Exploring Oconee: The Story of Eagle Tavern

This week we begin our series Exploring Oconee. Each week for the next four weeks we’ll dive deep into the story of some of Oconee County’s most unique buildings, spaces, and people. This week we explore Eagle Tavern, one of Oconee County’s oldest buildings. You might be surprised by just how old the Tavern truly is. 

As you drive down Main Street in Watkinsville you’ll notice a simple brown building standing across from Oconee State Bank’s Main Street Financial Center. At first glance you wouldn’t think much of the structure. Its simple nature makes it incredibly easy to overlook. But you might be surprised by the immense history that lies within the heart of downtown Watkinsville.

In the late 1700’s Watkinsville sat at the edge of Creek and Cherokee Indian Territories. It is believed by some that the original site of the Tavern was once known as Fort Edwards (MuseumsUSA). The Fort served as a gathering place for those looking to escape Creek and Cherokee attacks. In 1801, Eagle Tavern (as we know it today) was born. The tavern originally served as a stagecoach stop for travelers on their way from Athens. It is reported that by 1827, travelers from Milledgeville would pass through three times a week, seeking reprieve from their long journey to Athens.

In 1864, Union General William T. Sherman led 60,000 soldiers across the south, destroying houses, barns, and farms along the way. Fortunately, Eagle Tavern was left unscathed.

During the 20th century Eagle Tavern was left relatively untouched, with the exception of a few renovations.

It is still relatively unbelievable that we have such a historic building just down the road. The building stood through years of success, turmoil, and war in Oconee County. If its walls could talk they would tell stories far beyond what we’re capable of imagining today. It truly is one of Oconee County’s most unique buildings.

The Tavern serves as a museum for those hoping to catch a glimpse of what life was like those many years ago. You can take a tour of the tavern and see the unique collection of pottery, relics, and antiques that helped make Oconee County what it is today.

 

Want to learn more? Visit these great sites:

http://www.museumsusa.org/museums/info/12975

Athens

http://www.kenkrakow.com/gpn/d.pdf

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagle_Tavern_(Watkinsville,_Georgia)