Washington County Courthouse

The first courthouse was a wooden structure built in 1812 on a site not far from the present courthouse. It was rebuilt in 1836 as a two story brick structure measuring 50 x 60 feet in size. Fire destroyed this courthouse in 1855; a temporary courthouse was built with timbers from an old county-owned stable. A third courthouse was built of handmade brick made of Washington County clay and lime from the limesinks and was later burned by General Sherman and his troops in 1864. The present structure was built 1869 on the same foundation as the one destroyed by Sherman. The courthouse underwent modifications and additions in 1899. The red brick Victorian-style courthouse is the focal point of the county seat, Sandersville. The original brass bell and Seth-Thomas clock installed in 1899 still tolls the time for the city. On the National Register of Historic Places.