Heard's Fort (Early Georgia Capital)

Wilkes County · dedicated 1958 · On Danburg Road one mile south of Sandtown Road when traveling north.

Heard's Fort was designated the Seat of Government for Georgia on February 3, 1780. The Executive Council met and transacted the affairs of the State in this temporary Capital until early 1781. This designation was made by the Governor and Council in session at Augusta, and was necessary because of the danger that City might at any time be captured by British forces who were practically in control of the State. The fort was a stockade built by Stephen Heard about 1774, when he settled in the area. Stephen Heard served as President of the Executive Council of Georgia, February 18, 1780-1781.

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David Rumsey Map Collection, Stanford Libraries

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under a mile from where William Gabby lived in the 1760s

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Heard's Fort (Early Georgia Capital)

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