-
Visit Washington GA for Southern Charm, Hospitality and History
This summer, as football fans (or as we say in the USA, soccer fans) from all over the world converge in Atlanta, Georgia for FIFA World Cup 2026™, not only will they witness the best teams in the world vying for the top honors, but they will get a taste for legendary Southern Hospitality.
We welcome visitors to share our celebrations, our history and our hospitality in Washington and Wilkes County as we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of the signing of our country’s Declaration of Independence,- Take a day trip to “one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia”
- Explore an American Revolutionary Battlefield and delve into American Civil War History
- Learn about Black Americans who left their imprints in Washington-Wilkes County and the United States
- Visit a Living History Museum and Plantation
- Play a round at a historic Donald Ross golf course
- June 17 Event - Corner Kick on the Square
A venture to Washington in Wilkes County, Georgia is like treating yourself to the charm, beauty and hospitality that Georgia and the American South are known for. In fact, Southern Living Magazine has called Washington “one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia” and we know you will agree.
As you approach the historic downtown Town Square, centuries-old grand Antebellum and Victorian homes grace tree-lined streets to welcome you to this historic town. In fact, Washington has over 100 historic homes and buildings, more than any other small town its size in Georgia.
You’ll have an opportunity to step inside one of these beauties at Robert Toombs House State Historic Site and house museum. The original home was built in 1794 and from 1837 to 1885 it was the home of Georgia U.S. Congressman and Senator Robert Toombs who later served as a leader of the Confederacy, and post-war as a framer of the Georgia Constitution of 1877.
The Washington Wilkes Historical Museum occupies a historic home originally built in 1835 and restored into a museum in the 1950s. The house showcases authentically furnished rooms with antiques dating to the mid-1800’s, including pieces owned by George Washington and Jefferson Davis, Civil War artifacts, and an Eli Whitney Cotton Gin.
You will also want to visit the Mary Willis Library, built in 1889 as the first public library in Georgia, still in operation. This historic building, on the National Register of Historic Places, showcases its original Tiffany stained-glass windows and some of its original furnishings, as well as a chest that once held the legendary lost Confederate Gold treasury.
You can even stay in an authentic 1820 Antebellum home. Chantilly Plantation and its surrounding grounds are a very short drive from the historic Town Square.
Washington’s historic Town Square is the focal point for charming shops and boutiques, delectable restaurants and cafes, a spirited wine bar and lots of friendly faces!
The Square, with its fountain and monuments, is anchored on one end by the Wilkes County Courthouse with its clock tower and historical markers paying homage to the history of Washington and Wilkes County. On its west end, the historic Fitzpatrick hotel, built in 1898, is a fine example of late nineteenth century hotel design and is on the National Register of Historic Places. (Note: the hotel is not currently open for business).
There are walking and driving tour maps available at the Visitors Center.
Explore an American Revolutionary Battlefield and delve into American Civil War History
Nearby Kettle Creek Battlefield is the site of the only American Revolutionary War battle that was fought and won in Georgia. Visitors can climb to the top of War Hill, where most of this decisive battle took place, and walk the grounds to learn about the strategies employed by Patriot leaders like Elijah Clarke, Andrew Pickens and John Dooly, to understand the battle's lasting impact on the war and on this region. A re-enactment of the battle is held each February in downtown Washington.
Near the end of America’s Civil War, Washington GA was the site Confederate President Jefferson Davis chose for the final cabinet meeting of the Confederate Government in May 1865, effectively ending the war. This was also the last time the Confederate treasury gold was accounted for. The historic marker where the old Bank of Georgia building stood on the Square commemorates this event.
Learn about Black Americans who left their imprints in Washington-Wilkes County and the United States
A monument in Washington Town Square honors the contributions of African American veterans of the Revolutionary War, featuring a bust that represents the best-known black patriot of Georgia, Austin Dabney.
A recently added marker commends the ventures of both free, and formerly enslaved Black citizens, who built businesses, created opportunities and contributed to the economic strength and culture of the Black American community in Washington and in Wilkes County.
Among Washington’s Black leaders and forefathers who left their legacies to culture, education and religion are:- Rev. William Gaines who, along with other Black church leaders, met with Major General William Tecumseh Sherman and Secretary of War Edwin Stanton in Savannah, leading to the “Savannah Colloquy” and Sherman’s Special Field Orders No. 15, the famous forty acres and a mule land allotment.
- Bishop Wesley John Gaines, ordained as an elder in the African Methodist (AME) Church in 1867, was the founder of Morris Brown College of the AME Church, which opened in Atlanta on October 15, 1885, just 20 years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Morris Brown was the first African American Educational institution in Georgia.
Visit a Living History Museum and Plantation
Take a step into living history at Callaway Historic Site, a short drive outside of downtown Washington. This plantation and farm originally date to 1785 and is now a 56-acre homestead featuring both original and relocated period structures, including a 1790s log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, a general store, a smokehouse, and a grand 1860s Greek Revival brick plantation home. The plantation and homestead are open for tours.
Play a round on a historic Donald Ross golf course
Find a tee time at Washington Wilkes Country Club for a round or two on a 9-hole golf course designed by Scottish-born architect Donald Ross, who designed courses at Pinehurst and several hundred other courses.
June 17 Event - Corner Kick on the Square
Historic Washington Town Square - Noon to 5:00
As the world gathers in Georgia for FIFA World Cup 2026™, visitors are invited to celebrate the global spirit of the game in one of Georgia's most charming small towns.
Join us for Corner Kick on the Square, a family-friendly community celebration that brings together soccer, food, music, and Southern hospitality in the heart of historic Washington.
All Ages Welcome
⚽ Soccer Skills Challenges- Best Kick Competition
- Target Kick Challenge
- Clock Your Kick Speed Station
- Cone Dribbling Challenge
- Prizes for participants and winners
Enjoy a traditional Southern pig roast and delicious local food while experiencing authentic small-town hospitality.
🎵 Music & Entertainment
Live music and festive entertainment throughout the event create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike.
🎮 Games & Family Fun
Children and adults can enjoy a variety of games and activities designed for all skill levels and ages.
🌎 A Celebration for Everyone
Corner Kick on the Square is an opportunity to bring together people from around the world through sport, food, music, and community. Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or simply looking for a memorable day trip, you'll find a warm welcome in Washington, Georgia.
Come celebrate the world's game with a touch of Southern charm!
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.
As you enjoy the excitement of the FIFA World Cup™ and the buzz of Atlanta’s city life, take time away from the crowds to visit the Southern charm you’ve always heard of. You’ll be glad you came.
