To bibilophiles, any library is an amazing place. The concept of shelves and shelves of books available to borrow for free is a magical concept. With that being said, some libraries are more aesthetically pleasing than others. And if you’re looking for the most beautiful library in Georgia, it’s tucked away in the small town of Washington, up in Wilkes County. This town is filled with gorgeous historic architecture and small town charm, and it doesn’t get much more representative of that than the lovely Mary Willis Library. Check it out:
Washington is one of our favorite small towns in Georgia. Today, it has a population of around 4,000, but back in the Revolutionary War times, it was actually the capital of Georgia!
City of Washington, GA At the time of the Revolutionary War, the town was known as Heard’s Fort. Interestingly, it also played a major role in the Civil War. The town is where the Confederate Cabinet met for the last time in May 1865. The Confederacy was officially resolved at that meeting, thus ending the war.
You’ll find a number of beautiful historic buildings and homes in Washington. One of the prettiest is the Mary Willis Library in downtown.
Mary Willis Library/Facebook
The library was built in 1889 and was the first free library in Georgia. All prior libraries had charged subscription fees to obtain books.
Mary Willis Library/Facebook
Mary Willis was the daughter of a local doctor who donated the funds to build the library as well as his personal book collection.
Mary Willis Library/Facebook
The most notable feature of the library are the Tiffany stained glass windows. They’re strikingly beautiful, particularly on a sunny day.
Mary Willis Library/Facebook
Later additions were added to the building in 1997 and 1991. It’s now more than four times the size of the original construction.
Simon Robson/Google Local
There are a lot of gorgeous buildings you’ll want to check out if you visit Washington, and the library most definitely belongs on your list!
Simon Robson/Google Local
For more information about the Mary Willis Library, including a schedule of upcoming events, check out the official Facebook page or the Bartram Trail Regional Library system website.
City of Washington, GA
At the time of the Revolutionary War, the town was known as Heard’s Fort. Interestingly, it also played a major role in the Civil War. The town is where the Confederate Cabinet met for the last time in May 1865. The Confederacy was officially resolved at that meeting, thus ending the war.
Mary Willis Library/Facebook
Simon Robson/Google Local
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Address: Mary Willis Library, 204 E Liberty St, Washington, GA 30673, USA
