On Lexington Road (U.S. 78) 0.5 miles west of Richardson Road, on the right when traveling west.
Rock Methodist Church was instituted about 3 miles from here in 1839. The present building was erected in 1870. Charter members were: Tom and Lizzie Willis; John and Mary E. Mattox; John P., Martha, and Mrs. T. C. Latimer; Luke Turner, Sr., Wm and . . . — — Map (db m25863) HM
On Mallorysville Road (County Route 106) at Dunkhill Road (County Route 105), on the right when traveling west on Mallorysville Road.
At Clarke’s Creek, near here, on the night of February 13, 1779, American troops commanded by Col. Elijah Clark, Col. John Dooley and Col. Andrew Pickens, encamped. Very early the next morning, they launched a surprise attack on the British . . . — — Map (db m46840) HM
On Danburg Road (Georgia Route 44) at Sandtown Road, on the left when traveling north on Danburg Road.
Near here, in the home of Jacob McLendon, the first Court held north of Augusta convened August 25, 1779, by order of the Executive Council of Georgia. Absalom Bedell, Benjamin Catchings, William Downs were justices; Henry Monadue, Clerk; Joseph . . . — — Map (db m25617) HM
On Sandtown Road, 0.3 miles west of Danburg Road (Georgia Route 44), on the left when traveling west.
Fishing Creek Baptist Church, the second of this denomination to be constituted in the upcountry of Georgia, was organized in 1782, under the leadership of the Rev. Sanders Walker, who became its first pastor. It was one of five churches represented . . . — — Map (db m25415) HM
On Danburg Road (Georgia Route 44) 1 mile south of Sandtown Road SE, on the right when traveling north.
Heard’s Fort was designated the Seat of Government for Georgia on February 3, 1780. The Executive Council met and transacted the affairs of the State in this temporary Capital until early 1781. This designation was made by the Governor and Council . . . — — Map (db m25546) HM
On Indiependence Street at Independence Drive, on the right when traveling west on Indiependence Street.
Old Independence Church, built for all denominations, was situated near the campground across the road from its present site. The Methodists organized a membership and claimed the church. The matter was carried to the courts. A young lawyer, Robert . . . — — Map (db m21350) HM
On Pope Chapel Road, 0.2 miles south of County Route 193, on the right when traveling south.
The Methodist Society, which was later organized into Pope’s Chapel Church, was first organized in August 1786 by Thomas Humphries at the home of James Marks located in what is now Elbert County about 1 ½ miles Northeast of Baker’s Ferry on . . . — — Map (db m25443) HM
On Bradford Road (County Route 132) at Danburg Road (Georgia Route 44), on the right when traveling west on Bradford Road.
(Top)
The Village of Danburg was settled circa 1825 by Samuel Danforth of Vermont and Massachusetts at this intersection of two important trade routes, the Augusta Road into North Georgia and the Abbeville, S.C. Milledgeville GA . . . — — Map (db m111136) HM
On Greensboro Road (State Highway 44) at Stoney Ridge Road, on the left when traveling east on Greensboro Road.
One and one-half miles North and one-half mile West is War Hill, site of the Battle of Kettle Creek, one of the decisive battles of the Revolutionary War.
It was at Kettle Creek, on February 14, 1779, that Col. John Dooly, Col. Elijah Clark and . . . — — Map (db m22340) HM
On East Liberty Street at South Alexander Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Liberty Street.
Little River Methodist
Circuit
Petticoat Trim
1908 Elizabeth C. Meriwether
1921 Florence McMekin
1933 Annie Mc. Reynolds
1970 Elizabeth Reynolds — — Map (db m200112) HM
On Jefferson Street, 0 miles north of East Court Street, on the left when traveling north.
On December 5, 1911, the first person was hanged on the third floor gallows. The hanging occured before the jail was dedicated in January 1912. — — Map (db m25593) HM
Near War Hill Road, 1.5 miles south of Tyrone Road.
The Battle of Kettle Creek, fought here on February 14, 1779, was one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War in Georgia. At that time, the State was almost completely under British control. Col. Boyd with 600 British sympathizers . . . — — Map (db m10684) HM
On West Robert Toombs Ave (U.S. 72), on the right when traveling west.
