Brief History of Fannin County Georgia

Fannin County is steeped in a rich history of early American settlement and ancient folklore. Founded in 1854 from portions of Union and Gilmer County, Fannin County was once the homeland of the Cherokee People with some descendants of this noble people still residing there today. The county was named in honor of Colonel James Fannin a hero in the Texas War for Independence.

Magical folklore abounds in Fannin County. One of its many tales based in fable is that of the tangible stone mineral know as Fairy Crosses. Once abundant throughout the soils of Fannin County these unique stones bare the image of a cross. The stone was once thought to bring good luck to it possessors. In one tale it is said that at the time of Jesus' crucifixion the ancient fairies of these mountain lands began to cry after hearing of His sacrifice. It is also said that when their tears hit the ground they formed small stone crosses giving name to these staurolite stone as "fairy crosses." The Blue Ridge Highlander's very own Nathanael O. Smith has his own personal account concerning this story about the fairy cross folk tale entitled "The Tears of Fairies." This particular tale has grown highly popular over the years.

Historical records show that a few white settlers arrived in this region of the mountains from the northern United States around 1790, yet it wasn't until after the 1830's tragic exodus of the Cherokee People known as the "Trail of Tears," that larger numbers of white settlers began moving into the area both to farm and dig for gold, which was followed by area copper mining. Unfortunately, the big fortunes that were being made in the area were by the logging barons as they stripped the mountain slopes and ridges of its precious timber and the copper company as they mined and smelted a rich vein of copper that led to an environmental disaster around the turn of the 20th century. With so many natural resources being harvested, it was only a matter of time before the railroad arrived at the turn of the century catapulting Fannin County into a premier mountain tourist attraction.

At the turn of the century a new resource was discovered in the county and before long it became a new venue for tourism. That new resource of plenty was the local mineral springs. The rejuvenating waters of these mineral springs were a big draw to the newly constructed hotels that were being built along the rail line through the new county seat of Blue Ridge. This demand for health benefits ushered in a prosperous tourism trade to Fannin County.

In the early 1900's the Tennessee Valley Authority arrived damming up the lower county reaches of the Toccoa River forming the beautiful scenic waters of Lake Blue Ridge. After the dam completion the lake's cool refreshing mountain waters began to draw an even greater tourism market to the already popular mineral spring attraction in the county.

A wealth of history for Fannin County can be found at the historical Baugh House, now housing the Fannin County Heritage Foundation, located at 411 West First Street in downtown Blue Ridge. The Baugh House was originally built by James Baugh in 1890, and is one of many turn-of-the-century architectural structures in historic downtown Blue Ridge.

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Fannin County Welcome Center in Blue Ridge Georgia

Fannin County Welcome Center Surround yourself with beauty, relaxation and natural fun in Georgia’s Blue Ridge. Relax in a mountain cabin overlooking peaceful ridges and valleys. Explore charming mountain towns. Ride the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. Discover our rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls. Hike, fish, shop or simply relax. Stop by the "Welcome Center" when you come to Blue Ridge for brochures and maps to make your trip more enjoyable. Go Directly to Fannin County Chamber and Welcome Center's Web Site...

Art Galleries & Shopping in Blue Ridge Georgia
	BRMAA - Art Center Gallery The Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association is passionate about art. Our Art Center Team is devoted to bringing new exhibits, new events, and new programs to our community through art and culture. We endeavor to provide a haven for artists to flourish and grow. We measure success by the success of our artists and the many galleries that help to make up our Art Town in the mountains of Blue Ridge, Georgia. We boast the largest Gallery Experience in the North Georgia Mountains, come visit us and experience a true Art Town in the Mountains. Go Directly to BRMAA & the Art Center & Station's Web Site...
	The Art Station The Art Station was created to provide economical pricing for supplies for artists and for our art classes for children and adults. We surveyed our artists to determine the supplies most needed and we are adding to that inventory every day with requests from our artist members. We encourage you to visit, check out our supplies. “Art, We are it!” Go Directly to BRMAA & the Art Center & Station's Web Site...

Adventure in and around Blue Ridge Georgia
	Raft the Ocoee River The Ocoee River is often described as the roller coaster of the southeast. Come experience what has been called the greatest whitewater center in the world.   Professional river outfitter with over 30 years experience. Our safety record is unsurpassed in the industry. We believe our staff is simply the best in the business. Guides are chosen for their character and enthusiasm for sharing the outdoors with you.
	Zip Line Canopy Tours on the Ocoee • Nantahala Gorge • Chattooga Ridge • Pigeon River Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US. All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.Whichever course you choose you are sure to enjoy the newest outdoor adventure to hit the US. All our courses offer a soaring and gliding experience naturally fueled by a gradual drop in elevation. All trips offer fully guided tours with 2 or more Rangers on at least 10 zips, 4 bridges beginning with a training course at each location.
	Guided Fishing Trips throughout the North Georgia Mountains Great mountain adventures is offering the "Best Fishing" available in the Mountains. We create a fishing trip, designed specifically towards your needs with a professional fishing guide to guide you to make the most of your fishing adventure on the Finest Lakes, Rivers and Streams in the Southern Appalachians! Trout Treks • Bass Fishing • Wade Trips • Pan Fishing • Fly Fishing Instruction • Private Trophy Trout Waters • Drift Boat Trips. So much water to choose from and an adventure you'll never forget. Go Directly to Great Mountain Fishing's web site....

Entertainment in Blue Ridge Georgia

Blue Ridge Community Theater invites you to "Come Out and Play." There is nothing like the energy you feel when attending a live performance and we are here to help you experience that feeling. Blue Ridge Community Theater's mission is to enrich the cultural life of residents and visitors through performances, productions and education of all aspects of contemporary and classic theater.  2015 we will be hosting 7 Main Stage Shows with 12 Performances for each show, 8 evenings of music along with 13 Sunny D Performance, our Children's Theater Program. Go Directly to our web site.....BlueRidgeCommunityTheater.com...

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