The map of Georgia in 1790 reflects the state's early development and territorial changes. During this period, Georgia was one of the original 13 colonies and had recently become the fourth state to join the United States, achieving statehood on January 2, 1788. The geography and boundaries of Georgia as depicted on a map from 1790 would show several key features, including the coastal regions, the Okefenokee Swamp, and the Appalachian Mountains to the north.
Geographical Features and Boundaries
Georgia’s boundaries in 1790 were not entirely as they are today. The state’s territorial claims extended westward to the Mississippi River, based on the Proclamation of 1763 and subsequent treaties, but these claims were disputed and would eventually be resolved through the Treaty of New York in 1790, which established the state’s current western boundary. The northern boundary was defined by the Treaty of Beaufort in 1787, which established the border between Georgia and South Carolina. The eastern boundary was the Atlantic Ocean, and the southern boundary was shared with Spanish Florida.
Early Settlements and Roads
Maps from 1790 would also show early settlements and roads in Georgia. The colony was initially divided into parishes, which were later replaced by counties. By 1790, several counties had been established, including Burke, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Richmond, St. Andrew, St. Matthew, and Wilkes counties. Key settlements and towns included Savannah, established in 1733 as the colonial capital, and Augusta, which served as the state capital from 1785 to 1795. Early roads and trails, such as the King’s Road, which connected Savannah to Augusta and then to the North, would also be prominent on these maps.
| County | Established | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Burke County | 1777 | Rich agricultural lands, Savannah River |
| Chatham County | 1777 | Savannah city, coastal trade, Ogeechee River |
| Wilkes County | 1777 | Agricultural land, Kettle Creek, Broad River |
Economic and Social Landscape
The economic landscape of Georgia in 1790 was primarily agricultural, with significant plantations along the coast and major rivers. Cotton, rice, and indigo were among the primary crops, with the labor force consisting mainly of enslaved Africans. The social landscape was marked by a small but influential group of plantation owners and merchants, alongside a larger population of smaller farmers and laborers. The Native American populations, including the Creek and Cherokee tribes, also played a significant role in the region’s dynamics, with treaties and conflicts shaping the relationships between Native Americans and European-American settlers.
Impact of the American Revolution
The American Revolution had a profound impact on Georgia, with the state being invaded by British forces in 1778. The Revolution led to significant destruction, displacement of populations, and economic disruption. By 1790, the state was in the process of recovery, with efforts to rebuild infrastructure, reestablish trade, and attract new settlers. Maps from this period would reflect these changes, showing the establishment of new towns and the expansion of existing ones as the state began to grow again.
Understanding the map of Georgia in 1790 requires considering the historical context of the late 18th century, including the aftermath of the American Revolution, the establishment of the United States, and the ongoing process of westward expansion. The combination of geographical, economic, and social factors made this period crucial for the development of Georgia and the broader region.
What was the significance of the Treaty of New York in 1790 for Georgia?
+The Treaty of New York, signed on August 7, 1790, was significant for Georgia because it established the state’s current western boundary, resolving long-standing territorial disputes and claims that extended to the Mississippi River. This treaty marked an important milestone in Georgia’s history, defining its borders and paving the way for future growth and development within those boundaries.
How did the American Revolution affect Georgia’s economy and population?
+The American Revolution had a profound impact on Georgia, leading to significant economic disruption and population displacement. British invasion and occupation from 1778 to 1782 resulted in the destruction of infrastructure, disruption of trade, and a decline in agricultural production. Many Georgians were forced to flee, and the state’s population and economy took years to recover. By 1790, efforts were underway to rebuild and attract new settlers, marking the beginning of a new era of growth for the state.
