Search for Washington, Georgia

The LAMAR Institute began a search for the Revolutionary War period Fort Washington just as the COVID Pandemic began. Our team conducted historical research, GPR survey, metal detection survey, shovel test survey and limited test excavations in search of this important military site. The fort was built in what would later become the town of Washington, Georgia. It was associated with the Heard family, and possibly others. Wilkes County was a hotbed of Patriot fervor in the American Revolution, and Fort Washington was one place where the Patriots assembled. No battle is recorded at this fort, although it may have been destroyed by a Loyalist Creek Indian raid. While our search was not successful in locating the fort, we did make many exciting discoveries that reveal the archaeological potential in downtown Washington. This was the first serious archaeological study in the town, so our findings carry significant weight. This study is documented in the following report:

232. Archaeological Search for Fort Heard/Fort Washington and Discovery of Washington Town and Gulleytown in Wilkes County, Georgia. By Daniel T. Elliott, 2022 (10 MB).