Washington in Wilkes County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Site of Wilkes County Academy

Photographed by David Seibert, November 15, 2009

1. Site of Wilkes County Academy Marker

Inscription. This is the site of Wilkes County Academy, built in 1797. The Academy was authorized by the Legislature in 1783, one of the first public schools charted by the State of Georgia. Commissioners were: Stephen Heard, Micajah Williamson, Robert Harper, Daniel Coleman, and Zachariah Lamar. Samuel Blackburn was the first teacher. Classes were held in rented houses until 1797, when, with funds raised by public subscription, a commodious two story brick building was erected for an Academy and Church. The Academy was in active use until 1824, when it was torn down and the school removed to a location nearer the business section of Washington.

Erected 1958 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 157-27.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1797.

Location. 33° 44.298′ N, 82° 45.01′ W. Marker is in Washington, Georgia, in Wilkes County. It is on West Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) 0 miles west of North Mercer Street (Georgia Route 44), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington GA 30673, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker: Jesse Mercer’s Home (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wilkes County Desert Shield & Storm Memorial (about 600 feet away); Wilkes County World War I Memorial (about 600 feet away); Pembroke (approx. ¼ mile away); The Barrows House Hotel (approx. ¼ mile away); Planters Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away); 1840 Classic Revival (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hill-Irvin-Harris House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

Photographed by David Seibert, November 15, 2009

2. Site of Wilkes County Academy Marker

Looking west on US 78

Wilkes County Academy image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Seibert, November 15, 2009

3. Wilkes County Academy

A modern Wilkes County Academy, a private school, stands on the site of the original.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,107 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.