The Brown House Museum is a fascinating historic house museum in Sandersville, Georgia that brings local history to life through authentic antebellum architecture, period artifacts, and engaging exhibits. Open to the public and operated by the Washington County Historical Society, this museum welcomes visitors of all ages to explore the rich heritage of the area — especially its ties to the Civil War and everyday life in 19th-century Georgia.
Originally built in 1850 as a private residence known as Woodland Terrace, the home was later purchased by William Gainer Brown and remained in the Brown family for over a century. During General William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864, Sherman used the Brown House as his headquarters while passing through Sandersville, and local lore even says he rested on a fainting couch now on display.
Inside, the museum features:
Whether you’re interested in Civil War history, local heritage, or just enjoy historic homes, the Brown House Museum is a great stop to enrich your understanding of Sandersville and Washington County’s past.
Originally built in 1850 as a private residence known as Woodland Terrace, the home was later purchased by William Gainer Brown and remained in the Brown family for over a century. During General William T. Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864, Sherman used the Brown House as his headquarters while passing through Sandersville, and local lore even says he rested on a fainting couch now on display.
Inside, the museum features:
- Period furniture and domestic artifacts that illustrate mid-1800s life in Washington County.
- Civil War memorabilia, including personal letters and items from local soldiers, offering a unique glimpse into wartime experiences.
- Exhibits on county history, pottery, the kaolin industry, and other aspects of regional culture.
- Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Admission: Free, and open year-round with free on-site parking.
Whether you’re interested in Civil War history, local heritage, or just enjoy historic homes, the Brown House Museum is a great stop to enrich your understanding of Sandersville and Washington County’s past.
The Old Jail and Genealogy Research Center in Sandersville, Georgia is a unique historic site that combines local history, preserved architecture, and research resources — all managed by the Washington County Historical Society. The complex sits in a striking Victorian-era building that once served as both the county jail and the sheriff’s residence, making it one of the few of its kind still standing today.
Built in 1891, the Old Jail served Washington County for many decades and housed prisoners in the rear-section cells while the sheriff and family lived in the front portion of the building. Today, visitors can tour the jail to see:
The Genealogy Research Center is housed within the same historic structure and serves as a valuable resource for anyone researching family history and local heritage. The center’s collection includes:
📍 129 Jones Street, Sandersville, GA 31082
Typical hours of operation:
Built in 1891, the Old Jail served Washington County for many decades and housed prisoners in the rear-section cells while the sheriff and family lived in the front portion of the building. Today, visitors can tour the jail to see:
- Original jail cells with working locking mechanisms.
- Graffiti on cell walls left by past inmates.
- Displays highlighting life and law enforcement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Stories and local lore, including tales of Essie English, the sheriff’s daughter whose tragic death in the house in 1901 is part of the site’s history.
The Genealogy Research Center is housed within the same historic structure and serves as a valuable resource for anyone researching family history and local heritage. The center’s collection includes:
- Family histories and local cemetery records.
- Obituaries and burial listings.
- Land records, US and Georgia census data, and historic maps.
- Digitized newspapers covering more than 200 years of regional news, searchable by name, event, or topic.
Researchers — whether beginners or experienced genealogists — can access this extensive library and often receive assistance from knowledgeable volunteers.
📍 129 Jones Street, Sandersville, GA 31082
Typical hours of operation:
- Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
(Appointments may also be available on Tuesdays by request.)