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...

The aluminum and cookware industries in Washington County were main employers during the 20th century. Manufacturing competitors West Bend Aluminum Company and Kewaskum Aluminum Company (later Regal Ware, Inc.) began production early in the 20th century only eight miles apart. These company histories, while interesting in themselves, would be remiss without discussion of broader influences. Both companies had a substantial effect on American consumerism, women's social roles, and industrial design. Today the West Bend Company and Regal Ware, Inc., are two of the best-known makers of cookware...