Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Mary Musgrove historical marker set for official dedication Friday
The Georgia Historical Society (GHS) in conjunction with the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Georgia (NSCDA-GA) will dedicate a new historical marker detailing the life of iconic Savannah historical figure Mary Musgrove.
The dedication happens Friday, April 26, at 5:30 p.m. in Lafayette Square.
"Visitors and residents of Savannah are afforded the opportunity to learn about this fascinating woman who is often considered, along with General James Edward Oglethorpe and Tomochichi, one of the most important individuals involved in the establishment of the colony," says a City spokesperson.
The marker reads as follows:
"Mary Musgrove was the daughter of an English trader and a Creek Indian mother. In 1717 she and her husband, John, established Cowpens trading post near the Savannah River which became a center of 18th century English-Indian trade for deer hides. After the colony’s founding in 1733, Musgrove became principal interpreter between Yamacraw Chieftain Tomochichi and Gen. Oglethorpe. Serving as Oglethorpe’s interpreter for ten years, she helped foster peace between the British and the Creeks. For her assistance she received financial compensation, political prestige, and lands from the Creeks making her the wealthiest Georgia landowner in the 1700s. The Georgia colony refused to grant Musgrove’s property rights to the Creek lands of St. Catherines, Sapelo, and Ossabaw Islands. After much dispute, Musgrove received the English title to St. Catherines Island in 1760, where she died c.1765."
Keynote speaker for the event is Stan Deaton, Ph.D., who serves as the Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian at the Georgia Historical Society.
Other speakers and participants for the event include Mrs. Joy Daniel Schwartz, NSCDA-GA President; Mr. Aaron Bradford, Military Interpretation Coordinator at Historic Fort Jackson; The Honorable Eddie DeLoach, Mayor of Savannah; Mr. Gordon Varnedoe, Living History Interpreter; SCCPSS School Children and Massie Heritage Center; Mrs. Anna Duff, NSCDA President; and Mrs. Alice Jepson, NSCDA-GA.
The dedication happens Friday, April 26, at 5:30 p.m. in Lafayette Square.
"Visitors and residents of Savannah are afforded the opportunity to learn about this fascinating woman who is often considered, along with General James Edward Oglethorpe and Tomochichi, one of the most important individuals involved in the establishment of the colony," says a City spokesperson.
The marker reads as follows:
"Mary Musgrove was the daughter of an English trader and a Creek Indian mother. In 1717 she and her husband, John, established Cowpens trading post near the Savannah River which became a center of 18th century English-Indian trade for deer hides. After the colony’s founding in 1733, Musgrove became principal interpreter between Yamacraw Chieftain Tomochichi and Gen. Oglethorpe. Serving as Oglethorpe’s interpreter for ten years, she helped foster peace between the British and the Creeks. For her assistance she received financial compensation, political prestige, and lands from the Creeks making her the wealthiest Georgia landowner in the 1700s. The Georgia colony refused to grant Musgrove’s property rights to the Creek lands of St. Catherines, Sapelo, and Ossabaw Islands. After much dispute, Musgrove received the English title to St. Catherines Island in 1760, where she died c.1765."
Keynote speaker for the event is Stan Deaton, Ph.D., who serves as the Dr. Elaine B. Andrews Distinguished Historian at the Georgia Historical Society.
Other speakers and participants for the event include Mrs. Joy Daniel Schwartz, NSCDA-GA President; Mr. Aaron Bradford, Military Interpretation Coordinator at Historic Fort Jackson; The Honorable Eddie DeLoach, Mayor of Savannah; Mr. Gordon Varnedoe, Living History Interpreter; SCCPSS School Children and Massie Heritage Center; Mrs. Anna Duff, NSCDA President; and Mrs. Alice Jepson, NSCDA-GA.
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