GOAL: The intent of this SEO-rich blog was to promote the annual event and provide a fresh perspective. It also previews upcoming events.

RESULT: The CVB blog with multiple posts we created has been read by nearly 1,000 potential visitors. This blog post was read over 120 times and the CVB reported the event had a broader audience.

Mule Day and Southern Heritage Festival

Spend a day of Living History at Callaway Historic Site

Written by Cathy Peabody, Content Developer, CVB Digital

Callaway Historic Site, near Washington GA. in Wilkes County, is the perfect destination if you are planning a leisurely Fall road trip or looking for outdoor activities for kids in Georgia. The 44^th annual Mule Day and Southern Heritage Festival provides a day of living history and family fun on this authentic late 18^th century homestead. You can even bring your RV and camp on the grounds.

In case you’re wondering…the Mule Day and Southern Heritage Festival celebrates the humble mule, once the backbone of farming and the agricultural lifestyle of our rural south. This living history outdoor museum delivers an authentic depiction of the lifestyle of early farming families in Wilkes County and the rural South.

The concept of the mule as a farming staple was originally developed in our country by none other than General George Washington, our first President and Father of our Country…who is also “Father of the American Mule”.  Fun fact…Washington GA was the first city or town in the country named for President Washington.

Photo illustration by Meilan Solly, Senior associate digital editor, history, at Smithsonian magazine

Recognizing the agricultural value of this offspring of a female horse and male donkey as a strong, intelligent, and sometimes stubborn hard worker, President Washington became the first American to breed mules. Washington started his breeding service using a Spanish male “Jack” mule and four mare mules, a special gift from King Charles of Spain. The male mule was appropriately named “Royal Gift”.

At Mule Day and Southern Heritage Festival, step back in time for a day of living history as experts and historians will introduce you to mules and other farm animals and demonstrate how they were used in farming and in the production of household foods and other items for the homestead. Artisans and makers will tell stories about what life was like on the homestead in the late 1700s and will demonstrate their skills that kept the homestead running.

You’ll enjoy a day of living history and Mule Day events.  

• Meet the makers – weavers, spinners, basket makers, candle and soap makers
• Watch blacksmiths and leather toolers making tools and utensils for the farm and the home.
• Visit the grand brick Greek Revival manor home, built around 1840
• Tour original and authentic relocated structures, including
  • Steven Heard’s log cabin (1785)
  • Gov. George Gilmer Childhood Home (1800)
  • The Job Callaway Grey House (1818)
  • One room schoolhouse (1891)
  • Tool house (1891)
  • The T.J Jackson & Co. General Merchandise (1930).

More upcoming Living History events at Callaway Historic Site:

• Fourth Saturday Living History –tour the grounds and structures and hear stories from experts and historians about life on this late 18^th century farm.
• “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” – a stirring recounting of the first days after the end of the Civil War and the beginning of Reconstruction in the rural South. November 14-16, 2025.

After a day you’ll long remember-mules and all-stop by nearby Washington and its lively square dotted with gift shops, antique stores, and boutiques. Then enjoy a delicious meal, a great cup of coffee, a scoop of ice cream or relax with a good glass of wine.

Come for the mules. Stay for the living history. Discover one of Georgia’s most authentic historic farm demonstrations and visit one of the prettiest small towns in Georgia.

Callaway Historic Site, Washington and Wilkes County are just a short drive away.

• Atlanta: 110 miles via I-20 and the Washington/Thomson/Hwy. 78 exit 172
• Athens: 45 miles via Hwy. 78 east
• Augusta: 55 miles via Hwy. 78 west

Washington-Wilkes Georgia
Where History Lives™