This week in Savannah history: October 7-13

Written by Gracie Williams

October 7, 1891: Georgia State Industrial College for Colored Youth Opened

The school was established in 1890 because of the Second Morrill Land Grant Act and became the first black public land grant college in Georgia. Richard R. Wright Sr. was the founder and first president, where he served until 1921. In 1932, the University’s name was changed to Georgia State College and then changed again in 1950 to Savannah State College, which it remains named today.

The first master’s degree program was established in 1968 in the field of elementary education and was the first school in Savannah to be accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education [NCATE].

Today, the university is still running and thriving. Students continue to produce groundbreaking research, and the university has expanded its facilities with new technology and science buildings. The Savannah State University website states, “The university has embarked upon a new era — building upon the rich legacy of academic excellence and community engagement that has defined it for the last 130 years.”

October 11, 1779: Casimir Pulaski Died

Oct. 11, 1853: the Pulaski Monument Cornerstone was laid in Monterey Square in honor of Casimir Pulaski.
[Nick Thomsen/scaddistrict.com].

Casimir Pulaski was born in Warsaw, Poland March 4, 1745. He was raised in an aristocratic Polish family and quickly found his passion. He joined a group of nobles and patriots who, together formed the Confederation of the Bar. The goal of this union was to rebel against the government and remove the overbearing Russian influence in his country.

On a visit to Paris in 1777, Pulaski met Benjamin Franklin, who convinced him to support the colonies in the fight against Britain in the American Revolution. From there, Pulaski traveled to Philadelphia where he met General Washington. Impressed by his wit and credentials, Washington established the Cavalry and put him in charge. He quickly proved to be a highly skilled military strategist and became an invaluable resource to the leaders of the Revolutionary War.

Oct. 11, 1779, during the Battle of Savannah, Pulaski was mortally wounded by a cannon blast and died shortly after. This sacrifice forever proved his worth as a leader and was recently granted an honorary United States citizenship for his role in the war. Oct. 11, 1853, the Pulaski Monument Cornerstone was laid in Monterey Square in honor of “The Father of American Cavalry.”