Washington, Georgia, lies between Athens and Augusta in an area known for its beautiful, old homes and southern hospitality. For the 10th year, it will observe a growing celebration started by the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution which is more recently referred to by the community as "Revolutionary Days."

Groups such as the Children and Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington-Wilkes Historical Foundation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Military Veterans will join the SAR to take a step back in time to honor our founding patriots and commemorate battles like this that 228 years ago forged American independence.

On Saturday morning, February 10th, a full day of activities that will delight young and old begins at 9 a.m. with a showing of the Kettle Creek Video at the Mary Willis Library. The video outlines the importance of this battle as a turning point leading up to the colonists' victory over the British at Yorktown.

At 10 a.m., Revolutionary War reenactors and other personalities as well as SAR Color Guard members from several states and local organizations will converge on the historic Washington Town Square. Benjamin Franklin, Nancy Hart, Elijah and Hannah Clarke and many others in period dress will meet those gathered. Children will be taught colonial games and how to march with muskets and adults will be encouraged to sign an oath of allegiance and join the militia.

After the parade, author Dr. Christine Swager will lead a children's discussion at 11:30 a.m. at the Mary Willis Library. She will describe the activities of the patriots after the Battle of Kettle Creek.

Throughout the day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. is an open house at the Washington Historical Museum. The museum boasts a large collection featuring Revolutionary and Civil War relics, Indian artifacts, and a recreation of 19th century home life.

Meanwhile, at the Kettle Creek Battleground located ten miles from Washington off SR 44, U.S. Army Historians will conduct walking tours from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The highlight of the day will be the pageantry at the 2 p.m. Battleground Memorial Ceremony at the large Monument on the top of War Hill. Wreath presentations by the various organizations and descendants will honor the memory of the Patriots who fought in the Battle of Kettle Creek. The Kettle Creek DAR Chapter will decorate the Commemorative Markers which list the names of the battle participants.

Memorial Ceremony participants will include U.S. Army Honor Guard from Fort Gordon, Continental Regiment Fife & Drum, SAR Color Guard in Continental Line uniforms, Elijah Clarke Militia and Greene County HS JROTC. Revolutionary War era music will be provided by the Washington Wilkes High School Ensemble and the Children of the American Revolution will perform an impressive flag ceremony for the original thirteen states. Rifle and Musket Salutes honoring the Kettle Creek Patriots will conclude the Ceremony.

The Battle of Kettle Creek, fought on February 14, 1779, was one of the most important battles of the Revolutionary War in Georgia. At that time, the state was almost completely under British control. Col. Boyd with 600 British sympathizers (called Loyalists or Tories) crossed the Savannah River into present-day Elbert County enroute to the British army then at Augusta. Patriots Col. Andrew Pickens, with 200 South Carolina militia, and Col. John Dooly and Lt. Colonel Elijah Clark, with 140 Georgia militia, marched to overtake the Loyalists.

On the morning of the 14th, Boyd and his men were camped at a bend in the then flooded Kettle Creek. Their horses were grazing, sentries were posted, and most of the men were slaughtering cattle or searching for food. The Patriots attempted to attack the Loyalist camp by surprise but failed and a desperate battle raged on both sides of the creek for three hours before the Loyalists finally broke and fled. Col. Boyd and 20 of his men were killed and 22 captured. Pickens and Dooly lost seven men killed and 15 wounded. Col. Andrew Pickens later wrote that Kettle Creek "was the severest check and chastisement, the Tories ever received in South Carolina or Georgia."

All activities are free and the public is encouraged to attend. For further info call the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce at (706) 678- 2013. "Revolutionary Days" Sponsors include Georgia Society, Athens and Samuel Elbert Chapters SAR; Kettle Creek DAR Chapter; City of Washington; Wilkes County; W-W Chamber of Commerce; WW Historical Foundation; Mary Willis Library and Washington Historical Museum.