History

Fannin County was created in 1854 from parts of Gilmer and Union counties. Georgia's 106th county was named for Colonel James W. Fannin of Georgia, who, with approximately 350 volunteers, fought in Texas' War of Independence from Mexico. Fannin and his regiment were captured and massacred in 1836. Fannin's county seat, Blue Ridge, is named for the southern reach of the Appalachian Mountain Range which stretches into the county.

The last remnants of the Cherokee Nation found shelter in the mountains of Fannin County before their removal west along the "Trail of Tears" to Oklahoma in 1838.

Points of Interest

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service operates a cold water fish hatchery in Fannin County. The Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery raises rainbow trout to stock streams, lakes, and reservoirs throughout North Georgia.

Parts of the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta National Wilderness Area are in Fannin County. The Cohutta Wilderness Area is the largest national wilderness area east of the Mississippi River.

Outdoor recreational opportunities are also plentiful within Fannin County. Campers, hikers, nature lovers, and anglers enjoy the Chattahoochee National Forest and Cohutta Wilderness Area. In addition to these federal facilities, local parks include the Horseshoe Bend Park, the Blue Ridge City Park, and the McCaysville City Park.

Water resources are plentiful in Fannin County. Blue Ridge Lake in the center of the county impounds part of the Toccoa River, which flows into Tennessee and becomes the Ocoee River, site of the 1996 Olympic whitewater events. Jacks River, Fightingtown Creek, and Rock Creek also flow through the county.

The Blue Ridge Railway is a vintage passenger train running a 26-mile roundtrip along the Toccoa River.

Notable Citizens

Well known country musician, Mark Wills, was raised in Fannin County.

Annual Events

Fannin County residents and visitors enjoy several annual events. Held each Memorial Day weekend, the Arts in the Park Festival in Blue Ridge attracts over 20,000 people. Several local churches in Blue Ridge host an interdenominational Labor Day Barbecue each year at the town's historic railroad depot.

A Mountain Harvest Sale featuring handmade quilts, baskets, and pottery is held on the third and fourth weekends of October at the Blue Ridge State Farmer's Market. Proceeds from booth fees go to local charities.

Toccoa River

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway