Augusta, GA
George Washington slept here: First president visited Augusta in 1791
Video: History of the Signer’s Monument
Interested in learning more about Georgia’s history for America’s 250th anniversary. Look no further than Greene Street and the Signer’s Monument.
George Washington slept here.
At least 17 current or former U.S. presidents have visited Augusta over its long history, beginning with the nation’s first chief executive.
Washington’s Southern Tour from March to June 1791 was punctuated by parades, speeches, and other celebrations in which residents at each stop displayed the utmost hospitality.
And Washington recorded it all – some of it, anyway – in his personal diary.
On May 18, 1791, Washington’s entourage, continuing from Savannah to Augusta, ate breakfast at an inn on the banks of McBean Creek, “15 miles from Waynesborough,” owned by Revolutionary War veteran James Fulcher.
Four miles from Augusta, Georgia’s capital at the time, Washington was greeted by a delegation of dignitaries led by Gov. Edward Telfair and George Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Washington “was escorted into the Town, and received under a discharge of Artillery,” he wrote. A meal and a tea followed at Telfair’s Grove plantation, “with many well dressed Ladies.”
He also wrote about “between 60 and 70 well dressed ladies” at an assembly at the Academy of Richmond County on May 19. On May 20, he was given a tour of ruined British battlements from the Patriots’ recapture of Augusta in 1781.
“The town of Augusta is well laid out with wide and spacious Streets,” Washington wrote in his May 20 diary entry. “It stands on a large area of a perfect plain but it is not yet thickly built tho’ surprisingly so for the time.”
In the decades after Washington’s visit, a rumor persisted that while he was in Augusta, the president buried one of his favorite greyhounds, supposedly named Cornwallis after the defeated British general.
“At some time during those three days, President Washington had the sad duty of burying his favorite greyhound,” longtime Augusta historian Edward Cashin wrote in his 1980 book “The Story of Augusta.”
Longtime Augusta Chronicle columnist pointed out years later that the 1892 newspaper article supposedly documenting the burial was dated April 1 – April Fool’s Day.
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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta Museum of History is hosting a series of exhibits tied to America’s 250th anniversary, including a LEGO display featuring notable moments in American and Augusta history.
The LEGO exhibit includes a bald eagle and a replica of Atlanta’s Capitol, among other items. A separate special exhibit is located in another wing of the museum, and smaller exhibits are displayed throughout the building.
Nancy Glaser, executive director of the Augusta Museum of History, said the goal is for visitors to leave with an appreciation for the country and a positive experience.
“How great America is, probably more than anything,” Glaser said. “A big smile on their face that they had a good time. It’s fun. It’s just fun. We want people to enjoy themselves when they’re here. So it’s just not about our train and not just about Augusta history, which is important, but it’s about the bigger picture. And that’s one of the things that we’re able to present right now.”
The America 250 exhibits are free to view this weekend.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WDBJ) – For a second straight game, the Salem Ridgeyaks bats blew up like…well..the fourth of July.
Andrews Opata hit his 5th home run of the season in the first inning, as Salem led wire-to-wire over Augusta, 7-4.
Opata also stole his Carolina League-leading 36th base of the season in the win for Salem (31-47). D’Angelo Ortiz’s 2 RBI double in the 4th pushed the Salem lead to 4-0. Ortiz finished 2-3 with three RBI’s on the night, while Louis Andujar went 3-4, scoring two runs and also plating two runs.
Salem pitcher Christian Foutch (ND, 6.18 ERA) pitched 4.2 strong innings, allowing just one run on three hits while striking out 8. Yermain Ruiz (W, 2-3, 9.87 ERA) picked up his first win since May 29th, going 4.1 innings while striking out another 4 batters.
Salem’s series at Augusta continues through Sunday.
Copyright 2026 WDBJ. All rights reserved.
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