1895
This area known as the
Benson Block
named for the wealthy Irishman
James A. Benson
a cotton broker.
Was erected after the Great
Fire of 1895 — — Map (db m93836) HM
On Andrew Drive (County Route 41) 0.1 miles Spring Street (Georgia Route 47), on the right when traveling west.
James Osgood Andrew was born in Wilkes County, Georgia, on May 5, 1794, about 400 yards N.E. of this marker, the son of Rev. John Andrew and Mary Cosby Andrew. He was licensed to preach in the Ellam Methodist Episcopal Church, Broad River Circuit, . . . — — Map (db m17257) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (U.S. 72), on the right when traveling west.
Blacks, Native Americans, and Whites all fought for freedom for the American colonies. Their sacrifices will always be remembered.
The National Experience
Sources estimate that up to forty percent of the patriot militias may have been . . . — — Map (db m94135) WM
On East Liberty Street, 0 miles west of Alexander Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This was once the home of two distinguished Georgians -- father and son.
Duncan G. Campbell was noted for drafting the treaty that removed the Cherokee Indians from Georgia and also for introducing in the Georgia Legislature the first bill . . . — — Map (db m25618) HM
On East Liberty Street at Spring Street, on the right when traveling east on East Liberty Street.
Washington, Georgia
Incorporated January 23rd 1780
First incorporated city
in the United States
named for
our first president
Elevation 619 feet — — Map (db m200064) HM
On Beaverdam Road (County Route 64) at Columbus Granade (County Route 65), on the left when traveling west on Beaverdam Road.
Son of Adam Granade and Rebecca Ansley
Teacher, Farmer, Author, Cartographer, Surveyor, Legislator, Soldier, Poet
Co F 12th Ga Batt Light Artillery
Army of Northern Virginia 1862 – 1865
Wilkes County School Board
Wilkes County . . . — — Map (db m110567) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (U.S. 72) at North Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling east on East Robert Toombs Avenue.
1807
Site of
——————
Duncan G. Cambell's
First Law Office
——————
Drafted the treaty that
removed the Cherokee
Indians from Georgia and
also . . . — — Map (db m93977) HM
On West Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) east of South Allison Street, on the right when traveling east.
Henry G. Garrard, Founder & Pres.
Frank M. Arnold, Exec. V. President
Edwin M. May, Cashier
Clifford L. Arnold, Ass't Cashier
Directors
Frank Arnold • Walter E. Burdette • Henry G. Garrard • C.R. Jackson • John G. Wright • Dr. A.C. van . . . — — Map (db m200056) HM
On Spring Street (Georgia Route 47) at West Liberty Street when traveling north on Spring Street.
Organized in 1819, this Church is an outgrowth of Grant’s Meeting House, the first Methodist Church building in Georgia, erected 5 miles E. in 1787. In 1820, the Methodists built the first church building in Washington. It was shared by other . . . — — Map (db m25989) HM
On Poplar Drive (Georgia Route 17) 0.1 miles north of Alexander Drive, on the right when traveling north.
In the shade of a giant poplar tree which stood 200 feet East of this spot, on the 22nd of July, 1790, the Rev. John Springer was ordained to the Presbyterian ministry and installed Pastor of Smyrna, Providence and Washington churches. This was the . . . — — Map (db m25639) HM
On West Square Street, 0 miles west of North Jefferson Street, on the left when traveling east.
Fort Washington Park is the site of a stockade built by the family of Stephen Heard, governor of Georgia – 1781. Cherokee and Creek Indians had ceded their land on June 1, 1773, and the settlers from Virginia arrived in December 1773. . . . — — Map (db m32941) HM
On Alexander Drive, 0 miles North Alexander Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
In the 1780’s Felix and William Gilbert, Virginians, camped in a beautiful grove here and were so pleased with the scenery that they returned later to take land grants. In 1808 they erected the brick portion of this house, one of the oldest brick . . . — — Map (db m25132) HM
On Wrightsboro Road (Georgia Route 80) 1.2 miles south of Thomson Road (U.S. 78), on the left when traveling south.
On this site the first Methodist church building in Georgia was erected in 1787. Daniel Grant and his son, Thomas, prosperous merchants of this area, were its builders.
