by Mason Townsend, Historical Interpreter
August 13, 2025 – Georgia’s feelings toward the revolution is a nuanced topic. While many supported the talks of revolution, many more were hesitant to join as they gained much from British protection.
This would not dissuade the Savannah Sons of Liberty from convening in secret at Tondee’s Tavern to discuss Georgia’s place in the movement.
A year later, in May of 1775, after hearing of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, they would become active, breaking into a British ammunition store and dividing it with fellow revolutionaries.
The following day, during a session of The Governor and the Council of Georgia, Governor James Wright noted that, “the Publick Magazine was broke open and robb’d last Night of the Powder remaining.”
In that same council sat Joseph Habersham and Dr. Noble Jones, who that night previously perpetrated the very crime that they now, with the remainder of the council, unanimously agreed Governor Wright should post a reward for information.
Come June, under the guise of celebrating King George’s birthday, they erected a “Liberty Pole”, and gave thirty toasts, punctuated by cannons and succeeded by a parade of forty Sons bearing arms. Beyond this point, many members of the Sons of Liberty in Georgia were now publicly part of the Georgia Provincial Council, which between July of 1775 and March of 1776 continued to push the limits of their power in the colony, culminating in the arrest of Governor Wright in January 1776.
The warrant for said arrest was issued January 18th, 1776, by the Georgia Council of Safety, and included other members of the Royal Council, John Mulryne, Josiah Tattnall, and Anthony Stokes. For the Sons of Liberty and the Patriot citizens of Savannah, this was the point of no return.
Want more Revolutionary War history? Visit Savannah History Museum to learn about the dynamic sentiments felt in Savannah during the time of the Revolution.