Attractions
"I have often wondered what it is an old building can do to you when you happen to know a little about things that went on long ago in that building."
Carl Sandburg, American Poet, Biographer, Journalist & Editor
Washington Historical Museum
This house museum was built about 1835 and contains a collection of artifacts, memorabilia and antiques representing more than 200 years of history in Washington and Wilkes County. An impressive collection of artifacts on display include Jefferson Davis’ field desk, Dave the Slave pottery, an Eli Whitney Cotton Gin, George Washington’s gravy boat and other antiques dating to the mid 1800’s. Learn about the biographies of influential citizens including Robert Toombs, Alexander Stephens, E.M. Bounds and many more.
*local attraction ticket required*
Callaway Plantation
Callaway, Plantation, a 56 acre restoration project, offers a glimpse into a bygone era of working plantations in the agricultural South. Telling the intimate story of one family’s legacy, visitors can see, touch and hear 200 years of Wilkes County history. Callaway Plantation began with a log cabin built by Job Callaway in 1785, then grew to a 3,000 acre working plantation complete with a Greek Revival brick mansion by the 1860’s. Other notable structures include the Grey House, a one-room schoolhouse, the Dally Slave Cabin, a general store and a smoke house.
*local attraction ticket required*
Robert Toombs House
A legend in his own time, Robert Toombs was a successful planter and lawyer who led a turbulent career as state legislator, U.S. Congressman and Senator. “Defend yourselves; the enemy is at your door…!” thundered Toombs from the Senate floor on January 24, 1860. The following year, Georgia seceded from the Union and Toombs personified the South by evolving from conservative Unionist to fire-breathing secessionist. After serving just five months as Confederate Secretary of State, he resigned to serve as brigadier general in the Army of Northern Virginia. In 1870, as the Reconstruction Era drew to a close in Georgia, Toombs felt that Georgia should live under a constitution of her own making. His last service to Georgia citizens was helping create the Constitution of 1877, which was not amended until 1945. Visitors are welcome to tour the house and grounds, and view exhibits and displays.
*local attraction ticket required*
The Fitzpatrick Hotel
Mary Willis Library
Memory Lane Cruisers
Washington First Methodist Church
Washington Presbyterian Church
Episcopal Church of the Mediator
Jackson AME Church
Marks Tabernacle Church
Cherry Grove School House
Washington Woman's Club
First Baptist Church
Court Street Livery
The Details
Saturday | April 5, 2025 | 10A – 4P
Tour Headquarters: First Baptist Church
105 West Robert Toombs Avenue
Complimentary All-Day Tour Shuttle Service Provided by the Washington Kiwanis Club. Note: shuttles do not run to Callaway Plantation or Cherry Grove School.
The Tour features a selection of several distinctive private homes, complemented by several local historic sites (some require an additional admission fee which may be purchased along with your tour ticket at a reduced event rate). Tickets can be purchased here or at tour headquarters the day of the event.
An exclusive event luncheon (11:30 and 12:30 seating) is provided by and will be served at the Washington Women’s Club. Tickets can be purchased in advance (recommended) or at the tour headquarters (pending availability). Luncheons have sold out during past tours. Lunch includes chicken salad on croissant, pasta salad, fruit salad and dessert. Menu subject to change.
Stroll and shop the Art Show held at the Court Street Livery, located on the historic downtown square.Tickets can be purchased here or at tour headquarters the day of the event.