Gilmer County

Hernando De Soto, a famous early Spanish explorer, here encountered a well-established society, the Cherokees, who were later driven west by white migration. One of these migrants was a hero of the Revolution, James Kell. After the war he journeyed to Gilmer County and built his farm here in 1834, and it still remains in the hands of his descendants.

Gilmer County, formed in 1832, was named to honor George R. Gilmer, a prime mover in the effort to displace the Cherokee.

Gilmer County was one of several North Georgia counties that voted against seceding, and the course of the War Between the States surged past with no significant battles or even skirmishes within the county. Some citizens were able to remain outside the issue altogether.

Historic Landmarks . . . Gilmer County has its share of historic landmarks and treasured edifices, including Georgia's only courthouse that was not built initially as a courthouse. An old Hyatt Hotel, built in 1897, was converted in 1934. The Courthouse is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Searcy House, built in 1832, is the oldest building still standing. The Watkins residence, home of a prominent physician, was subsequently remodeled in Federal style to complement the hotel-cum-courthouse. It now houses the County Commission.

The cemeteries of Gilmer County tell a profound story. The earliest date in the city cemetery goes back to 1782.

Special Events . . . There are two new spring festivals among the beautiful blossoms. The Log Home Tour hosted in April and Ellijay in May. In a celebration spanning the second and third weekends of each October, Ellijay observes its own Georgia Apple Festival, a truly appealing event that draws visitors from all over the country to the Georgia Mountains. There are handmade arts and crafts, homemade music, performances, demonstrations and a parade, plus lots of apple cider and every kind of apple delicacy imaginable.

The Apple Classic Auto Show, a feature of the first weekend of the festival, draws at least 500 antique and custom cars and trucks. Every show has a swap meet, with vendors of all kinds selling auto parts and auto-related memorabilia. Just up the road, the Cherry Log Festival spans four weekends in October, with lots of country and bluegrass music, arts and crafts, homemade jams and jellies, quilts, all kinds of apple delights and much more.

The Gilmer County Fair, usually held in August, has the expected agricultural displays and a midway lined with rides and shows.

Outdoor Recreation . . . Three nearby rivers and lakes offer many recreational activities. Canoeing, kayaking, tubing and fishing are all available on the Cartecay River, including thrill-a-minute excitement of Class I, II and III rapids. The Cartecay and Ellijay rivers come together to form the Coosawattee. The Coosawattee and Ellijay rivers also offer tubing and fishing. The Coosawattee provides access to a county-maintained 50-acre recreation complex.