A visit to Washington-Wilkes is just a short drive from Atlanta, Athens and Augusta and brings to you an array of attractions to engage your entire family. From history buffs to outdoor adventure lovers to those looking for true Southern hospitality and heritage – Washington-Wilkes has it all.

 

First in History

Wilkes County was the first established county in Georgia and the historic city of Washington was its first chartered city as well as the first chartered city named after President George Washington.

With more than 100 antebellum homes--more per capita than any other town in America—Washington teems with southern charm. No wonder that it has been described by Southern Living Magazine as “one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia”. Washington is a must-see destination for history lovers.

Robert Toombs House State Historic Site and house museum was built in 1794 and is open for tours. From 1837 to 1885 it was the home of Georgia U.S. Congressman and Senator Robert Toombs who later served as a leader of the Confederacy. After the American Civil War, he helped to create Georgia Constitution of 1877. The interior of the house has been replicated to the time Robert Toombs lived there and includes his private library. Toombs is credited with adding the grand front colonnade and the west wing.

Washington Wilkes Historical Museum occupies an historic home originally built in 1835 and restored into a museum in the 1950s. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts including a topographical map of the Kettle Creek Battlefield. The house showcases authentically furnished rooms with antiques dating to the mid 1800’s, including pieces owned by George Washington.

Kettle Creek Battlefield - National Register of Historic Places.

On February 14, 1779, Revolutionary War Patriots defeated a much larger contingent of Loyalists at the Battle of Kettle Creek, the only Revolutionary War victory in Georgia.  Each February the battle is commemorated at Revolutionary Days, a battle re-enactment with a parade and celebration.  Special guided tours of Kettle Creek Battlefield can be arranged for group visits. Surrounding the battlefield are hiking trails perfect for nature walks.

Callaway Plantation 

With its farm homestead dating to 1785, this is a 56-acre restoration project with original and relocated historical structures open for public tour. On site are the 1790 Grey House log cabin which is decorated with period antiques, a one-room schoolhouse, the Daily Slave Cabin, a general store and smokehouse and a grand 1860s Greek Revival brick plantation home.  

Chantilly Plantation

This antebellum home close by to downtown Historic Washington now serves as a charming bed and breakfast, with 5 bedrooms furnished with historical décor. The original 2 over 2 plantation plain house was begun in the 1820s and in the 1850s columns were added. In its beginning the plantation was surrounded by over 1,000 acres and during the American Civil War, the home and property was occupied by Union Troops.

Mary Willis Library - National Register of Historic Places.

Original Tiffany and other stained-glass windows still adorn the first public library in Georgia where some of the original furnishings are still in use. Built in 1889 it has an invaluable core collection of rare books on Wilkes County and Georgia history. 

The Fitzpatrick Hotel

Built in 1898 and restored in 2002 this historic hotel has maintained its period appearance while providing modern amenities in their seventeen finely appointed guest rooms. Its stately appearance on Washington Square provides a stunning backdrop for special events.

Resthaven Cemetery

Founded in 1857, the historic cemetery exhibits some landscape architecture that is characteristic of the picturesque Rural Cemetery movement, popular in the mid to late nineteenth century, such as the abundant use of iron fences, ornate monuments, and family plots including that of local US Congressman and later Confederate leader Robert Toombs.

Cherry Grove Schoolhouse

Built in 1910 this historic structure has been recognized by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation as a rare example of a rural African American school building in Georgia. The one-room, wood frame building was constructed on the grounds of the 1875 Cherry Grove Baptist Church. Completing its award-winning preservation project in 2023 the Cherry Grove Schoolhouse serves as a significant heritage tourism site, not only for Wilkes County but for the entire state of Georgia. 

Jackson AME Church

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

 

Historic Homes

Here are some highlights from the driving and walking tour guide and map that provides an easy-to-follow route showcasing many of the more than 100 historic homes, churches and buildings.

• Tupper-Barnett House -- National Historic Landmark
• Pleasant Shade – Owned by James Dunwody who officiated at Teddy Roosevelt’s parents’ wedding in Roswell, Georgia.
• Randolph House – President Woodrow Wilson spent summers here as a child. His father was pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Washington, Georgia
• Mid-19th Century Home – Owned by local merchant, Morris Marcus, whose descendants founded Neiman-Marcus department stores.
• Liberty Inn – Built in 1793. Virtually unchanged. Served as Washington Academy.
• Poplar Corner – Built in 1810. Fully Beaux-arts classical revival style.
• Hillhouse-Slaton – Built in 1814. It was constructed for Sarah Porter Hillhouse the first female newspaper publisher in America.

