Sandersville, Georgia: The Heart of Washington County
Located in the center of a region between four of Georgia’s largest cities, Sandersville is a quaint jewel of a town founded in 1796 at Native American crossroads and incorporated in 1812. Come see what we have to offer!
The Tour Begins!
The Brown House Museum
Begin your visit at the Brown House Museum, the 1850 antebellum home that hosted in 1864 General William Tecumseh Sherman on his devastating March to the Sea.
The home features exhibits such as Washington County Pottery, a War Room featuring memorabilia from various wars, and information about the Brown family itself.
The Brown House Museum is also the headquarters for the Washington County Historical Society, so be sure to say hello!
Lunch on the Square
Take a stroll down beautiful North Harris Street to the Square for lunch. Enjoy the walk past fine homes of Sandersville on “Silk Stocking Street,” that bankers, Civil War heroes, and railroad men all built. You can also ask for the recorded tour of this street.
A meal at one of our city’s restaurants will be sure to hit the spot! Shop around for antiques, clothes, jewelry, and many other items at the local boutiques and shops located around the Square.
Plus, if you visit on a Saturday, the Farmer’s market will be in full swing, with local produce, crafts, and other fun goods!
The Old Jail Museum and Genealogy Center
After lunch, take a tour of the Sheriff’s House and Jail that is also home to the Historical Society’s Genealogical Research Center.
The 1891 building was home to nine of Washington County’s sheriffs and their families, while the criminal element was housed in the rear.
You will learn about the many escape attempts and the tragedy of Essie English, a daughter of Sheriff Wilson Matthew English.
Old City Cemetery
Tour the circa 1831 Old City Cemetery where many local, state, and national leaders are buried.
Here, you can admire the beautiful Brantley-Pringle Mausoleum, the rare zinc monument of Ernestine Artman Roberts, or any of the other old and prestigious markers and monuments dedicated to some of Sandersville and Washington County's most influential ancestors.
T.J. Elder Community Center
The T.J. Elder Community Center is maintained by the Washington County Elderite Association, Inc. and its members. In earlier years, the present building, completed in 1928, was a school founded by Professor Thomas Jefferson Elder (1869-1946). Professor Elder and his wife, Mrs. Lillian Phinizy Elder, are buried on site. In 1981, the building, formerly Thomas J. Elder High and Industrial School, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a historic Rosenwald Plan school. School memorabilia is on display inside the Center.
Forest Grove Plantation
See this beautiful privately-owned property. It once was an old plantation, but today it operates as an organic farm.
Charles Edward Choate Architecture Exhibit
The Charles Edward Choate Architecture Exhibit, housed in the Washington County Chamber of Commerce office, features multiple artifacts surrounding the history and industry of Washington County and original artwork in watercolor and pen and ink by native artist Sterling Everett.
There, you can also learn about other Washington County historic sites like Hamburg State Park.
Schedule Your Tour Today
Go with the flow, or customize your tour to a tee. The choice is yours!
Operation times of attractions vary. To schedule your tour or for more questions, click "Schedule my Tour" above, or call Elaine Bussell at (478) 552-3288.
