A Memorable Road Trip

Washington in Georgia has many places to explore history, shop, and enjoy the beauty of one of the most charming small towns in Georgia.  Just 45 miles from Athens or 55 miles from Augusta and a short drive from Atlanta there are so many reasons to visit Washington-Wilkes, over and over.

Visit Historic Washington-Wilkes and the largest collection of Antebellum homes in Georgia.

A driving or walking tour around Historic Washington is a delight for architecture lovers and history buffs alike. Washington has been recognized by Southern Living Magazine as “one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia”, having more Antebellum homes per square mile of any other city in the United States-over 100!

Venturing down tree-lined streets in the Washington Historic District, you’ll find beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansions, dignified Federal style homes, beautifully gabled Victorian masterpieces and charming cottages.

Visitors are welcomed to tour the Robert Toombs House State Historic Site, the home of Robert Toombs, who was a U.S. Congressman and Senator, state of Georgia legislator and a contributor to the creation of the State of Georgia Constitution in 1877.  Make your plans for the annual Spring Tour of Homes and the festive Christmas Tour of Homes.

Be sure to stop in the Mary Willis Library, the first free public library in the state of Georgia. The library, built in 1889, was built in high-Victorian style and features original Tiffany stained-glass windows and beautifully restored and preserved architecture. Mary Willis Library is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The library has an impressive collection of rare books on Wilkes County and Georgia history, books by local authors, family memorabilia and Washington newspapers, making it an invaluable treasure for researching Wilkes County Georgia genealogy. 

The Washington Historical Museum is housed in an historic Antebellum home, originally built in 1835 on land owned by a Revolutionary War hero.  A visit to the museum will give you an overview of Washington-Wilkes remarkable history in both the Revolutionary War and the American Civil War in Wilkes County Georgia.  

The museum offers an impressive collection of artifacts including Jefferson Davis’ field desk, an Eli Whitney Cotton Gin, George Washington’s gravy boat, Victorian suit of armor and Dave the Slave pottery created by an influential African American ceramic artist..

According to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, Jackson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was the first church erected in Wilkes County by newly freed men in 1867.  The history of Jackson Chapel AME Church is uniquely tied to the Gaines family.  Following the Civil War, Rev. William Gaines and Bishop Wesley John Gaines, who also co-founded Morris Brown College, established AME churches across Georgia.

Another historic site, Cherry Grove Schoolhouse is a rare surviving example of an early 20th century, rural African American school building in Georgia and one of only 15 extant pre-Rosenwald African American schoolhouses built on church grounds within the state of Georgia. The one-room, wood frame building was constructed c.1910 on the grounds of the Cherry Grove Baptist Church, which was founded in 1875. The schoolhouse building provides a critical link in black history and African American education in Georgia.

Washington is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

With so much history to explore and so many remarkable Georgia historic homes all in one place, Washington and Wilkes County is the perfect destination for a road trip or weekend getaway.

With a variety of places to stay in Washington-Wilkes, you’ll want to check out the grand Fitzpatrick Hotel, which dates back to 1898 and was restored in 2004. The hotel offers 17 luxurious guest rooms and rests impressively on Washington’s historic town square. Perfect for a girls’ getaway or a wedding destination. Or you may opt for a charming bed and breakfast like Chantilly Plantation or Airbnb – most are within walking distance of the historic downtown. And there are familiar national chain hotels like the nearby Quality Inn.

History

Washington-Wilkes played important roles in the Revolutionary War and in the American Civil War.

Wilkes County’s roots began as a settlement in 1773, which was established as Georgia’s first county by the State Constitution in 1777.  Washington-Wilkes played an important role during the Revolutionary War, when on February 14, 1779, at nearby Kettle Creek, 360 Patriots defeated more than 800 Loyalist to break the British stronghold on Georgia. The Battle of Kettle Creek was one of the most significant Revolutionary War battles fought in Georgia and was the only battle won by the American Patriots in Georgia.  

Kettle Creek Battlefield, just outside Washington, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the most important national historic sites in Georgia. Each February, Washington hosts Revolutionary Days, one of the most authentic Revolutionary War reenactments in Georgia, commemorating this historic battle.

Washington’s historic downtown also played an important role during the Civil War in Georgia as the site of the last cabinet meeting of the Confederacy. This council, attended by Confederate President Jefferson Davis, effectively ended the Civil War, making way for the end of slavery in our country. Legend has it that this was the last time that the Confederate treasury gold was last seen and has never since been found. 

Take something home with you.

Maybe you’ll find that perfect antique or collectable at On the Square Antiques, or the latest in natural fiber clothing from Lola and Rose, or even indulge yourself with fine jewelry from Tena’s Fine Diamonds and Jewelry.  And, don’t miss The Genny for a great selection of gifts with a little nostalgia thrown in. Washington has a great selection and variety of specialty shops and fun places to shop for your shopping therapy. Our Music + Makers Festival is a marketplace featuring local artisans, as well as the charming shops around the square.

You won’t go hungry!

Washington offers an enticing variety of places to eat, restaurants, cafes, taverns and bars, many conveniently located near the square. Stop by The Nest Coffee & Community House for a quick pick-me-up or treat yourself to melt-your-mouth  homemade ice cream or frozen yogurt at Washington Creamery while you stroll this picture-perfect southern town.

Visit us and experience why Explore Georgia calls Washington “a delightful destination dripping with Georgia charm.”