The arrival of the Salzburgers in Georgia stemmed from their expulsion from their homeland in Salzburg, Austria, due to their Protestant faith. Archbishop Leopold Anton von Firmian, a staunch Catholic, issued an edict in 1731 demanding that all Protestants recant their beliefs or be banished. This religious persecution forced thousands of Salzburgers to seek refuge elsewhere.
The British colony of Georgia, under the leadership of James Oglethorpe, offered an opportunity for resettlement. Oglethorpe sought industrious and reliable settlers to populate the new colony, particularly to defend its southern border against Spanish Florida. The Salzburgers, known for their strong work ethic and deep religious convictions, were viewed as ideal candidates. Their presence was seen as strategically vital for the colony’s survival and economic development, promising increased agricultural production and a fortified defense against external threats.
