History

Mitchell County was created from Baker County in 1857. The Act creating the county noted that it was named after General Henry Mitchell. He had been a state senator from Warren County, president of the Senate, a presidential elector, and commander of the Georgia troops after the Revolutionary War. The widely held view among historians, however, was that the county was named for General David B. Mitchell, who was twice governor of Georgia.

Camilla, the county seat, is named for General David Mitchell's daughter. Pelham was named for Major John Pelham, the "boy artillerist" who was mortally wounded at the Battle of Kelly's Ford in 1863.

Sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places include the downtown districts of Camilla and Pelham, as well as the residential historic district in Baconton.

Points of Interest

The western border of the county is defined by the Flint River.

Landmark buildings in the county include the Bacon Family Homestead (1913), the James Price McRae House (1907) and Mt. Emon Church and Cemetery (1889).

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Annual Events

Some of the county's special events are the Pelham Wildlife Festival, held every October in downtown Pelham. Also, the Pelham Country Jamboree is held every Saturday on the Depot Platform.

The annual Gnat Festival in downtown Camilla is another popular festival that features arts, crafts, music, bedraces, bike races and train rides.

Hand Trading Company

James Price McRee House