| County Formed |
August 18, 1905 |
| County Seat |
Toccoa |
| Incorporated Cities |
Avalon, Martin and Toccoa
|
| Total Area |
179.3 square
miles |
| History |
Stephens
County was created in 1905 from parts of Franklin and Habersham counties. The
county is named for Alexander Stephens, who served as vice-president of the
Confederacy (despite his having opposed secession) and governor of
Georgia. The county's first inhabitants
were an Indian tribe known as the "Mound Builders." The tribe thrived
in Toccoa, at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Mound Builders
were followed by the Cherokee tribe who, legend says, named the area
"Toccoah," meaning "beautiful" in their language.
The City of
Toccoa originated in 1874, and can be traced back to the development of a
coaling station for the Atlanta to Charlotte Railroad after the Civil
War.
|
| Points of Interest |
Stephens County is characterized
by its bucolic setting and spectacular natural wonders. Located on the campus
of the college named for them, Toccoa Falls, which plunge 186 feet, are 19 feet
higher than Niagara Falls. The Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge
Parkway, Tugaloo State Park, Lake Hartwell and Yonah Lake beckon to outdoor
sports enthusiasts. |
| Notable Citizens |
Toccoa was home to Paul Anderson,
the Guinness Book of World Recods' "Strongest Man ".
Anderson was the 1956 Olympic Gold Medalist in super heavy weight and
weightlifting. |
| Education |
Toccoa Falls College |
| Annual Events |
Stephens
County hosts several community events including the Harvest Festival, the Arts
Festival, and the Taste of Toccoa. |
|
|
| 
Travelers Rest
Toccoa Falls
|
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