusta (pictured right), the wife of Fredrick, Prince of Wales.

The town was laid out on the flatlands of the riverbank, just east of the rolling sand hills that would eventually become known as "Summerville." In the summer months, the hot damp air and mosquitoes along the riverbank caused the townspeople to migrate to the heights above town, escaping diseases associated with hot conditions around the riverbank.

Here the townspeople co-existed (although not always peacefully) with the surrounding native American tribes of the Creek and Cherokee.

In 1739 construction began on a road to connect the seaport city of Savannah to Augusta. This made it possible for travelers on horseback to reach Augusta much faster than by boat, which had to be rowed upstream against the Savannah's powerful current.

Construction on St. Paul's, the first church in Augusta, began in 1750. The church was built in the shadows of Fort Augusta for protection and received it's first pastor, the Rev. Jonathan Copp.

In 1777, under Georgia's new constitution, a new political structure was laid out and called for counties to replace the existing parishes. The Saint Paul's parish was replaced by Richmond County, named for the Duke of Richmond and Augusta became the county seat.

Provided by: Augusta Metropolitan Convention & Visitors Bureau