History

Wilkinson County, the 29th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1803. The county was named for General James Wilkinson, an officer of the Revolutionary War and native of Maryland.

Irwinton was named for Georgia governor Jared Irwin. Gordon was named for the first president of the Central Georgia Railroad, William Washington Gordon (for whom Gordon County is also named). Allentown is situated at the junction of four counties: Wilkinson, Twiggs, Laurens and Bleckley.

Wilkinson county has lost courthouses to fire in 1829, 1854, 1864 and 1924.

Points of Interest

Wilkinson County has substantial kaolin deposits, which are important to the local economy.

Wilkinson County shares the Beaver Dam with Laurens County, to the southeast. This was once a Wildlife Management Area owned and operated by DNR, but now is privately owned. The Oconee River forms the county's eastern border.

Several interesting attractions include the Swampland Opera House in Toomsboro, and Beaver Creek at Ivy Station, which has a restored caboose, a cane mill and Civil War memorabilia.

Annual Events

Gordon Christmas Parade

Downtown Gordon

Wikinson County Depot