3 Reasons Mule Day in Historic Washington-Wilkes GA is an Unforgettable Road Trip

Heritage

Treat yourself to the 43^rd annual Mule Day and Southern Heritage Festival at Callaway Plantation, in Washington, GA on October 12. This not-to-be-missed event is a tribute to the humble animal that was literally the backbone of the agrarian lifestyle during the late 18^th and early 19^th centuries. This era was important not only in the history of Wilkes County Georgia, but in the economic foundation of the rural South.

This family-oriented festival will feature mule and sheep herding demonstrations as well as exhibits by craftsmen, artisans and makers from Washington Georgia-primitive leather making, antique weapons, blacksmithing, quilt makers, basketry, weaving, lace making and other heritage skills. This is a day of history and heritage, fun and learning you’ll not want to miss.

Originally established in 1785, Callaway Plantation is now a 56-acre restoration and re-creation project that includes original structures including a one-room schoolhouse, slave cabin, smokehouse and general store as well as structures from the same period relocated from nearby farms. The plantation’s Greek Revival mansion, completed in the 1860’s, is one of the oldest, most beautiful among Washington Georgia historic homes and is designated as a national historic landmark in Georgia.

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

While you are here, a walking tour around Historic Downtown Washington is a delight for architecture lovers and history buffs alike. Recognized by Southern Living Magazine as “one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia”, Washington has more Antebellum homes per square mile of any other city in the United States-over 100!  Along tree-lined streets, you’ll find beautifully preserved Greek Revival mansions, dignified Federal style homes, beautifully gabled Victorian houses and charming cottages.

Visitors may tour the Robert Toombs House State Historic Site, built 1794-1801 and later the home of Robert Toombs, U.S. Representative and Georgia Senator, later turned Confederate General and contributor to the Georgia Constitution in 1877.  Private tours of other remarkable homes are available through private tours and during the annual Spring Tour of Homes in April and the festive Christmas Tour of Homes in December.

In the Downtown Historic District, Mary Willis Library is 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. The library has an impressive collection of rare books on Wilkes County and Georgia history, publications by local authors, family memorabilia and Washington Georgia newspapers, making it an invaluable treasure for researching Wilkes County Georgia genealogy and history. Mary Willis Library is on the National Register of Historic Places.

History

Wilkes County was established as Georgia’s first county by the State Constitution in 1777.

Wilkes County played an important role during the Revolutionary War, when on February 14, 1779, at nearby Kettle Creek, 360 Patriots defeated more than 800 Loyalists to break the British stronghold in Georgia. The Battle of Kettle Creek was one of the most significant Revolutionary War battles fought in Georgia and the only battle won by the American Patriots in Georgia.  Kettle Creek Battlefield, is one of the most important national historic sites in Georgia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Each February, the City of Washington hosts Revolutionary Days, one of the most moving Revolutionary War reenactments in Georgia.

Signaling the end of the Civil War in Georgia, Historic Downtown Washington was 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. Legend has it that this was the last time that the Confederate treasury gold was last seen and has never since been found. 

According to the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, Jackson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, erected in 1877, was the first church erected in Wilkes County by newly freed men. Following the Civil War, Rev. William Gaines and Bishop Wesley John Gaines, who also co-founded Morris Brown College, established AME churches across Georgia.

Cherry Grove Schoolhouse is a rare surviving example of an early 20th century, rural African American school 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, founded in 1875. The schoolhouse building provides a critical link in black history and African American education in Georgia.

Hospitality

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, built in 1898 and restored in 2004. The hotel, with 17 luxurious guest rooms and beautifully restored lobby, rests impressively on Washington’s historic town square. Other options include a charming bed and breakfast like Chantilly Plantation, or an Airbnb – most are within walking distance of the historic district and familiar national chain hotels like the nearby Quality Inn.

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 for your shopping therapy.

You won’t go hungry!

Washington offers an enticing variety of 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 yummy ice cream or frozen yogurt at Washington Creamery while you stroll this picture-perfect southern town.

An Unforgettable Road Trip

Just a short drive from Atlanta, Athens and Augusta, Washington has many places to explore history and enjoy the beauty of this historic small town.  You’ll want to visit over and over.

Atlanta – 110 miles

Athens – 45 miles

Augusta – 55 miles

Washington-Wilkes Georgia

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