The Moravians in Georgia, 1735-1740

Set against the backdrop of early colonial Georgia, this narrative follows a small group of Moravian missionaries as they venture into an unfamiliar land, hoping to plant a new community rooted in their religious ideals. The opening pages trace the political and theological currents that led the Unitas Fratrum to negotiate with the Georgia Trustees, revealing the delicate balance between European ambitions and the harsh realities of the Southern frontier.

Drawing almost entirely from original German archives and supplementary American collections, the author weaves a vivid portrait of the settlers’ first year—its hopes, logistical hurdles, and uneasy encounters with neighboring groups. Through careful scholarship, the work highlights how this seemingly modest experiment would later echo in the formation of broader American religious movements, underscoring the unexpected ripple effects of an early “unsuccessful” venture.