Washington, Georgia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Washington, Georgia
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| City of Washington | ||
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Location in Wilkes County and the state of Georgia
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 Washington, Georgia
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Georgia |
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| County | Wilkes | |
| Settled | 1774 | |
| Incorporated | 1804 | |
| Founded by | Stephen Heard | |
| Named for | George Washington | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 7.75 sq mi (20.08 km2) | |
| • Land | 7.70 sq mi (19.94 km2) | |
| • Water | 0.05 sq mi (0.14 km2) | |
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,754 | |
| • Density | 487.66/sq mi (188.29/km2) | |
| Demonym(s) | Washingtonian | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP code |
30673
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| Area code(s) | 706/762 | |
| FIPS code | 13-80704 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 0356620 | |
Washington is a historic city in Georgia, United States. It is the main town, or county seat, of Wilkes County. For a short time during the American Revolutionary War, it was even the capital of Georgia!
Washington is also famous as the place where the Confederacy decided to officially end its government. This happened at the very end of the American Civil War. In 2020, about 3,754 people lived there. People often call it Washington-Wilkes to avoid confusing it with other places named Washington.
Contents
A Glimpse into Washington's Past
The city of Washington started as a settlement called Heard's Fort in 1774. It was founded by a colonist named Stephen Heard. This small fort became the temporary capital of Georgia from February 1780 to early 1781.
Washington's Role in the Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War was a very important time for Georgia. One of the biggest battles in Georgia, the Battle of Kettle Creek, happened near Washington. On February 14, 1779, American Patriots fought against Loyalists. The Patriots won, capturing many prisoners and showing their strength. This battle took place about 11 miles (17.7 km) from where Washington is today.
Washington During the Civil War
Even though no major battles of the Civil War were fought right in Washington, the city played a key role. Jefferson Davis, who was the President of the Confederacy, held his very last meeting with his cabinet here.
This meeting happened on May 5, 1865. Union troops were close to capturing the Confederate capital in Richmond, Virginia. Davis and his cabinet had to leave. They traveled south and met one last time in Washington at the Heard house. This meeting marked the official end of the Confederate government.
A famous person named Alexander H. Stephens studied in Washington as a child. He later became the Vice-President of the Confederacy.
Exploring Historic Sites in Washington
Washington is home to many important historic places. Several of these are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. You can visit the Wilkes County Courthouse and the Robert Toombs House State Historic Site. The Washington-Wilkes Historical Museum is also a great place to learn about the past.
Other notable spots include the Mary Willis Public Library and the Cherry Grove Baptist Church Schoolhouse. You can also see the historic Fitzpatrick Hotel, which was built in 1898 and has been beautifully restored.
Washington's Location
Washington is located in the state of Georgia. Its exact coordinates are 33°44′7″N 82°44′29″W / 33.73528°N 82.74139°W.
The city covers a total area of about 7.9 square miles (20.08 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water.
Population of Washington
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1810 | 596 | — | |
| 1820 | 695 | 16.6% | |
| 1850 | 462 | — | |
| 1870 | 1,506 | — | |
| 1880 | 2,199 | 46.0% | |
| 1890 | 2,631 | 19.6% | |
| 1900 | 3,300 | 25.4% | |
| 1910 | 3,065 | −7.1% | |
| 1920 | 4,208 | 37.3% | |
| 1930 | 3,158 | −25.0% | |
| 1940 | 3,537 | 12.0% | |
| 1950 | 3,802 | 7.5% | |
| 1960 | 4,440 | 16.8% | |
| 1970 | 4,094 | −7.8% | |
| 1980 | 4,662 | 13.9% | |
| 1990 | 4,279 | −8.2% | |
| 2000 | 4,295 | 0.4% | |
| 2010 | 4,134 | −3.7% | |
| 2020 | 3,754 | −9.2% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1850-1870 1870-1880 1890-1910 1920-1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 |
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In 2020, the city of Washington had 3,754 people living there. There were 1,646 households and 904 families.
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
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| White | 1,226 | 32.66% |
| Black or African American | 2,277 | 60.66% |
| Native American | 12 | 0.32% |
| Asian | 24 | 0.64% |
| Other/Mixed | 122 | 3.25% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 93 | 2.48% |
Education in Washington
The Wilkes County School District manages the schools in Washington. It provides education from pre-school all the way to twelfth grade. The district has one primary school, one elementary school, a middle school, and a high school.
About 116 full-time teachers work in the district, teaching over 1,858 students.
- Washington-Wilkes Elementary School
- Washington-Wilkes Primary School
- Washington-Wilkes Middle School
- Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School
Dr. Rosemary Caddell is the Superintendent of Schools for the district.
Famous People from Washington
Many interesting people have connections to Washington, Georgia:
- Edward Porter Alexander – A general in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. He was also a railroad executive.
- James Osgood Andrew – A bishop.
- Edward McKendree Bounds – A clergyman and author.
- Lloyd D. Brown – A U.S. Army major general who led the 28th Infantry Division in World War II.
- Ernie Harwell – A famous baseball broadcaster, known as "The Voice of the Tigers."
- Hillary Lindsey – A songwriter who has won Grammy Awards.
- Tom Nash – A professional football and baseball player.
- Robert Toombs – The first Secretary of State of the Confederacy and a Confederate general.
- William Henry Pope – A politician from Texas.
- Fred Thomas – A guitarist who played with James Brown.
See also
In Spanish: Washington (Georgia) para niños
