Callaway Historic Site
October 11, 2025
Spend a day of Living History in Washington-Wilkes County GA
Callaway Historic Site, near Washington GA. in Wilkes County, is the perfect destination if you are planning a leisurely Fall road trip or looking for outdoor activities for kids in Georgia. In its 44th year, Mule Day is the background for a day of living history and family fun on this authentic late 18th century homestead. You can even bring your RV and camp on the grounds!
In case you’re wondering… Mule Day celebrates the humble mule, once the backbone of farming and the agricultural lifestyle of our rural south. This living history outdoor museum delivers an authentic depiction of the lifestyle of early farming families in Wilkes County and the rural South.
The concept of the mule as a farming staple was originally developed in our country by none other than General George Washington, our first President and Father of our Country…who is also “Father of the American Mule”. Fun fact…Washington GA was the first city or town in the country named for President Washington.
Recognizing the agricultural value of this offspring of a female horse (mare) and male donkey (Jack) as a strong, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn hard worker, President Washington became the first American to breed mules. After much diplomacy and finagling, Washington received a special gift from King Charles III of Spain, a Mammoth Jack donkey to breed with his mares at Mount Vernon and, later, to offer at stud to other breeders. Washington appropriately named the Mammoth Jack “Royal Gift”.
At Mule Day, step back in time for a day of living history as experts and historians introduce you to mules and other farm animals and demonstrate how they were used in farming and in the production of household foods and other items for the homestead. Artisans and makers will tell stories about what life was like on the homestead in the late 1700s and will demonstrate their skills that kept the homestead running.
You’ll enjoy a day of living history and Mule Day events.
- Meet the makers – weavers, spinners, basket makers, candle and soap makers
- Watch blacksmiths and leather toolers making tools and utensils for the farm and the home.
- Visit the grand brick Greek Revival manor home, built around 1840
- Tour original and authentic relocated structures, including
- Steven Heard’s log cabin (1785)
- Gov. George Gilmer Childhood Home (1800)
- The Job Callaway Grey House (1818)
- One room schoolhouse (1891)
- Tool house (1891)
- The T.J Jackson & Co. General Merchandise (1930).
More upcoming Living History events at Callaway Historic Site:
- Fourth Saturday Living History – tour the grounds and structures and hear stories from experts and historians about life on this late 18th century farm.
- “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” – a stirring recounting of the first days after the end of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction in the rural South. November 14-16, 2025.
After a day you’ll long remember¾mules and all¾stop by nearby Washington and its lively square dotted with gift shops, antique stores, and boutiques. Then enjoy a delicious meal, a great cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream or relax with a good glass of wine.
Come for the mules. Stay for the living history. Discover one of Georgia’s most authentic historic farm demonstrations and visit one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia.
Callaway Historic Site, Washington and Wilkes County are just a short drive away.
- Atlanta: 110 miles via I-20 and the Washington/Thomson/Hwy. 78 exit 172
- Athens: 45 miles via Hwy. 78 east
- Augusta: 55 miles via Hwy. 78 west
George Washington with mule, Photo illustration by Meilan Solly, Senior associate digital editor, history, at Smithsonian magazine
Callaway Historic Site