...Sweet Land of Liberty

Named for our first President, a visit to Washington GA in Wilkes County is like witnessing living history. As we begin a year of commemorating 250 years of our nation’s independence, we remember the Revolutionary War battle that was fought here.
 
As our nation prepares to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it’s a great time to remember the heroic patriots who spearheaded and fought to win the most precious right of all…our freedom. It is especially humbling to be able to visit the site of one of the most pivotable battles fought during the Revolutionary War Southern Campaign and the significant Patriot victory won there.

The Battle of Kettle Creek, fought on February 14, 1779, three years after the Declaration was signed, was initiated by a group of patriots led by General Andrew Pickens, just outside present-day Washington, GA. Although outnumbered by the British Loyalist militia, this group of determined patriots pushed their opponents to retreat and abandon efforts in this colonial outpost and away from a foothold in the southern colonies.

Kettle Creek Battlefield is now an official “Affiliated Area of the National Park Service” (NPS) and visitors can climb the small War Hill, the historic site where the battle took place.



For an in-depth perspective about the battle, make plans to attend the Battle of Kettle Creek Author’s Forum, Saturday January 24, 1:00-4:00 pm at Pope Center in Washington, GA. Noted historians and authors Dan Elliott, Robert Scott Davis, Dr. David Noble, Dan Bigman, and Carolyn Faz, will share their research and insights on the Revolutionary War battle fought at Kettle Creek. A Q&A session will follow the discussions about this important chapter of American History.

If you’re looking for more ways to kick off the 250^th anniversary celebration, Revolutionary Days, February 13-15, commemorates the Revolutionary War battle and brings history to life with a weekend of patriotic excitement for the entire family. 

• In downtown Washington, the Raising of the Revolutionary War Colors and Patriot Salute will be followed by a colorful parade around Washington Square led by Georgia Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution in period costume, with lots of flags, fife and drums and patriotic fervor! Join in if you like!
• Pageantry and Colonial exhibits and living history demonstrations are open for all in one of Washington’s historic buildings just off the Square.
• A dramatic Revolutionary War reenactment of the Battle of Kettle Creek, complete with muskets, cannons and a lot of noise, will take place in the park behind the courthouse.
• A Color Guard and wreath laying ceremony presented by the Georgia Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Kettle Creek Battlefield Association at War Hill, the site of the battle. This annual ceremony is recognized as a “National Event Ceremony” by the National Society Sons of the American Revolution, and this year the events will be attended by the President General, NSSAR.
• Commemorative Puppet Show on Saturday with performances at 1:00 and 4:00 and Sunday performance at 3:00 pm at the Washington Little Theater.

Living History continues at nearby Callaway Historic Site, an early 18^th century homestead and teaching museum, February 13-15. You’ll experience a Revolutionary War reenactment military encampment and enjoy a walk through history among militia camps, Continental soldiers in period costume, demonstrations and drills and a day in the life of our patriot forefathers. Appropriate for all ages.

The excitement of celebrating our nation’s birthday continues throughout the year and is just part of the reason to visit beautiful Washington in Wilkes County GA. Washington-Wilkes is full of history, and not just Revolutionary War – it is one of the first counties founded in Georgia and was the site of the last meeting of the Confederate cabinet before its dissolution and the last place the Confederate treasury was accounted for.

It's also been called one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia, with many, many Antebellum, Victorian and historic homes and buildings.

Come for the weekend or better yet, plan to stay a few days – you’ll find a comfortable hotel and charming bed and breakfast inns to be part of the experience.

Washington 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.

Check back for Revolutionary Days updated events and times.  For more information, go to Georgia Chapter of the Sons of the Revolutionary War.

Images

Map Source: The Revolutionary War Journal

https://revolutionarywarjournal.com/battle-of-kettle-creek-brilliant-american-victory-in-a-bloody-civil-war/

Artist Rendering of Battle: Dale Watson, Artist/Illustrator

https://www.dalewatsonart.com