Robert Toombs - "Unreconstructed" Confederate - a legend in his own time.

Home of Confederate Secretary of State and  "Unreconstructed Rebel," Robert Toombs, Washington, Georgia  

A legend in his own time, Robert Toombs was a successful planter and lawyer who led a turbulent career as state legislator, U.S. Congressman and Senator. “Defend yourselves; the enemy is at your door . . . !” thundered Toombs from the Senate floor on January 24, 1860. The following year, Georgia seceded from the Union and Toombs personified the South by evolving from conservative Unionist to fire-breathing secessionist. After serving just five months as the first Confederate Secretary of State, he resigned to serve as brigadier general in the Army of Northern Virginia.

In 1870, as the Reconstruction Era drew to a close in Georgia, Toombs felt that Georgia should live under a constitution of her own making. His last service to Georgia citizens was helping create the Constitution of 1877, which was not amended until 1945. Visitors are welcome to tour the house and grounds, and view exhibits and displays.

Home of Robert Toombs, Historical Marker

A historical marker reads:  "This was the home of Robert Toombs -- planter, lawyer and distinguished Southern statesman. Born July 2, 1810, Robert Toombs was educated at Franklin College, Georgia, at Union College, New York, and the University of Virginia. He was a member of the Georgia House of Representatives, 1837-1840, 1842-1845; of the United States Senate from 1853 until his resignation in 1861. He served as Secretary of State, C.S.A., resigning to become a Brigadier General in the Confederate Army. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention in 1877.

Robert Toombs died in this house on December 15, 1885, an "Unreconstructed Rebel." After his death this became the home of his devoted niece, Mrs. Frank Colley. This marker replaces one erected by the Children of the Confederacy of Georgia in June, 1941. "

Side Entrance to the Robert Toombs House, now a museum, operated by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Wilkes County. 

Located at 216 East Robert Toombs Avenue between Poplar Drive and Liberty Street, in Washington, Wilkes County, Georgia.

Photos by J. Stephen Conn