Oglethorpe Day 2024: Date, History, Activities and Facts

Oglethorpe Day, celebrated annually on February 12, commemorates General James E. Oglethorpe's 1733 landing in Georgia, a significant event in the United States.

(Credit: Georgia historical society)

Oglethorpe Day 2024: Every year on February 12, Oglethorpe Day, also known as Georgia Day, is observed to commemorate General James E. Oglethorpe’s landing in Georgia in 1733. Oglethorpe Day is mostly observed in schools and colleges in a more instructional manner than other national holidays in the United States, which are marked by unique customs. On this day in 1733, people celebrate the founding of Georgia, which is dedicated to Oglethorpe.

Oglethorpe Day History

The 22nd of December 1696 was General Oglethorpe’s birthday. In addition to serving as a member of parliament, he was a social reformer, philanthropist, and British soldier. Being one of the most well-known colonists of his day, his main goal was to visit the New World, where he believed some people were impoverished.

Following General Oglethorpe’s authorization from King George II to establish in the United States, his soldiers sailed in November 1732 and landed on American soil on February 2, 1733. The remainder of the men proceeded to the Savannah River and docked at Yamacraw Bluff after a few were allowed to disembark at Port Royal Island in South Carolina. As a result, Oglethorpe and his troops established themselves in the region that was given the Georgia name in honor of King George II of Great Britain, making it the thirteenth British colony in America.

Before relocating there, Oglethorpe had a meeting with the chieftains of the region. Then, Oglethorpe and his soldiers established the state of Georgia’s foundation with the consent of Creek leader Tomochichi. Oglethorpe adopted the motto “Non-Sibi Sed Aliis” upon his arrival, which means “not for self but for others.” By doing this, he became one of the first colonists in America to forbid both large-scale land occupation and slavery.

Regarding the history of this day’s celebrations, educational institutions, civic centers, and schools have all observed it in a very creative way. Schools have arranged many races, such as the Petrels of Fire Race. The festivities on this day have included stage plays and skits. The day is no longer widely observed at the state level, and it is not apparent whether it is still recognized as a holiday. Since the 1983 publication of the last commemorative postal stamp, Georgia has not been very keen on commemorating the day. Nonetheless, this day is still observed in various ways by schools and institutions.

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Methods For Visiting Oglethorpe Day

Go to Savannah’s Yamacraw Bluff.

The ideal way to commemorate the day is to visit this historical site, as this is where Oglethorpe and his troops docked their ship. Why do you wait?

Take part in the school and college festivities in your community.

Take part in at least one of the events that your college or school has scheduled for the day. It’s sure to be enjoyable!

Study up on the history of Georgia or Oglethorpe.

Learning about the past of your country and its founding fathers is always a pleasure. A wonderful method to commemorate the day is to read books about them or impart your understanding of the history of the area.

Five crucial facts concerning Oglethorpe and Georgia

Oglethorpe participated in the seven-year war as an undercover Prussian (German) army soldier after losing his bid for reelection to the parliament.
Martin Luther King Jr. was born and raised in Georgia, which also served as the civil rights movement’s headquarters.
In the territory of Oglethorpe and his troops, Coca-Cola, the world’s most popular beverage, was created.
Oglethorpe was a philanthropist who was the first colonist in America to forbid mass land occupation and slavery.
Oglethorpe University students compete in a race that they must finish before or at the 12th chime of the carillon.

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The Significance of Oglethorpe Day

He was the one who founded Georgia.

In remembrance and reverence for Georgia’s founding father, the day ought to be observed. We should always be proud of our country’s founding fathers and heroes.

The first colonists to forbid slavery was him.

The majority of colonists arrived in America with a singular purpose in mind. Making money and gaining independence from the throne were the objectives. They created fortune for themselves by enslaving the local populace. Oglethorpe was never like them; on the contrary, he forbade mass land settlement and enslavement. Just this alone merits recognition.

It’s a federal holiday.

Nationalism is usually a positive thing. Any Georgian has cause to rejoice on this day, honoring the heritage of their homeland and feeling proud to be a citizen.