Bishop Asbury often visited the Grants at their home nearby, on his . . . — — Map (db m25412) HM
On West Robert Toombs Ave (U.S. 72), on the right when traveling east.
The Great Fire of
1837
began in the Vickers
House at this site. The
fire destroyed much of
the downtown area
located on the south
and east sides of the
public square. — — Map (db m93846) HM
On West Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) at Depot Street, on the right when traveling east on West Robert Toombs Avenue.
Built by A.W. Hill
Purchased 1877 by
Benjamin Screven Irvin,
first president of the Washington
Board of Education 1897
Mayor 1883-1889, 1896, 1899-1900 — — Map (db m200040) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) at Poplar Drive (Georgia Route 17), on the right when traveling west on East Robert Toombs Avenue.
This home was built by Mr. and Mrs. Louis Dugas, French refugees from Santo Domingo, in the early 1790s. Here, until 1810, Mrs. Dugas conducted the Boarding School for Select Young Ladies which was attended by the daughters of many of Georgia’s . . . — — Map (db m31779) HM
On South Alexander Street, 0 miles south of Water Street.
Two 1830s Houses
Federal Plainstyle
1840s
Dr Fielding Ficklen plantation
house moved here by oxcart
from Ficklen, joined to existing
house, portico added.
1864
Mrs Jefferson Davis &
children spent days here
on flight . . . — — Map (db m32957) HM
On South Alexander Avenue at Water Street, on the right when traveling north on South Alexander Avenue.
This lot, originally sold by the Town Commissioners in 1804 to John Griffin, was later owned by Henry Anthony. This structure combines two separate houses. The back part probably dates from 1817; the front was moved by oxcart from 7 miles out in . . . — — Map (db m25787) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) at Poplar Drive (Georgia Route 17), on the right when traveling east on East Robert Toombs Avenue.
This was the home of Robert Toombs -- planter, lawyer, and distinguished Southern statesman. Born July 2, 1810, Robert Toombs was educated at Franklin College, Georgia, at Union College, New York, and at the University of Virginia. He was a member . . . — — Map (db m25582) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) at East Liberty Street, on the right when traveling west on East Robert Toombs Avenue.
This Federal style house was begun in 1814, by Sarah Porter Hillhouse who came to Washington in 1786, from Connecticut with her husband David. In 1801, David purchased the town’s first newspaper The Monitor, and when he died in 1803, Sarah . . . — — Map (db m25575) HM
On East Court Street at East Square, on the right when traveling west on East Court Street.
Freedom
Out of the east came a cold hard wind,
And it whistled through our town,
Shrilly it shrieked the dreaded news,
That one of our own was down.
“Surely that wind is mistaken,”
I heard one of my neighbors say,
“I know I saw . . . — — Map (db m200044) WM
On East Court Street at East Square, on the right when traveling west on East Court Street.
On May 4, 1865, Jefferson Davis arrived in Washington where he performed what proved to be his last duties as President of the Confederate States of America. Shortly thereafter, with a small staff and escort, he departed enroute to the . . . — — Map (db m25541) HM
On West Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) at North Mercer Street (Georgia Route 44), on the left when traveling west on West Robert Toombs Avenue.
This was the home of Jesse Mercer, pioneer Baptist preacher and largest contributor to the founding of Mercer Institute at Penfield, now Mercer University of Macon.
Jesse Mercer, born in North Carolina Dec. 16, 1769, was the son of Rev. Silas . . . — — Map (db m25861) HM
Near War Hill Road, 1.5 miles south of Tyrone Road.
Marker Front:
The Patriots whose names appear on this marker are those who have been proved to have participated in the Battle of Kettle Creek on February 14, 1779.
Many brave men fought on this hallowed ground, some were wounded and . . . — — Map (db m46285) HM
On North Spring Street, on the right when traveling north.
Site of the Bank of the State of Georgia, Washington Branch. Last cabinet meeting Confederates States of America May 4, 1865. In a final act, Jefferson Davis dissolved the C.S.A. government. — — Map (db m73915) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) west of Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling east.
Site of W.T. Fluker Gun Smith (1867-1877) and Fluker & Brother Cotton Gin Manufactory (1875-1895). Also the location of W.T. Johnson's first store. A hardware store has been located here since 1884 — — Map (db m44334) HM
On East Liberty Street at South Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling east on East Liberty Street.
