History

Hancock County was created in 1793. Originally part of Greene and Washington counties, Georgia's 15th county was named for the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock.

Millmore Gristmill, which is located within the county, was the site of the historic 1786 peace treaty between the Georgia and the Creek Indian Nation.

Founded in 1795 during Georgia's Greek Revival Period, the City of Sparta was named for the classical Greek city.

Points of Interest

Four Georgia governors have come from Hancock County: Nathaniel Harris, James McDonald, William Northen, and William Rabun.

The Oconee River makes up much of the western border of the county. Located on its banks are the Shoulderbone Indian Mounds, which date back to approximately the fourteenth and fifteenth century.

Lake Sinclair is formed by the impoundment of the Oconee River by the Sinclair Dam.

Notable Citizens

Several other notable people have called Hancock County home including: Lucius H. Holsey. Born a slave, Holsey went on to found Paine College in Augusta; Charles L. Harper, a civil rights leader who founded the Atlanta branch of the NAACP; and David Dixon, who advocated crop rotation, cover crops and other innovative agricultural ideas, until he became known as the "Prince of Farmers."

Drummer House Hotel, Sparta

Linton Community Schoolhouse