Savannah was the city in Georgia with the highest number of enslaved people.
Savannah's Prominence in Antebellum Georgia
As Georgia's largest and most significant city, Savannah consistently held the highest concentration of enslaved individuals throughout the antebellum period. This concentration was notably high, with approximately 35 percent of the city's population being enslaved.
Savannah's strategic location as a major port city on the Atlantic coast contributed significantly to its economic growth, which was heavily reliant on enslaved labor. The demand for labor in various sectors, including the port, agricultural trade, and urban services, led to a substantial enslaved population within the city limits.
Below is a summary of Savannah's demographic significance related to slavery:
| City | Status in Georgia | Concentration of Enslaved People |
|---|---|---|
| Savannah | Largest City | Around 35 percent |
This substantial proportion underscores the deep integration of slavery into the economic and social fabric of Savannah, distinguishing it as the urban center with the most enslaved people in Georgia leading up to the Civil War. For more historical context on Georgia during this period, refer to information available on Georgia in 1860.