This library was Georgia’s first free (without a subscription fee) public library. Founded in 1888 by Dr. Francis T. Willis in memory of his daughter, it opened in 1889. Willis also created an endowment for the library and donated his personal . . . — — Map (db m23000) HM
On South Alexander Avenue south of East Liberty Street, on the left when traveling south.
1814 One story structure built by John C. Leitner 1835 Archibald S. Wingfield Added second floor wealthy merchant & planter 1863 David G. Cotting Ga. Secretary of State during Reconstruction period 1949 Maj. General Lloyd D. Brown Federal style with . . . — — Map (db m44243) HM
On Robert Toombs Avenue (Georgia Route 47) at Court Square, on the right when traveling west on Robert Toombs Avenue.
This building stands on the site of one of the most popular inns of the early stagecoach days. Under it are the ancient handhewn timbers, hand made brick and massive beams of the inn basement. In the basement is the rock vault with heavy iron door . . . — — Map (db m25502) HM
On South Alexander Street at South Street, on the right when traveling north on South Alexander Street.
c. 1828
Two Houses Joined
1833-1843
"Old Manse"
Francis Goulding
Presbyterian minister
authoring children's books
and invented an unpatented
sewing machine. — — Map (db m94234) HM
The Old Vault of the
Citizens National Bank
on main floor
founded
1907
during cotton boom
Liquidated in
1926
because the Boll Weevil
devastated cotton crops — — Map (db m93849) HM
On East Square, on the right when traveling north.
1946
Original site of
Almar
Manufacturing Company
Located on the second
floor of this building.
The heavy machinery
& materials caused the
floor to collapse in 1949.
Almar became one of
the largest producers
of . . . — — Map (db m94112) HM
On Spring Street (Georgia Route 47) south of West Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78), on the right when traveling south.
On 14 February, 1794 this property was granted to Thomas Hillhouse as original town lot #36. The home built here later served as a boarding house. It was here that Peter L. Van Allen challenged William H. Crawford to a duel in 1803 over political . . . — — Map (db m200058) HM
On Greensboro Road (Georgia Route 44) at Rocker Road (County Route 50), on the right when traveling west on Greensboro Road.
On June 10th, 1785, 16 members met in a mill on this site owned by Joel Phillips, a Revolutionary soldier, and organized Phillips Mills Baptist Church. The Rev. Silas Mercer, leader of the group, became the first pastor of the church, and served in . . . — — Map (db m25513) HM
On East Square north of East Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78), on the right when traveling north.
Built
1913
by
Thomas M. Nabers
as the
Princess Theatre
one of Washington's earliest
movie houses
"Birth of a Nation"
made it's Washington
premiere here — — Map (db m200049) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) 0 miles west of Poplar Drive (Georgia Route 17), on the right when traveling east.
1903
Queen Anne Style
Built by Dr. Willie Hill.
Center chimney serves
five fireplaces.
Heart of Pine floors,
12’ ceilings, 45 windows,
12” thick inside walls.
W-WHF
[ Second marker ]
1903
Cupola
Twin . . . — — Map (db m32959) HM
Remodeled 1959 after extensive fire
which destroyed the roof and upper
floor on December 24, 1958.
Board of Commissioners, Roads & Revenues
Wilkes County, Georgia
R.A. McLendon, Chairman
G.O. Holliday, C.R. Jackson
W.A. Pope, . . . — — Map (db m93598) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (U.S. 72), on the right when traveling east.
William M. Sims, attorney and county commissioner, purchased this lot known as Robert Toombs Meadow from Kate Toombs Cooley for $200 and built this asymetrical Queen Anne style house. 1962 purchased by John and Helen Beggs. — — Map (db m94211) HM
On Poplar Drive (Georgia Route 17) 0.1 miles south of Alexander Drive, on the right when traveling north.
200 feet east here was held the first ordination of a Presbyterian minister in Georgia, July 22, 1790, when John Springer was ordained and installed pastor of Smyrna, Providence and Washington churches by a Commission of the Presbytery of South . . . — — Map (db m25640) HM
On West Robert Toombs Avenue (U.S. 72), on the right when traveling west.
