James Oglethorpe, the British Army officer and politician best known for founding the colony of what became the U.S. state of Georgia, also left a less-familiar legacy: he was among the first white men in North America to stand against chattel slavery.
It’s a provocative case that Michael Thurmond makes in his new book, James Oglethorpe, Father of Georgia: A Founder’s Journey from Slave Trader to Abolitionist. Thurmond will discuss his work on Wednesday, September 18, at book talks and signings hosted by Middle Georgia State University’s (MGA’s) Center for Middle Georgia Studies in partnership with the Middle Georgia Regional Library.
At the University, the book signing will take place from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Wednesday, September 18, at the Center for Middle Georgia Studies on the first floor of the Macon Campus Library. At 11 a.m., Thurmond will discuss his book in MGA’s School of Arts & Letters auditorium.
The events at both locations are free and open to the public.
