As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the Municipal Archives is exploring the people, places, and moments that connect Savannah to the larger story of the United States. For the first installment in this series, it is only fitting to begin with Savannah’s first mayor, John Houstoun – a central but often overlooked figure in Georgia’s Revolutionary and early statehood history. 
Above Image: Portrait of John Houstoun, shown in his judicial robes, circa 1791. Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library, University of Georgia Libraries
Born around 1744 to Scottish settlers near present-day Waynesboro, Houstoun trained as a lawyer in Charleston before establishing a successful legal practice in Savannah. In 1774, he became one of Georgia’s original “Sons of Liberty,” along with Dr. Noble Wymberly Jones, Archibald Bulloch, and George Walton. These men organized the meetings at Tondee’s Tavern that launched Savannah’s revolutionary movement and led to Georgia’s first Provincial Congress (an early form of state government).
After declining to attend the first Continental Congress session to which he was he was elected because all of Georgia’s parishes were not represented, Houstoun finally represented Georgia at the second Continental Congress in September 1775 (with Georgia the last colony to send representatives). At the Continental Congress, Houstoun formed friendships with John and Samuel Adams, who described him as modest, intelligent, spirited, and thoughtful, despite his youth and inexperience. In January 1776, Houstoun was again elected to attend a Continental Congress session, but for some reason did not attend, and thus did not ultimately sign the Declaration of Independence, earning him the nickname “the signer who did not sign.”
After the Revolutionary War, Houstoun remained deeply involved in Georgia’s political life. In 1778, he was elected as Georgia’s second governor (the first Georgia governor born in Georgia). He ultimately served two terms as governor, organized the state militia in a final attempt at a (failed) invasion of Florida, supported Revolutionary War soldiers through land grants, and approved land for the future University of Georgia.
The City of Savannah was chartered on December 23, 1789. The first election for City Council was held in March 1790. At this time, the Mayor was not elected directly by his constituents, but instead by his peers on City Council, and they selected Houstoun as Savannah’s first mayor to serve a one-year term. Despite being elected to a second term, he declined and went on to serve as a judge on the Georgia Superior Court and as a state legislator before retiring to his law practice and family affairs.
Throughout his life, Houstoun owned and operated plantations in Chatham County, McIntosh County, and on Cumberland Island. According to his estate records, at the time of his death, he owned over 140 enslaved people. Houstoun died in 1796 and is likely buried at his White Bluff plantation in an unmarked grave. Though his final resting place is unknown, his influence endures in Savannah, in Georgia’s early government, and in Houstoun (Houston) County, named in his honor.
To learn more about America 250 celebrations planned throughout 2026 in Savannah visit: https://visitsavannah.com/America250