Wilkes County, Georgia

1893 Victorian 1911 Wilkes County Jail Battle of Kettle Creek Benson Block Bishop James Osgood Andrew Black Patriots Monument Bolton Factory Busy Bee Cafe Campbell Home ClarkeÂ’s Creek Encampment Cleveland's Corner Columbus Granade Duncan G. Cambell's First Law Office Dyson House First Building First Court North of Augusta First Methodist Church First Presbyterian Ordination in Georgia Fishing Creek Baptist Church Fort Washington Park Gilbert-Alexander House Grant's Meeting House Great Fire of 1837 Heard's Fort Historic Dugas Home Holly Court Holly Court Home of Robert Toombs Home of Sarah Hillhouse Independence United Methodist Church Jean Marie Chotard LaPlace Home Site Jefferson Davis Jesse MercerÂ’s Home K.A. Wilheit House Kettle Creek Battlefield Kettle Creek Battleground Last Cabinet Meeting Last Cabinet Meeting of the C.S.A. Lindsey Chevrolet Co. Lowe Building Mary Willis Library Medical Office Norris House Old Inn Site Old Manse Old Vault of the Citizens National Bank Oldest Brick Store One of Washington's Oldest Houses Original Site of Almar Manufacturing Company Phillips Mills Baptist Church PopeÂ’s Chapel United Methodist Church Post Office Queen Anne Style Remodeled 1959 Rock Methodist Church Sims-Beggs House Site of 1817 Wilkes County Courthouse Site of Abraham Simon's Store Site of Presbyterian Poplar Site of the Confederate Commissary & Quartermaster's Stores Site of the Episcopal Church of the Mediator Site of W.T. Fluker Gun Smith Site of Wilkes County Academy Slave Market Smyrna Church Smyrna Churchyard Smyrna Methodist Church Stage Coach Inn T.C. Hogue Building Tarver-Maynard House The Battle of Kettle Creek The Cedars The Dissolution of the Confederate Government The Episcopal Church of the Mediator The Rev. John Springer The Village of Danburg The White House Toombs-Anderson House Walnut Hill Academy Washington Presbyterian Church Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia Washington-Wilkes Firsts Washington-Wilkes Historical Museum Washington-Wilkes Vietnam Monument Wilkes County Wilkes County Confederate Memorial Wilkes County Courthouses William Dearing Wisteria Hall Woodmen of the World Supreme Sacrifice Monument Wynne-Randall
Wilkes County, located in the state of Georgia, has a rich history that dates back to colonial times. It was established in 1777 and named after John Wilkes, a British politician who supported the American colonies' fight for independence. Wilkes County was one of the original eight counties of Georgia, and it played a significant role in the state's early development.

During the Revolutionary War, Wilkes County was a key center of the patriot movement. Many notable figures emerged from this area, including Elijah Clarke and Nancy Hart, who fought bravely for American independence. In fact, the Battle of Kettle Creek in 1779, fought in Wilkes County, was a major turning point in the war and helped secure the region for the patriots.

In the early 19th century, Wilkes County experienced a period of remarkable growth and prosperity. It became a prominent agricultural region, with plantations producing cotton and tobacco. The county's economy thrived, and many grand antebellum homes were built during this time. The thriving plantation culture, however, was ultimately disrupted by the Civil War.

The Civil War had a significant impact on Wilkes County, as it did on the entire state of Georgia. The county was divided, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. The war brought devastation and hardships to the county, and the region struggled to recover in the aftermath.

Today, Wilkes County stands as a testament to its rich history. It is home to several historic sites and landmarks that highlight the area's colonial and antebellum past. The county continues to honor its heritage, and visitors can explore its historical treasures, including the Kettle Creek Battlefield, to gain a deeper understanding of Wilkes County's role in Georgia's history.
Brief timeline of the history of Wilkes County, Georgia:

  • 1773 - Wilkes County is created as one of the original counties of Georgia.
  • 1780 - During the Revolutionary War, British troops occupy Wilkes County.
  • 1785 - The city of Washington is established as the county seat of Wilkes County.
  • 1799 - The first cotton gin is installed in Wilkes County, revolutionizing the local economy.
  • 1803 - Ruffin Attaway establishes the first bank in Wilkes County.
  • 1811 - The University of Georgia is founded, with Wilkes County's support.
  • 1820 - The population of Wilkes County reaches its peak at around 12,500.
  • 1845 - The Georgia State Medical College is established in Washington, Wilkes County.
  • 1861-1865 - Wilkes County suffers during the Civil War, with many young men enlisting in the Confederate Army.
  • 1895 - The Georgia Railroad extends into Wilkes County, boosting transportation and trade.
  • 1930s - Wilkes County experiences economic decline due to the Great Depression.
  • 1946 - Richard B. Russell, Jr., a native of Wilkes County, is elected governor of Georgia.
  • 1969 - Lake Strom Thurmond is created by damming the Savannah River, providing recreational opportunities for Wilkes County residents.
  • 2009 - Wilkes County celebrates its 236th anniversary.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wilkes County, Georgia.