Created in 1777 and considered Georgia's first county, Wilkes County is rich with Revolutionary War history, gracious historic homes, and the courthouse square of Washington.
The Battle of Kettle Creek, a Patriot victory over Loyalist forces, was fought here on February 14, 1779, and the battlefield southwest of Washington has marked hiking trails today. In town, the 1904 Wilkes County Courthouse anchors a square lined with historic storefronts.
Washington is reputedly the first place in the United States named for George Washington, and it is home to the Mary Willis Library, Georgia's first free public library. Up the road, Tignall keeps its early-1900s main street along Hulin Avenue.
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Wilkes County
Washington
Settled as Heard's Fort in 1773, Washington is reputedly the first place in the United States named for George Washington. Its courthouse square is lined with 1890s brick storefronts.
Home of the Mary Willis Library, Georgia's first free public library.
Mary Willis Library
Washington-Wilkes Historical Museum
Callaway Historic Site, about five miles from town