About Wakinsville
Initially known as Big Springs, Watkinsville officially became a town in December of 1815. Watkinsville is the county seat of Oconee County although it was at one time the county seat of Clarke County until the Clarke County seat was moved to its present site of Athens, Georgia.
The town enjoyed early growth due to a convenient location on a stagecoach route from Athens to Milledgeville, which was Georgia’s first capital. The railroad also had a line running through the town then and shipping cattle was big business. In fact, Tanyard Branch Tannery was the main employer in town.
One of the noted landmarks of the area is The Elder Mill Covered Bridge, which is located just south of Watkinsville. It is one of only a few covered bridges remaining in Georgia. Originally build in the late 1800's, it was recently restored and is one of the last wooden bridges which is in use on a public road.
Another place of note in Watkinsville is The Eagle Tavern which serves as the county’s welcome center. Originally known as Fort Edwards, the structure had provided protection for the residents against Indian raids, but later was transformed into a inn and then renamed The Eagle Tavern and served as a hotel and tavern for travelers. Local lore has it that The Eagle Tavern is responsible for the location of the University of Georgia in Athens instead of Watkinsville, since the tavern and dance halls might be an evil temptation or distraction to students.
Watkinsville Schools
Students from Watkinsville attend Oconee County Public Schools where the student to teacher ratio averages 15 to 1. Gainesville College which is part of the University System of Georgia, has set up an extension campus in Watkinsville providing tertiary educational opportunities in the area.
Watkinsville Offers Family Fun
Watkinsville hosts an annual fall festival which features things like a Scarecrow 5K Road Race and Fun Run. There are special activities for kids’ enjoyment, plenty to eat, and arts and crafts exhibitions from artists throughout the Southeast
Watkinsville Georgia Real Estate
The City of Watkinsville population has reached approximately 13,615 persons. The town itself covers 113 square miles. However, the area is experiencing renewed growth above the state’s average. Watkinsville Georgia real estate has several nice neighborhoods from which to choose your new home.
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