On the Road to Revolution: A Georgia Trust Field Trip
Friday, June 5, 2026
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Join The Georgia Trust and Georgia Trust President Wright Mitchell as we trace Georgia’s path to independence on this one-day field trip through some of the state’s most compelling Revolutionary-era sites. Departing from Rhodes Hall at 8:30 a.m. via charter bus, this carefully curated journey blends expert-led tours, scenic travel, and meaningful connections to Georgia’s past.
Our first stop is the Rock House in McDuffie County, the oldest stone house in the state and a rare example of the early fortified frontier architecture that would have existed during the revolutionary period. Built in approximately 1795 by an ancestor of President Jimmy Carter, this granite outpost served travelers along one of Georgia’s earliest roads and offers a fascinating glimpse into life on the edge of the American frontier. During our visit, you’ll explore its rugged construction and hear stories of the people who passed through its doors. This site is not open to the public, so this is a rare opportunity to personally experience on of Georgia’s most unique historic resources.
Next, we head to Historic Wrightsboro, a once-thriving Quaker settlement with strong Revolutionary ties. Wrightsborough was deeply divided during the Revolutionary War between Patriots and Loyalists, and the civil war that unfolded in the backcountry of Georgia ultimately destroyed this community. Enjoy lunch in this now peaceful setting, followed by a self-guided visit to the Wrightsboro Methodist Church, where the quiet grounds and simple architecture reflect the community’s unique role in early Georgia history.
In the afternoon, we travel to the Washington Historical Museum, located in one of Georgia’s most important Revolutionary War towns. Once briefly considered as the revolutionary capital of the state, Washington, Georgia, played host to pivotal moments in Georgia’s revolutionary past. A guided tour of the museum brings to life the political and social climate of the era through artifacts, documents, and engaging interpretation.
Our final stop is the Kettle Creek Battlefield, site of a crucial Patriot victory in 1779. Walk the preserved landscape where Patriot and Loyalist militia forces clashed in a battle that helped shift momentum in the Southern Campaign. As you stand on the very ground where history unfolded, the President of the Kettle Creek Battlefield Association will illuminate the strategies, stakes, and lasting significance of this often-overlooked engagement. He will also discuss the recent preservation efforts at the battlefield including the use of cadaver dogs to locate unmarked burials. Some walking on trails and uneven surfaces will be involved.
We’ll depart Kettle Creek at 3:30 PM, returning to Rhodes Hall between 5:30 and 6:00 PM, ending a full day of exploration, learning, and connection to Georgia’s Revolutionary story.
Join us “On the Road to the Revolution” and experience history where it happened.
Ticket includes lunch.
$125 per person (member)
$150 per person (non-member)
Limited spots available
Prince Hall Masonic Lodge
Thursday, June 11, 2026
12:00 p.m.
Join The Georgia Trust for an exclusive tour of Prince Hall, one of Atlanta’s most significant buildings. This tour traces the building’s rich history on Atlanta’s famous Auburn Avenue and its remarkable recent rehabilitation.
Built in 1937 under the direction of John Wesley Dobbs, Prince Hall once served as the home of WERD Radio, the first Black‑owned radio station in the United States. The iconic landmark also housed the Madame C.J. Walker beauty school, continuing the legacy of America’s first self‑made female millionaire. And most notably, this building served as the headquarters of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, where Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young, Ella Baker, Ralph David Abernathy, and other Civil Rights leaders organized campaigns that reshaped the nation.
In 2025, an extensive rehabilitation of Prince Hall was completed. The project included restoring its masonry, windows, and other character‑defining features and adding a new roof. The building will be used by the Prince Hall Masons and other masonic groups, with a single tenant on the second floor and the National Park Service occupying the first floor and basement for public interpretation. Today the building remains a defining anchor along one of Atlanta’s most historic streets.
SPECIAL THANKS