 

End of the Civil War Wilkes County

Days before Confederate President Jefferson Davis was captured, he convened the last meeting of the Confederate Cabinet on the site now occupied by the Washington-Wilkes Courthouse, officially dissolving the Confederate States of America. This action, just weeks after the surrender at Appomattox, effectively ended the Civil War. Historic markers chronicle this historic event.

Lost Confederate Gold.

Legend has it that this was the last time that the Confederate treasury gold was seen and has never since been found.  The ancient iron and leather chest that once held a portion of that gold is on display at the Mary Willis Library in downtown Historic Washington.

 

Family friendly Fun

Clarks Hill Lake – at 71,100-acres, Clarks Hill Lake is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Recreation includes swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and camping.

Washington Little Theater - For over forty years, the Washington Little Theater has been entertaining audiences of all ages with quality dramatic, musical and operatic performances. It also brings in a variety of traveling shows, lectures, workshops and musical performances throughout the year.

Shopping on the Historic Square - Washington has a great selection and variety of specialty shops and fun places for your shopping therapy. Complementing the charming shops around the Square are an enticing variety of places to eat, restaurants, cafes, taverns and bars, many conveniently located near the Square.

Greenhow Handmade Ironworks – This downtown blacksmith shop is owned and operated by artist blacksmith Patrick Blount. He is dedicated to producing high quality iron work furniture, lighting, fireplace sets, and other home decor with designs that have both elegance and grit. Custom pieces are also available. Blacksmithing classes are offered as day courses.

 

Outdoors Activities

Hiking trails and water trails can be accessed all over Washington and Wilkes County.

Kettle Creek Battlefield - National Register of Historic Places. This National Parks Service site commemorates this famous Revolutionary War battle and features monuments dating back to 1930.  It is a 220-acre tract with a picnic area atop War Hill, as well as several hiking and nature trails. The 2.2-mile loop trail is generally considered an easy route for hiking and walking.

Clarks hill Lake - 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast, is known on the South Carolina side as Lake Strom Thurmond. Recreation includes swimming, boating, fishing and camping.

Mistletoe State Park includes five easy hiking trails and Elijah Clark State Park has an easy 2-mile trail.

Little River Water Trail - This trail is suitable for novice paddlers as it winds 20 miles from Woodruff Bridge at Highway 80 to Clarks Hill Lake. Passing through the Clarks Hill Wildlife Management Area you can see a wide array of wildlife.

Pope Plantation hunting resort - Enjoy a quail or deer hunt on a southern preserve. Guides and dogs are available to make your hunt in their beautiful sorghum fields and stands of southern loblolly pines a memorable experience.

Skull Shoals Park and Campground - The park is a popular get-away for campers, a destination for weddings and private parties, and its amphitheater is a favorite of fans who love outdoor music festivals.

Holliday Park – Located on Clarks Hill Lake/Lake Strom Thurmond the park covers 333 acres. Amenities include fishing, boat ramp, picnic area and 31 campsites some with power for RVs and some primitive camping.

Washington-Wilkes Country Club and RV Park –Washington Wilkes Country Club is a private golf club with a 9–hole golf course designed by Donald Ross, a Scottish-born architect who designed four courses at Pinehurst as well as several hundred other courses. RV park guests are welcome to play the course, use the driving range and putting green. The RV park has a swimming pool, lake, fishing and eight sites for RV camping.

 

Nearby Attractions

Aonia Pass Motocross Park - Offers a full riding facility, RV and primitive camping sites. Riding tracks include an AMA-sanctioned Motocross track, Supercross track, Pee Wee track for kids, vintage Grass track, Flat Dirt track and miles of Woods Trails. Racing is held periodically.

Four Georgia State Parks are within a 30 to 45-minute drive.

• Elijah Clark State Park - This park is located on the western shore of 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. With its boat ramps and accessible fishing pier, it is especially popular with anglers and boaters. A sandy swimming beach and a log cabin replica of the Clark home round out the recreational opportunities.
• Mistletoe State Park - Located on 71,100-acre Clarks Hill Lake, this park is known as one of the finest bass fishing spots in the nation. Boat ramps provide easy access to one of the Southeast’s largest lakes. Many programs are hosted throughout the year, such as astronomy programs, concerts and nature walks.
• Watson Mill Bridge State Park - One of the most picturesque state parks in Georgia, Watson Mill Bridge contains the longest covered bridge in the state, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails allow visitors to enjoy the thick forest and river. During summer, visitors often play in the cool river shoals just below the bridge.
• AH Stephens State Park - Named after the vice president of the Confederacy and governor of Georgia, it is known for its Civil War museum, equestrian facilities, fishing, boating, camping and lakeside group camp.