Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources Community Profile :: Union County :: County December 3, 1832 Formed County Seat Blairsville Incorporated Blairsville Cities Total Area 322.7 square miles History Union County, the 88th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1832 from the Cherokee Indian territory. Union County was not named for its support of the North in the Civil War. The county received its name from a then emerging political party called the "Union Party" that was in existence 28 years before the Civil War started. The county seat of Union County is Blairsville, which is the only incorporated community in the county. Blairsville was named for Captain James Blair, a negotiater with the Indians. The county is rich in Indian lore. Of particular note was a battle between Creek and Cherokee Indians near Blairsville, the site of which was given the name of Slaughter Gap. Points of The area increasingly has become a recreational destination since the Interest Tennessee Valley Authority created Nottely Lake on the Nottely River; and the development of Vogel State Park, a popular vacation facility. Much of Union County lies within the Chattahoochee National Forest and, thus, is under Federal ownership. Georgia's highest point, Brasstown Bald at 4,784 feet, is in Union County. An observation platform offers a spectacular view of the surrounding Smoky Mountains. Notable Union County claims several famous residents past and present including: Citizens Byron Herbert Reese, a poet and author; Arthur Woody, the "Barefoot Ranger," a U.S. Ranger from 1911 to 1945; Joseph E. Brown, Georgia's governor during the Civil War; and Bill Elliot, famous NASCAR driver who now makes his home in Blairsville. Annual The festivals in the county include the Sorghum Festival in October and Events the Indian Summer Festival. County http://www.unioncountyga.gov Chamber of http://www.blairsvillechamber.com/ Commerce Additional http://www.georgiaplanning.com/CountyPortal/countyportal.asp? County Info FIPS=13291 Horse Farm, Blairsville Home ~ Community Profile ~ Demographics ~ Economy ~ Government ~ Sources Return to top of page Copyright 2006 Georgia Department of Community Affairs All Rights Reserved. Vogel State Park