Habersham in Time: Mountain Roots, Milestones & Local Legends

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Habersham County is a place where natural beauty and small-town character meet. From its early beginnings to its modern highlights, Habersham offers visitors a journey through layered history, community spirit, and scenic wonder.

Foundations in the Land

Habersham County was established on December 15, 1818, formed from lands ceded in Cherokee treaties of 1817 and 1819 (Habersham County Government).The county was named for Joseph Habersham, a Revolutionary War officer and later U.S. Postmaster General (Habersham County Government).Today the county spans about 279 square miles, down from its original 713 square miles (Habersham County Government).Its elevation generally ranges from 1,400 to 2,000 feet, with the summit of Young Lick Knob reaching approximately 3,800 feet — one of Habersham’s highest points (Habersham County Government).The Appalachian Trail crosses Young Lick, making Habersham part of that national corridor (Habersham County Government).

Towns, Rails & Community Character

With the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, Habersham's towns grew in distinctive ways. Though each of the county’s seven incorporated municipalities has its own identity, here’s a common glance at them:

• Cornelia — once centered around rail transport; now known for its historic depot and the Big Red Apple landmark.

• Clarkesville — the county seat, a hub for culture, dining, and local events.

• Demorest — founded in the late 1800s and known today as the home of Piedmont University, where education and community spirit continue to thrive (New Georgia Encyclopedia).

• Mount Airy, Baldwin, Alto — each contributing to the county’s patchwork of communities.

• Tallulah Falls (shared with Rabun County) — known for access to Tallulah Gorge State Park, one of Georgia’s most dramatic natural features (Wikipedia: Tallulah Gorge State Park).

Agriculture, timber, and mining (mica, garnets, gold, and more) once formed the backbone of Habersham’s economy (Habersham County Government).

Johnny Mize: A Local Legend

One of Habersham’s most celebrated natives is Johnny “Big Cat” Mize, born in Demorest in 1913 (Georgia Historical Society).He went on to a distinguished Major League Baseball career, earning spots in the Hall of Fame (Georgia Historical Society).

The Johnny Mize Athletic Center & Museum on Piedmont University’s Demorest campus displays memorabilia from his life and career (Piedmont University).Opened in 2000 as a $4.4 million facility, it houses the Johnny Mize Baseball Museum along with basketball courts, training areas, and athletic offices (Piedmont Lions Athletics).A historic marker stands near his birth home in Demorest, commemorating his career achievements and Hall of Fame induction (HMdb.org).

In recognition of his legacy, the Hazel Creek Bridge in Demorest is officially named the Johnny Mize Memorial Bridge (Habersham County Government).

Piedmont Athletics & Local Sport Awards

Piedmont University continues to engage residents through its athletics programs, and student-athletes have been recognized for sportsmanship and community involvement in their conferences (Piedmont University). Local parks and recreation also serve as gathering places for youth and community sports — from basketball and baseball to track, volleyball, and more (Habersham County Parks & Recreation).

North Georgia Technical College: Heritage & Growth

North Georgia Technical College (NGTC) has deep roots in Habersham County’s educational history. Its Clarkesville campus originally housed the Georgia Ninth District School of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts (The A&M), active from 1907 to 1933. From 1938 to 1943, the site served as Habersham College and later hosted a National Youth Administration program under President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression.

Recognizing the growing need for workforce training, the Georgia State Legislature established a system of state vocational schools in 1943, and the first students enrolled at North Georgia Trade and Vocational School the following year. As programs expanded, the school evolved into North Georgia Technical College, part of the Technical College System of Georgia since 1985.

Today, NGTC operates multiple campuses across North Georgia, with its Clarkesville campus spanning 339 acres just north of downtown. The college continues to add modern facilities, including a Health Sciences wing, Industrial Technology Center, and ongoing campus improvements — a reflection of its century-long commitment to education, innovation, and community service. (North Georgia Technical College – About Us)

More Recent Highlights & Cultural Moments

Habersham remains visible in national stories and film:

• In 1992, President George H. W. Bush visited Cornelia, speaking near the Big Red Apple during his campaign (GovInfo.gov).

• Filmed in 2010 and released in 2012, portions of the film Wanderlust (starring Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd) were filmed in and around Clarkesville, highlighting the region’s mountain scenery (AccessWDUN). (Georgia.org).

• Early film activity also included I’d Climb the Highest Mountain (1951) and The Great Locomotive Chase (1956), both featuring scenes in the region (Habersham County Government).

A Warm Invitation

Today, Habersham County is home to tens of thousands of residents and continues to grow as a place that blends heritage, nature, and small-town charm. With seven distinctive municipalities, dynamic educational institutions, and abundant outdoor beauty, Habersham welcomes visitors to explore — whether for history, hiking, local events, or just mountain quiet.

From the Appalachian Trail and waterfalls to local museums, sports, and scenic drives — there’s always something new to discover. Plan your visit and find your mountain moment in Northeast Georgia at VisitHabersham.com.