Washington

Southern hospitality is still a way of life in Washington-Wilkes, the seat of Wilkes County. You'll often see people greeting each other downtown or friends having a chat on a shaded front porch. You will also find a progressive government, modern businesses, cultural and religious opportunities, excellent schools, quality health care, and an abundance of recreational activities.

Washington has enjoyed a long and colorful history. Wilkes County, founded in 1777, was named for John Wilkes, an Englishman who supported the colonists' cause in the British House of Commons. The area played its part in revolutionary history at the Battle of Kettle Creek, where Patriot forces were able to push back Loyalists and break the British hold on upper Georgia. After the war, Washington\was reportedly the first incorporated town in the nation to be named for General Washington, who later became our first president.

Experience the historical atmosphere in heritage homes that include the 1835 Washington Wilkes Historical Museum. Tour the home to see a collection of Revolutionary War artifacts and authentic furnishings. There's also the 1794 Robert Toombs House State Historical Site house museum (pictured), 1889 Mary Willis Library, 1910 Cherry Grove Schoolhouse, 1785 Callaway Historic Site farm homestead and many other locations of note. 

The Broad River Water Trail flows through the area and offers great paddling for any river enthusiast, as does Clarks Hill Lake and Little River Water Trail. For hiking, find your way to Kettle Creek Battlefield, Mistletoe State Park and Elijah Clark State Park.