Washington in Wilkes County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Wilkes County
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 13, 2015
1. Wilkes County Marker
Wilkes County, an original County, was created by the Constitution of Feb. 5, 1777 from Creek and Cherokee Cessions of June 1, 1773. At first, it contained all of Oglethorpe, Elbert, Lincoln, and parts of Taliaferro, Hart, Warren, and Madison Counties. It was named for John Wilkes (1727-1797), English politician and publicist, who strongly opposed measures leading to war with the colonies. First County Officers were: John Dooly, Sheriff, comm. Feb. 9, 1778; Samuel Creswell, Surveyor, comm. Feb. 18, 1783; Benjamin Catching, Clk. of Sup. and Inf. Cts., comm. Jan. 2, 1785; Howell Jarrett, Coroner, comm. 1790.
Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 157-11.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 5, 1777.
Location. 33° 44.275′ N, 82° 44.342′ W. Marker is in Washington, Georgia, in Wilkes County. Marker is at the intersection of East Court Street and East Square, on the right when traveling west on East Court Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 23 East Court Street, Washington GA 30673, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are
this page online
Regarding Wilkes County. The courthouse was built in 1903-04 on the site of the Bank of the State of Geogia, site of the last meeting of the Confederate Cabinet in 1865.
Photographed By David Seibert, November 15, 2009
2. Wilkes County Marker
The marker stands in front of the Wilkes County Courthouse
Photographed By David Seibert, November 15, 2009
3. Wilkes County Marker and Courthouse
The Wilkes County Courthouse was completed in 1904. It replaced an earlier Federal style courthouse built in 1817, and is on the site of the Bank of the State of Georgia building. The Courthouse burned on Christmas Eve in 1958. It was restored, but minus the clock tower. In 1989 the clock tower was replaced, but the new one is lower than the original.
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 13, 2015
4. Wilkes County Marker
Photographed By David Seibert, November 15, 2009
5. Wilkes County Courthouse
The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Photographed By David Seibert, November 15, 2009
6. Wilkes County Jail
A jail was added to the 1904 Courthouse in 1912, replacing an earlier jail.
Photographed By David Seibert, November 15, 2009
7. Plaque on Wilkes County Jail
Noting the first hanging in the new jail, even before it was dedicated
Photographed By David Seibert, November 15, 2009
8. 1890s Wilkes County Jail
This jail, built on the foundations of an earlier jail, is only a few yards from the Courthouse. It was replaced by the 1912 jail attached to the Courthouse.
Photographed By David Seibert, November 15, 2009
9. Wilkes County Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,524 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 4, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 2, 3. submitted on December 13, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 4. submitted on April 4, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on December 13, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
