06/10/2026
The next location for my tour of Georgia is Washington County, where I was born and raised.
Washington County is known as the "Kaolin Capital of the World" due to its significant kaolin clay deposits, a key part of its economy. Established in 1796, the city features a historic downtown with well-preserved Victorian, Greek Revival, and Antebellum architecture, offering local shops, restaurants, and a glimpse into its rich history, including its role during the Civil War.
My first stop was to the Brown House Museum. This historic antebellum home built in 1850 serves as the permanent headquarters for the Washington County Historical Society. Originally named Woodlawn Terrace, the house is famously known for surviving the Civil War because Union General William T. Sherman used it as his temporary headquarters in November 1864 during his historic March to the Sea.
Next stop was to Georgia's oldest jail. The Warthen Old Jail is recognized as the oldest standing jail in Georgia. Located along Highway 15 in the small, historic community of Warthen, Georgia, this tiny, one-room structure was constructed out of heavy, hand-hewn oak logs around 1783. The jail's most famous resident was former U.S. Vice President ⭐️Aaron Burr⭐️. Following his arrest for treason, guards held him here overnight in 1807 while escorting him to his trial in Richmond, Virginia.
My last visit was to Hamburg State Park. It is best known for its beautifully preserved 1921 water-powered gristmill and its quiet, waterfront camping opportunities. The mill and an adjacent museum—housed in an old cotton gin and filled with antique farming tools—open their doors during special park events to grind corn and showcase rural Georgia history.
❤️I had to get a picture with the Coca-Cola mural in town❤️
