Location: Washington
Top Things to do in Washington
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Top 5 Things to do in Washington, United States
Washington (formerly known as Heard's Fort) is a city in Wilkes County, Georgia, United States. The population was 4,295 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Wilkes County. The city is often referred to as Washington-Wilkes by local residents, to distinguish it from other places named "Washington" in the U.S.
Restaurants in Washington
1. Callaway Plantation
Overall Ratings
5 based on 54 reviews
The plantation's hours may be subject to change due to the holiday's please call before coming out for a tour. Happy Holiday's!
Reviewed By Denise D - Owensville, Indiana
Must see if you are in this area. Several buildings to tour original historical decor. Wonderful, kind, knowledgeable curator meets you at the General Store where you purchase tickets, and gain a wealth of infomation. You may choose to tour the grounds via a self-guided tour or with a guide. They have stayed true to the period, except for newer beautiful draperies & such. The plantation house is full of antiques and the story of the owners. There are many other buildings to tour and admire. School house, garden, barns log cabin, etc.
2. Washington Historical Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Washington Historical Museum As the oldest house museum in Washington,GA the Washington Historical Museum contains an intimate collection of artifacts, memorabilia and antiques representing more than 200 years of history in Washington & Wilkes County, Georgia. About the House: The museum was originally built circa 1835 by Albert Gallatin Semmes on land owned by Revolutionary war hero, Micajah Williamson as a traditional two over two saltbox style house. In 1857, the house & 100 acres was sold to Samuel Barnett, the first Georgia Railroad Commissioner. Samuel enlarged the house by adding front parlor rooms, hallways & the main staircase to accommodate his growing family and to properly entertain visitors. Samuel's family lived in the house until the death of his daughter, Mrs. Edwards McKendree Bounds in 1913. In the 1950's the house was acquired by the City of Washington and underwent a two year restoration project which included historic modifications & alterations to both the house and grounds. The Washington Historical Museum opened to the public in 1960 and has continued to serve as an important example of antebellum architecture and Southern heritage. The house contains furnished rooms, authentically decorated with antiques dating to the mid 1800's. Furnished rooms include:Bedroom, Dining Room, Kitchen and both East & West Parlors and contain pianos, textiles, hair art, toys, China and more. About the Collection: The museum hosts an impressive collection of artifacts including: Civil War relics, antique furnishings, art, photographs, documents, personal correspondence and Georgia pottery. Special Collection rooms include: The Confederate Room, The African American Room, The Children's Playroom & The Native American Room where visitors will discover a diverse assortment of materials relative to local history.
Reviewed By C-02 - Sharpsburg, GA
Though there was a plethora of displayed items in the museum, it was still a bit dry. There was lots at which to look and read, but there didn't seem to be much connecting it all together. The standout piece for me was a hand-carved Civil War themed chess table/board and men. It was quite impressive!
Our hostess was evidently deep into desk work as she didn't hear us come in for 5-10 minutes, then she hurried to get our entrance fee and move us through the first floor. There were five in our group; she didn't wait on the last three to even enter the last two rooms before starting her spiel. Afterwards, she went immediately back to her desk. Visitors roam and see the other two floors unescorted.
3. Robert Toombs House State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By Taylor B - Chicago, Illinois
One of the most interesting things my wife and I have discovered while visiting antebellum houses and plantations throughout the South is that, in my cases, the owners of the properties are often even more interesting. Take the Robert Toombs House at 216 East Robert Toombs Avenue in Washington, Georgia, for example. The house is extraordinary. Built between 1794 and 1801 by Dr. Joel Abbott, it was acquired by Toombs in 1837. A two-story wood frame structure, it is fronted by a two-story colonnade of fluted Doric columns. Its main entrance is flanked by sidelight windows and topped by a transom. The interior has been decorated to reflect its mid-19th century occupation by Toombs and includes his private library. Toombs also is credited with a number of alterations, including the front colonnade and the west wing. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973. But Toombs is even more interesting. He was a pro-Union U.S. representative and U.S. senator, a Confederate general and Confederate secretary of state during the Civil War and one of the South's prominent pre-Civil War orators. He also was a successful planter, lawyer and outspoken Georgia politician. A firebrand, he used his influence to persuade the state to secede from the Union. He had hopes of being elected President of the Confederacy but was passed over for Jefferson Davis of Mississippi. Toombs never took the oath of allegiance to the United States, fled the country after the war and later returned to build a successful law practice, but died as an unconstructed Rebel. His lifelong friend was Alexander Stephens, who would become vice-president of the Confederate States of America. Toombs died in 1885 and is buried in Resthaven Cemetery in Washington. The town is located 45 miles east of Athens on Highway 78.
4. Kettle Creek Battlefield
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By SouthernTravel - Atlanta
We all know of the Revolutionary battlefields of Valley Forge, and Yorktown. But finding out that a critical revolutionary battlefield was in Georgia, was a surprise. Growing up and being educated in Georgia, I had no idea...
If you enjoy history, American, Southern, or Georgia, you must visit!
Granted it's not easy to find, and is not overrun with tourist. But it is worth the visit, and the education...
The battlefield is located on a hill and has several historical markers that give the fascinating history of the events. And tell the story that set the direction, by stopping the British southern strategy, to lead to Yorktown.
A few suggestions, before you go, read the history of the Kettle Creek battle. Next read about the battles of Ninety Six, Cow Pens, and Kings Mountain... It ties the British leaving Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina... And arriving at Yorktown to be rescued by the British Navy.
But it starts with Kettle Creek... Bring a picnic, walking shoes, and enjoy! Stop in Washington Georgia for several other interesting historical sites...
5. Washington-Wilkes Welcome Center & Chamber of Commerce
Overall Ratings
5 based on 10 reviews
Information on: Accommodations/Museums/Shops/Restaurants. Washington is one of Georgia's oldest and most beautiful towns, established in 1780 and the first in the nation to be named in honor of George Washington. You can spend the day touring its historic landmarks, shopping for gifts or antiques, or simply strolling the beautiful streets or relaxing in its authentic, 230+ year old town square.
Reviewed By ChartreuseBuzzard
Washington, Georgia is a lovely small town nestled between Athens and I-20 in Wilkes County. Antebellum homes line the quiet streets, and the town square boasts the county courthouse at one end, historic buildings on all the sides, and statues and monuments in the green space.
Legend says the Confederate Treasury is buried here somewhere!
Visit the Robert Toombs House, now a museum, and the Kettle Creek Battlefield during your visit.
