Inn Roads

The Fabulous Fitzpatrick
Story and photos by Kathleen Walls

The entrance to the Fitzpartick Hotel

As an architectural treasure it holds its own in a town filled with architectural eye candy. As a historical landmark, it can match histories with the best in a town with a colorful history. For comfort and amenities, it holds court with the finest hotels of today while reminiscent of the luxury of an earlier era.

The Fitzpatrick Hotel in Washington, Georgia is a gem of great value to a weary traveler and an unparalleled jewel to historians and architects alike. It's story really began on June 11, 1895 when the worst fire in Washington-Wilkes history broke out. It devastated much of the town square. Two Irish brothers, John and Thomas Fitzpatrick, were successful merchants who operated in Washington and South Carolina. They decided to build a hotel on the square to replace an older one that was destroyed by the fire.

Fitzpatrick lobby

When it opened in 1898, it was the epitome of luxury. It was built in the Queen Anne style that was popular in that era. Stained glass windows and beautiful gas lights illuminated the building. There were three storefronts on the ground floor and a gracious lobby. There was even a special entrance where ladies could enter more discreetly while the gentlemen entered the main lobby. The hotel boasted the first telephone system in Washington. Of course, it helped that the Fitzpatrick brothers owned the first telephone company in Wilkes County.

Room at Fitzpatrick

The brothers were in competition with the owners of the Johnson Hotel around the corner. In order to compete, the Fitzpatrick offered their version of limo service, a mule-drawn trolley ride from the depot to bring customers to the hotel.

After the brothers death, the hotel continued to operate under different owners until it closed in 1951. Like so many old building, it had degenerated until it was in very sad shape.

Bar at Fitzpatrick

Today, it has been completely renovated maintaining the elegant Victorian furnishing, even several claw-foot tubs. You feel you have stepped back in time to an era of gracious living. To meet the needs of today's traveler, you also are provided with DSL internet service, satellite TV in each room, and breakfast served each morning. Of course, the cordial southern hospitality is always included. There is a small bar for refreshments on the run.

Robert Toombs House

The Fitzpatrick looks out on the town square that is the hub of Washington. You are just steps away from past here. The town has the largest concentration of Antebellum homes in Georgia, over 100. History is alive in well at the Robert Toombs House, home of the first Secretary of State of the Confederacy as well as a senator and generally interesting character. You will find yourself farther emerged in the past at the Washington Historical Museum where you will find many War Between the States artifacts including Jefferson Davis's camp chest.

Treasury Chest

Retro Cinemia wine bar

Speaking of chests, be sure to drop in at the Wilkes Library and see the actual chest used to transport the Confederate Treasury and hear the fantastic story of the missing Confederate gold. When it comes to gold, you will find golden oldies usually showing at the Retro Cinema, easily identified by the Gone with the Wind mural on its side wall. Elvis is alive and well here. Don't let the name fool you. It's also a bookstore and wine bar as well as a charming little movie house with enough movie artifacts to almost classify it a museum.

Joe cooking his Shrimp and Grits

After browsing the art shops, boutiques and even a taxidermist of unusual talent on and just off the square, you can dine at the Fitzpatrick's own Cafe or visit the Jockey Club also located on the square. The Jockey Club in Washington was founded in 1798 for the horse racing set to meet and discuss the races so the restaurant( not nearly as old) has a serious reputation to live up to. It does just that. I recommend Joe Barnett's Shrimp and Cheese Grits. He beat Bobby Flay in a recent Throwdown. When asked about winning, Joe replied, "It's not a good idea to bet on a New Yorker cooking grits against a Georgia boy."

Contacts:

The Fitzpatrick Hotel
16 West Square
Washington, Georgia 30673
706-678-5900
http://www.thefitzpatrickhotel.com/

Robert Toombs House Historic Site
216 East Robert Toombs Avenue
Washington , GA 30673
http://www.gastateparks.org/RToombs

Washington Historical Museum
308 East Robert Toombs Avenue
Washington, GA 30673-2038
(706) 678-2105
www.historyofwilkes.org

Retro Cinema & Books
114 Spring Street
Washington, GA 30673 : (706)678-6900
dana@retrocinema.net
http://www.retrocinema.net

Mary Wills Library
204 East Liberty Street
Washington, GA
(706) 678-7736

Washington Jockey Club
5 E Public Sq
Washington, GA 30673
(706) 678-1672