Georgia Historical Society

Savannah: Colonial Capital and

Birthplace of Representative Government in Georgia

February 25, 2008

1:45 P.M.

Reynolds Square, Savannah

Abercorn Street at Congress Street 

Join us for the dedication this historical marker highlighting the significance of the city of Savannah in the development of Georgia's state government.  This marker is part of an initiative, sponsored by the Office of the Secretary of State, to mark the colonial capitals of Georgia.  Secretary of State Karen Handel is scheduled to attend. 

The marker text will read as follows:

In March 1750, the Georgia Trustees in London resolved to allow colonists to elect a representative assembly to meet in Savannah, Georgia's colonial capital. Sixteen delegates met on January 15, 1751, for a twenty-four-day session. Representative government continued in 1755 in the Commons House of Assembly, which by 1770 began meeting in a building on the southeast trust lot of Reynolds Square. In 1777, the new state constitution provided for an elected House of Assembly. The Georgia constitution of 1789 expanded the legislature to two houses, known and the General Assembly.

Erected by the Georgia Historical Society and the Office of the Secretary of State

Free and Open to the Public