Attractions
"I have often wondered what it is an old building can do to you when you happen to know a little about things that went on long ago in that building.."
Carl Sandburg, American Poet, Biographer, Journalist & Editor
Washington Historical Museum
This house museum was built about 1835 and contains a collection of artifacts, memorabilia and antiques representing more than 200 years of history in Washington and Wilkes County. An impressive collection of artifacts on display include Jefferson Davis’ field desk, Dave the Slave pottery, an Eli Whitney Cotton Gin, George Washington’s gravy boat and other antiques dating to the mid 1800’s. Learn about the biographies of influential citizens including Robert Toombs, Alexander Stephens, E.M. Bounds and many more.
Callaway Plantation
Callaway, Plantation, a 56 acre restoration project, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of working plantations in the agricultural South. Telling the intimate story of one family’s legacy, visitors can see, touch and hear 200 years of Wilkes County history. Callaway Plantation began with a log cabin built by Job Callaway in 1785, then grew to a 3,000 acre working plantation complete with a Greek Revival brick mansion by the 1860’s. Other notable structures include the Grey House, a one-room schoolhouse, the Dally Slave Cabin, a general store and a smoke house.
Robert Toombs House
A legend in his own time, Robert Toombs was a successful planter and lawyer who led a turbulent career as state legislator, U.S. Congressman and Senator. “Defend yourselves; the enemy is at your door…!” thundered Toombs from the Senate floor on January 24, 1860. The following year, Georgia seceded from the Union and Toombs personified the South by evolving from conservative Unionist to fire-breathing secessionist. After serving just five months as Confederate Secretary of State, he resigned to serve as brigadier general in the Army of Northern Virginia. In 1870, as the Reconstruction Era drew to a close in Georgia, Toombs felt that Georgia should live under a constitution of her own making. His last service to Georgia citizens was helping create the Constitution of 1877, which was not amended until 1945. Visitors are welcome to tour the house and grounds, and view exhibits and displays.
The Fitzpatrick Hotel
Patrick Fitzpatrick, a Catholic from Armagh, Ireland, moved from New York City to Lexington, GA, in 1840. John H. Fitzpatrick was born in Lexington in 1843. In 1844, the family moved to Washington where Thomas M. Fitzpatrick was born in 1856. The Fitzpatrick brothers, John and Thomas, were conducting a highly successful mercantile business known as T.M. Fitzpatrick & Brothers, in Lancaster, SC, when the worst fire in Washington-Wilkes history broke out on June 11, 1895. As a result of the fire, the buildings occupying the land where the Fitzpatrick Hotel is located were destroyed. The Fitzpatrick brothers returned to their hometown of Washington and began construction on the hotel. On March 20, 1899, the Washington Chronicle reported that “Mr. John Fitzpatrick was here on Saturday looking after the magnificent new hotel he is building, and also inspecting the elegant furniture which is being received. Our people are very much gratified that he has made up his mind to add such an ornament to our town and will always show a high appreciation.”
Mary Willis Library
The Mary Willis Library was the first free public library in the state of Georgia when it opened in 1889. The free library was a revolutionary concept in a day when all the state’s earlier libraries charged users a subscription fee. Noted Atlanta architect Edmund George Lind designed the library in the Queen Anne style, with masonry construction featuring detailed brickwork, a steeply gabled roof and a dome-capped tower. The library interior is lit by stained glass windows, including the central memorial window which was crafted by Tiffany Studios. The collection at Mary Willis Library includes at its core a number of rare books on local and state history, genealogical archives and historic memorabilia Washington’s past.
Memory Lane Cruisers
Step back in time when you cruise the historic Washington square with Memory Lane Cruisers. Classic cars, antique cars, muscle cars, antique tractors and hot rods will be on display.
Washington First Methodist Church
This impressive church building was dedicated to the Glory of God in 1910, though its earliest congregation began in 1786. The beautiful stained-glass windows are the impressive “The Woman at the Well” and “Christ in the Garden”. There is also a distinctive window memorializing those who lost their lives in the Great War. The heart-pine woodwork of the sanctuary with its arches and intricate designs were created by a local craftsman. Music has long been an emphasis for the church and our newly refurbished organ will be played at 10A, 11A, 2P and 3P throughout the day. Come and sit for a few minutes in the warm and peaceful setting and leave refreshed.
The Details
Saturday | April 6, 2024 | 10A – 4P
Tour Headquarters: First Baptist Church
105 West Robert Toombs Avenue
Complimentary All-Day Tour Shuttle Service
The Tour features a selection of seven distinctive private homes, complemented by several local historic sites (some require an additional admission fee which may be purchased along with your tour ticket at a reduced event rate).
An exclusive event luncheon (11:30 and 12:30 seating) will be served at the Washington Women’s Club. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the tour headquarters.
Stroll and shop the Art Show held at the Court Street Livery, located on the historic downtown square.