Washington County, Georgia was formed in 1784 by the Georgia Legislature, and the county seat, Sandersville, began at the crossing of two Indian trails. Over the course of its long and storied history, the county has seen a prosperous agricultural period when "cotton was king," a decline in profitable farming that stunted the county's growth and economy, and a resurgence in productivity and a boost to the local economy with the mining of kaolin. Today, there are six processing plants and numerous mines attracting scientists and geologists from many countries. Washington Countians continue to enjoy the peace and tranquility of a rural lifestyle while looking ahead to a promising future.