1879
Site of
Episcopal Church
of the Mediator
The sanctuary, with a triptych
stained glass window, measured
26' x 72'. Choir & vestry rooms
adjoined. 1st service 16-17 March
1879. 1895 the entire block burned
to . . . — — Map (db m94146) HM
On West Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) 0 miles west of North Mercer Street (Georgia Route 44), on the left when traveling west.
This is the site of Wilkes County Academy, built in 1797. The Academy was authorized by the Legislature in 1783, one of the first public schools charted by the State of Georgia. Commissioners were: Stephen Heard, Micajah Williamson, Robert Harper, . . . — — Map (db m25882) HM
On South Smyrna Church Road at Lincolnton Road (U.S. 378), on the right when traveling east on South Smyrna Church Road.
Smyrna Church was organized about 1786, by the Rev. John Newton and the Rev. John Simpson, Presbyterian ministers under the jurisdiction of the South Carolina Presbytery. Services were at first held in the homes of the members. The first Smyrna . . . — — Map (db m30309) HM
On South Smyrna Church Road at Lincolnton Road (U.S. 378) on South Smyrna Church Road.
This burying ground was laid out in 1788 when Sir John Talbot gave two acres of his vast estate for use as a Presbyterian Church and churchyard. Sir John was descended from the Earl of Shrewsbury. His own son, Matthew Talbot, served as a Superior . . . — — Map (db m32176) HM
On South Smyrna Church Road at Lincolnton Road (U.S. 378), on the right when traveling east on South Smyrna Church Road.
[Front]
Organized in 1785 or 86 by two Presbyterian ministers, Rev. John Newton & Rev. John Simpson. First house of worship erected in 1793 on land given by Sir John Talbot. In 1820 Presbyterian membership transferred to Washington and . . . — — Map (db m30339) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) 0 miles west of Poplar Drive (Georgia Route 17), on the left when traveling east.
Land granted to George Walton, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of The Confederate States, boarded here in 1828 while a student at the Washington Academy. — — Map (db m33118) HM
Near War Hill Road, 1.5 miles south of Tyrone Road.
(Side 1)
On this hill the Fourteenth Day of February 1779 the Battle of Kettle Creek was fought
(Side 2)
This battle of the American Revolution in which the British were severely defeated checked their invasion of Georgia . . . — — Map (db m25828) HM
On Sims Street at North Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west on Sims Street.
The high hill on which The Cedars stands was a home - site for the Indians before the arrival of white men. Not long after the Revolutionary War, Anthony Poulin, a Frenchman of noble birth who came to the aid of the Georgians against the British, . . . — — Map (db m25147) HM
On this site stood the old Georgia State Bank building in which Pres. Davis held the last official cabinet meeting of the Confederacy May 4, 1865.
Present
President Jefferson Davis •
Post. M. Gen. John H. Reagan •
Sec. of Navy Stephen R. . . . — — Map (db m66815) HM
On Tignall Road (Georgia Route 17) 0.2 miles south of Twin Oaks Church Road, on the right when traveling north.
The Rev. John Springer, 1744-1798, distinguished minister and educator, is buried in the garden on this plantation, Walnut Hill. A graduate of Princeton, he taught there and at Hampden-Sydney, and was first Rector of Cambridge College in South . . . — — Map (db m25589) HM
On West Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) west of North Allison Street, on the right when traveling west.
This was the home of Dr. Henry Allen Tupper, grandfather of the wife of General George Marshall, former U.S. Army Chief of Staff, U.S. Secretary of State and originator of the Marshall Plan.
Dr. Tupper was pastor of the Baptist Church here for 20 . . . — — Map (db m200042) HM
On East Robert Toombs Avenue (U.S. 72), on the right when traveling east.
One of Washington's
Oldest Taverns
The White House
Was Located Here
Charles Bolton
Purchased the Tavern in
1820
from Thomas W. Sims — — Map (db m93969) HM
On Tignall Road (Georgia Route 17) 0.2 miles south of Twin Oaks Church Road, on the right when traveling north.
Walnut Hill Academy, one of the famous schools of its time, was established in 1788 by the Rev. John Springer, in a building erected close to his house on this plantation. Among the Students taught by Mr. Springer at the Academy were John Forsyth, . . . — — Map (db m25588) HM