Who was Paul Amatis?

Answer 1

Paul Amatis, an Italian silkmaker, had a vision for the fledgling Savannah colony: it would be used to manufacture silk. A recognized expert in the field, Amatis clashed with the colony's chief Magistrate and store owner Thomas Causton, who remained in charge during General James Oglethorpe's absence. Amatis also had disagreements with Causton's friend and public gardener Joseph Fitzwater. Amatis was of the opinion that Fitzwater had neglected the ten-acre trustees garden, in which he had planted fruits and vegetables for the colonists. Amatis instead planted mulberry tress and grape vines.

Despite the fact that the mulberry trees did not provide adequate food for the silk worms, Amatis was successful in procuring silk as one of the first exports from Savannah. He was also successful in exporting wine, though neither silk nor wine exports brought consistent money to the colony. Oglethorpe eventually dismissed Amatis-replacing Fitzwater to his public gardening position-but not before Paul Amatis made his distinct mark on the new colony of Savannah.