History

Hall County was created in 1818 from Indian treaty lands. Georgia's 44th county was named for Dr. Lyman Hall, signer of the Declaration of Independence and later governor of Georgia.

The county seat is Gainesville, which may have been named for early settlers in the area, or for General Edmund P. Gaines, who arrested Aaron Burr for treason.

Gainesville's municipal power plant was built in 1899. Gainesville was the first southern city to have electric streetlights.

Gainesville is often referred to as the "Poultry Capital of the World."

Points of Interest

Hall County is split by the Chattahoochee River and Lake Lanier, the most northerly impoundment of the river. Lake Lanier is a major recreation and tourism site and served as the venue for many of the rowing and kayaking events in the 1996 Olympic Games.

Notable Citizens

General James Longstreet of the Confederate Army made his post-Civil War home in Hall County. He was appointed Minister to Turkey by President Grant.

Higher Education

Gainesville College and Brenau University.

Annual Events

There are several festivals held annually in Hall County, including the Georgia Mountain Jubilee held in late April, and the Holiday Marketplace, held in mid-November.

Rowing on Lake Lanier

Road Atlanta