Georgia Historical Society

The Highland Scots

 
Scottish immigrants to the colonies in the eighteenth century outnumbered all others (the Germans were second), and of the Lowland, Highland and Ulster Scots, the Highlanders had the reputation of being the best soldiers. Oglethorpe and the Highlanders established the town of Darien along the Altamaha River and the settlement provided a company of infantry to Ft. Frederica on St. Simon's Island. 

 

John Mohr McIntosh Letter, MS 1029.

 

 

The Darien Scots maintained many of their cultural practices including their reliance on clan leaders, the Gaelic language, and their plaid attire for several years (many continue to celebrate their heritage), and although the Highlanders served Oglethorpe well in defending against the Spanish, some of their most important contributions to the new colony were economic due in large part to the retention and adaptation of the ways of their homeland. Hard work and agricultural experience combined to make Darien a successful settlement. When the Highlanders found most of the soil unsuitable for crop growing, they quickly adapted themselves to timber production and cattle raising. The timber industry in Darien continued to be a staple in the local economy for over 150 years.
 
Eventually distinctions between Scottish immigrants disappeared as they arrived from all areas of Scotland, and Scots as a whole played important roles in the politics, economics, and military of colonial Georgia. Their influence as merchants and planters grew most during the royal period of the colony, the success of which stemmed from accepting the fact that Georgia's economy could not compete with its northern neighbor, South Carolina, without the use of slaves.
 
Teaching Tips

1. Discuss the meaning and types of push and pull factors that encouraged large migrations from Europe to America in the 18th century. What did Georgia offer that enticed Jews, Germans, Scots, and others?
2. Compare and contrast the original town plans for Savannah, Frederica, and Ebenezer. Discuss the importance of defense, water transportation, and a sense of order. Here are some links to help:

http://www.cviog.uga.edu/Projects/gainfo/frederica1.htm (Frederica)
http://www.georgiahistory.com/exhibit.htm#Establishment%20of%

20the%20Colony%20of%20Georgia (Ebenezer)
http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-2547

(Savannah)

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