History

Oconee County, the 135th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1875. Originally part of Clarke County, Oconee County takes its name from the Oconee River.

Keowee Town, an important Cherokee settlement, was located within the county. Several Indian mounds have also been discovered at the Keowee site.

The Eagle Tavern State Historical Site is located in the county. Originally built as Fort Edward in 1789, the building had become a tavern by 1801. Some other interesting sites in the county are the Elder Covered Bridge and the Mockingbird Forge.

Points of Interest

The cotton monoculture prior to the 1930s badly damaged the soils of Oconee County. Today, only about 19% of the land is identified as prime farm land. About 56% of the land is forest.

Notable Citizens

Jeanette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress, kept her summer home in Oconee County. She was elected to represent Montana before many states even allowed women to vote. Rankin was a pacifist and was the only representative to vote against the U.S.'s entry into war against Japan.

Annual Events

Some of the special events in Oconee County include the Annual Oconee Fall Festival and the Christmas Parade.

Historic Eagle Tavern, Watkinsville

Elder's Mill Covered Bridge