Putnam: Stone Effigies, Lakes, and History

In Putnam County, archaeological history, wooded landscapes, and lake activities come together. Two bodies of water provide useful bearings: Lake Sinclair lies at the southern end of the county, and Lake Oconee to the east. When planning your stay, you can choose different areas of focus—for example, historic sites, hiking trails, or activities on the water.

Stone Effigies and Cultural History

The Rock Eagle Mound is a stone effigy made of milky-white quartz stones in the shape of a recumbent bird. Indigenous peoples probably built it about 2,000 years ago; the figure stands eight feet high at the breast. In 1978, the mound was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior. Its approximate age and distinct bird shape make it a striking feature of the region’s history.

Members of the Muscogee Creek tribe also created two effigies in Putnam County. Rock Hawk is the other recognized stone effigy mound east of the Mississippi. It is located near Lake Oconee in Putnam County. Hiking trails lead to and around the effigy: together, they cover 15 miles and are accompanied by numerous educational stations. This makes it possible to explore the stone sculpture while also taking a longer hike.

The Historic Piedmont Scenic Byway offers another way to explore the area’s history. The 82-mile route runs through Putnam and Hancock counties, passes through the Oconee National Forest, crosses the Oconee and Ogeechee rivers, and winds through rolling farmland. Sights along the route include Rock Eagle, the Uncle Remus Museum, the Shoulderbone Mounds, and the Ogeechee Grist Mill, as well as numerous historic homes and buildings. The byway thus connects stretches of scenery with several historically significant places.

In Eatonton, the Uncle Remus Museum has focused for more than half a century on the early years of Joel Chandler Harris’s life. It also presents the African American animal tales that Harris heard while working on the Turnwold Plantation and popularized through the character of Uncle Remus. The Plaza Arts Center is housed in a renovated elementary and high school building; it contains a theater and the Old School History Museum. Both places showcase different aspects of the local heritage.

Woods, Water, and Trails

The Rock Eagle 4-H Center encompasses nearly 1,500 acres of wooded land, including a 110-acre lake, and is adjacent to the Oconee National Forest. This makes it another scenic landmark in the county. Rock Eagle hosts year-round public outdoor community programs called “Saturday @ the Rock.”

The parks on Lake Sinclair also differ in the amenities they offer. Lake Sinclair Campground offers opportunities for picnicking, hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming. Lawrence Shoals Park has a fully equipped campground, nature trails, and a swimming beach; it borders Rock Hawk Park. If you are planning an overnight stay at a campground, it is a good idea to check current availability in advance.

The 12-acre Oconee Springs Park is located in the wooded areas of Putnam County on Lake Sinclair and is fully equipped. Its amenities include camping facilities, a camp store and cabins, as well as a boat ramp and an RV lot. These features offer concrete options to consider if you want to include lake activities and outdoor accommodations in your travel plans.

A smaller natural highlight in Eatonton is Butterflies & Blooms in the Briar Patch. This pollinator habitat supports the reproduction of native butterflies. The site also has a quarter-mile walking trail, picnic tables, and benches. Agriculture has also shaped the county’s history: after Benjamin Hunt established the dairy industry in Putnam County, the county soon became known as the “Dairy Capitol of Georgia.”

Discover more destinations: Ware, Cobb, DeKalb, Newton County, Lumpkin County, Fulton, Emanuel.

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