Fort Gaines Museum
Formerly the Sutton's Corner Store Museum
Imagine stepping into the 1840s, entering a bustling country store filled with petticoat counters, hand-carved wooden cash registers, an antique post office, and a working grist mill. With over 4,000 artifacts on display—including a tobacco twister, a velvet bean sheller, and countless other vintage items—you'll feel as though you've traveled back in time. Every corner of the store reflects the spirit of the frontier era, capturing the resilience, craft, and community that defined life in rural Georgia.
A visit to the Fort Gaines Museum is just that: a chance to immerse yourself in a hands-on, sensory journey through history.
Visit Us
Join us on a journey through time, exploring and celebrating the rich heritage of our community. Together, let’s preserve the stories, artifacts, and memories that shaped who we are today and inspire future generations to connect with their history.
The Museum is operated by the Fort Gaines/Clay County Historical Society and we’re passionate about bringing history to life. Our mission is to safeguard and share the invaluable records, traditions, and tales of our region. Whether you’re a history buff, a researcher, or simply curious about the past, we welcome you to dive into the fascinating history we cherish and preserve.
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Open the first Saturday of each month
10 AM - 2 PM EST
If you’re traveling from out of town to visit us, please email or phone ahead.
Our schedule is subject to change due to volunteer availability.
More than a Museum
Located on the historic grounds of the former Globe Tavern and Inn stagecoach stop in downtown Fort Gaines, the Museum offers visitors an authentic journey into the heart of 19th-century rural life. Originally situated on the edge of a once-thriving plantation, this meticulously restored frontier store complex preserves a unique piece of Georgia’s heritage.
The store was operated by the Sutton family for three generations, from 1844 to 1927, until it closed following Warren Sutton’s tragic passing. Preserved in time, the store lay undisturbed for decades before its rediscovery in 1997, when it was relocated to its current historic site.
Today, the Museum invites you to explore the legacy of rural Georgia and experience the enduring spirit of its early pioneers.
About the Society
Established to safeguard the stories, artifacts, and traditions that make our area unique, the Fort Gaines/Clay County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making local history accessible and meaningful to all. We offer engaging programs, historical exhibits, and educational resources designed to inspire curiosity and pride in our shared past. Driven by the belief that understanding our heritage strengthens our community, we work tirelessly to ensure that future generations can connect with and appreciate the legacy of those who came before us. Join us in exploring, celebrating, and preserving the history that shapes who we are today.
The Values We Uphold
Our mission is to preserve, protect, and share the rich history of our community for the benefit of current and future generations. Through education, preservation efforts, and community engagement, we bring our shared past to life, fostering a sense of pride and connection to those who shaped our heritage.
The Work We Do
We envision a community deeply connected to its roots, where the stories, artifacts, and traditions of the past inspire a brighter future. As stewards of our region’s history, we strive to make history accessible, engaging, and relevant for all, empowering individuals to explore, appreciate, and actively participate in preserving our collective legacy.
At the Fort Gaines/Clay County Historical Society, we are passionate about preserving the history that defines our community.
Looking to get even more involved? Our volunteers are essential to our work. From helping with events to assisting in our museum, there are many ways to lend a hand.
Reach out to us at hello@fortgainesmuseum.com to learn more about volunteering.
Help Us Protect
Join us in preserving the rich history of Clay County. As a member of the Fort Gaines/Clay County Historical Society, you play a vital role in supporting our mission to protect and share our community’s heritage. Your membership helps fund educational programs, preservation projects, and community events, ensuring our history remains accessible to all.
As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, donations are tax-deductible, helping you contribute to preserving history while receiving potential tax benefits. Every gift, big or small, directly funds our efforts to protect and share our community’s heritage.
By becoming a member, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits, including:
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A quarterly newsletter filled with fascinating stories and updates
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An invitation to our annual meeting and dinner, where history enthusiasts connect
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The pride of making a lasting impact on our community’s historical legacy
Your membership supports vital work to keep our history alive for future generations.
Click the button above for our Membership Form then mail a check to the address listed on the form.
Contact Us
Have questions or curious about local history? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re researching family history, interested in historical events, or just eager to learn more about our community’s past, our team is here to help.
Please feel free to reach out to us for information, guidance, support with your historical inquiries. You can reach us by using the Contact Form here or via Facebook direct message.
Interested in joining us? Click below for our Membership Form & mail a check to the address listed on the form.
115 Washington St.
Fort Gaines, Georgia 39851
Registered
501(c)(3) nonprofit
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