Eagle Tavern
The Eagle Tavern is one of the earliest surviving structures in Oconee
County. The Eagle Tavern was built before 1801 and possibly as early
as 1794 when Watkinsville was a frontier town on the edge of Creek and
Cherokee Indian Territories. It is believed by some that this site was
once called Fort Edwards and served as a gathering place for early
settlers who needed protection from attacks by the many Creek and
Cherokee Indians who flourished in this area.
As revolutionary war soldiers were given land grants in Georgia this
beautiful lush area near the Indian frontiers became a small settlement.
We do know that the Eagle Tavern was the first site built in this town
called "Big Springs" later named Watkinsville.