Savannah in the American Revolution
Historical marker location:1765: The Stamp Act is passed by the British Parliament, imposing a tax on American colonists for various printed materials. This sparks widespread protests and resistance among the colonists.
1770: The Boston Massacre occurs when British soldiers fire on a crowd of American colonists in Boston, resulting in the death of five colonists. The event further escalates tensions between the colonists and British authorities.
1773: The Boston Tea Party takes place as colonists, disguised as Native Americans, dump tea from British East India Company ships into Boston Harbor in protest against the Tea Act.
1774: The First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies gather to discuss grievances against British policies and plan a united response.
1775: The Battles of Lexington and Concord mark the beginning of armed conflict between British troops and American colonial militia. The "shot heard 'round the world" ignites the Revolutionary War.
1776: On July 4, the Second Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson. The document asserts the colonies' independence from Britain and outlines the principles of individual rights and self-government.
1777: The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga in New York proves to be a turning point in the war. It convinces the French to openly support the American cause and enter the war as allies.
1778: The Treaty of Alliance is signed between the United States and France, formalizing their military alliance. France provides crucial support to the American forces, including troops, naval assistance, and financial aid.
1781: The Siege of Yorktown takes place in Virginia, where combined American and French forces, led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, successfully trap British General Cornwallis and his troops. Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, effectively ending major hostilities in the Revolutionary War.
1783: The Treaty of Paris is signed, formally ending the American Revolutionary War. Great Britain recognizes the independence of the United States and establishes its boundaries. The treaty also grants fishing rights to American fishermen in the waters off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
1787: The Constitutional Convention convenes in Philadelphia to draft a new constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation, which proved ineffective in governing the newly independent nation.
1788: The United States Constitution is ratified by the required number of states and goes into effect. It establishes a strong federal government with separate branches and a system of checks and balances.
1789: George Washington is inaugurated as the first President of the United States, and the new federal government is established in New York City.
This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the American Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous other battles, diplomatic negotiations, and developments that occurred during this period.
The largest land battle of the Civil War, the Battle of Chickamauga, took place in Georgia in 1863. Over 34,000 Union and Confederate soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing in the battle.
During the American Revolution, Chatham County played a significant role in the fight for independence, with the Battle of Savannah being a major conflict. British forces occupied the area, but were ultimately repelled by the American Revolutionary forces. The county continued to grow and develop in the following decades, becoming a major center of trade and commerce in the region due to its strategic location and access to the Savannah River.
In the 19th century, Chatham County saw a boom in industrial development, particularly in the fields of cotton production and shipping. Plantations were established, and slavery became a crucial part of the county's economy. The county also experienced the impact of the Civil War, with Union forces capturing Savannah in 1864 and effectively ending Confederate control in the region.
In the 20th century, Chatham County continued to evolve with significant advancements in infrastructure and technology. The establishment of Fort Stewart in the early 1940s brought a military presence to the county, which further stimulated economic growth. Today, Chatham County is a diverse and thriving area known for its historic charm, vibrant culture, and its contributions to Georgia's economy as a leading tourist destination and major transportation hub.
Chatham County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chatham County, Georgia.
- 1732: Chatham County is established as one of the original counties of the Province of Georgia.
- 1758: Savannah, the largest city in the county, is incorporated.
- 1779: During the American Revolutionary War, British forces capture Savannah.
- 1790: Chatham County's population reaches over 8,000.
- 1820: The First African Baptist Church is established in Savannah, becoming one of the first African-American churches in North America.
- 1850: Chatham County's population grows to over 20,000.
- 1864: Union forces capture Savannah during the American Civil War's "March to the Sea."
- 1909: The Georgia State Railroad Museum opens in Savannah.
- 1966: Chatham County becomes the first county in Georgia to adopt a consolidated city-county government system.
- 1996: The Savannah College of Art and Design Museum of Art opens, becoming the largest university art museum in the country.
- 2005: Hurricane Katrina causes significant damage to the county's coastal areas.