Black History is Revolutionary in Washington-Wilkes County Ga.

As we begin our commemoration of America’s 250^th Anniversary, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the many freedoms and privileges we enjoy and to remember the brave leaders and forefathers who made them possible.

The historic town square in downtown Washington GA is a perfect place to begin your tribute to Black history with a visit to the Black Patriots Monument honoring an estimated 5,000 black patriots who served in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War.

The Black Patriot Monument features a bust of James Armistead Lafayette, a black Patriot and a double agent spy who reported the activities of General Benedict Arnold. It also honors Austin Dabney, a Black slave in Wilkes County who was sent into military service in the place of his owner and who was seriously wounded during the Battle of Kettle Creek, the pivotal Revolutionary War battle fought in Georgia just outside of present-day Washington. Dabney was granted his freedom after the war and was awarded a land grant and pension for his service…a distinction very unusual for a Black person or former slave during that time, earning his place in Wilkes County Georgia history.

Be sure to mark your calendar for February 13-15 for Revolutionary Days, one of the most favorite and authentic Revolutionary War reenactments in Georgia, presented by the Georgia Chapter of the Sons of the Revolutionary War in commemoration of the famous Battle of Kettle Creek. This weekend of fun and festivities will feature Revolutionary Color Guards, a colorful parade around the historic square, an exciting battle reenactment, and a somber and respectful memorial service on War Hill, the site of the Battle of Kettle Creek, and honor services at nearby Elijah Clark State Park. For the schedule of events, click here.



Remnants of our Black History Leaders and Foundations.
Plan time to visit the Mary Willis Library, the first free public library in Georgia, to delve into its resources for Wilkes County GA genealogy.

Although they were born to formerly enslaved parents in Wilkes County, Rev. William Gaines and his brother Bishop Wesley John Gaines both left legacies for economic, religious and education opportunities for African Americans, not only in Georgia but throughout the South.

William Gaines is remembered for his participation with a group of twenty black leaders in a meeting with General Tecumseh Sherman that resulted in Sherman’s Special Field Orders No. 15 and the famous Forty acres and a mule land allotment after the Civil War ended.


  
Wesley John Gaines was an ordained elder in the African Methodist (AME) Church who became the second pastor of Big Bethel AME in Atlanta where he grew the church into the largest Black congregation in the south. Most notably, Bishop Gaines introduced the resolution to charter Morris Brown College for the moral, spiritual and intellectual growth of African American students. Morris Brown opened in October of 1885.

While you’re visiting Washington-Wilkes, you may want to visit one of the few remaining churches and one-room schoolhouses built in Georgia to provide educational opportunities for African American students before desegregation.

Cherry Grove Schoolhouse, built in 1910, was constructed on the grounds of the 1875 Cherry Grove Baptist Church and is recognized by The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation as an important Georgia black history artifact.





Jackson Chapel AME, erected in 1867, was the first church erected in Wilkes County by newly freed men. Still active in Historic Washington GA, this historic church has been recognized as a Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation site for its role in Georgia Black history and a valuable reminder of Wilkes County Georgia history.
 

One of the most precious freedoms we share is to be able to gather to celebrate our heritage.

Washington, in Wilkes County GA, is a perfect backdrop for family reunions, weddings or special celebrations, with a selection of venues for meeting and a variety of places to stay for those travelling from outside the area, including a comfortable hotel, Bed and Breakfast inns, and vacation rentals.

• Skull Shoals Park and Campground is a fun outdoor location for weddings and private parties, and outdoor music festivals and is popular for campers.
• The Court Street Livery, just off Washington’s historic town square, is a charming 19th century barn, perfect for parties, banquets, weddings and events for up to 175 guests with additional space available for outdoor tents for larger groups in the adjoining plaza.
• The Tulip, a boutique event venue is centrally located on Washington Square, with a well-equipped catering kitchen, table and chairs and lots of shops and restaurants nearby…even a wine room!

 Washington in Wilkes County GA is centrally located on Ga. Hwy. 78, just off Interstate 20, mid-way between Athens and Augusta, and not far from Clarks Hill Lake and the Savannah River.