The selection of Milledgeville as Georgia’s capital in 1804 stemmed from a confluence of factors aimed at geographically centralizing the seat of government and addressing concerns about the influence of coastal populations on state politics. Louisville, the preceding capital, was deemed too far west and susceptible to malaria outbreaks, prompting a search for a more suitable location. Milledgeville, situated on the fall line of the Oconee River, offered a more interior position within the state, reflecting westward expansion and a shift in political power toward the growing population in the central and northern regions.
Establishing the capital in Milledgeville provided several perceived advantages. Its central location facilitated access for citizens from across the state, promoting a more equitable representation in government affairs. The relocation also symbolized a distancing from the economic and political dominance of Savannah and the coastal elite, aligning with the interests of the emerging planter class in the interior. This shift was perceived as a means to better address issues related to westward expansion, Native American relations, and the development of agriculture in the states interior.
