History

Gwinnett County was formed from lands obtained through the treaty with the Creek and Cherokee Indians. Georgia's 42nd county was named for Button Gwinnett, one of Georgia's three signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Lawrenceville, the county seat, was named after Captain James Lawrence, Commander of the Frigate Chesapeake during the War of 1812. Mortally wounded, he gave his men the battle cry, "Don't give up the ship."

Built in 1885 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Gwinnett Historic Courthouse was recently renovated and reopened as a community attraction and meeting facility. The graves of eight soldiers who were killed in a battle with Indians in 1836 are located on the courthouse grounds.

Points of Interest

Stone Mountain Park, one of Georgia's most popular tourist attractions, is located on Gwinnett's border with DeKalb County. Highlights of the 3,200-acre park include a golf course, a 363-acre lake, an antebellum plantation and a carving of Confederate heroes on the world's largest exposed mass of granite.

The Chattahoochee River forms much of the county's western border, providing ample opportunity for fishing, boating and other outdoor activities in the county. A part of the 4,000-acre Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is also located within the county.

Higher Education

Georgia Gwinnett College, the latest four-year liberal arts institution established in Georgia and founded in the twenty-first century, and Gwinnett Technical College.

Annual Events

Gwinnett residents and visitors enjoy several festivals and events each year. The Gwinnett County Fairgrounds hosts an Indian Festival in May, a rodeo in July and a countywide fair in September. Most of the 15 municipalities in Gwinnett have an annual celebration or festival, as well.

Chattahoochee River

Mall of Georgia, Buford