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Georgia Counties
Georgia is divided into one hundred and fifty-nine counties. The original eight counties of the State of Georgia were Burke, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Richmond and Wilkes all created on February 5, 1777. The last new county to be established in Georgia was Peach County, established in 1924.Stephens County, Georgia
Stephens County Education, Geography, and History
Stephens County is a county located in the state of Georgia. Based on the 2010 census, the
population was 26,175. Stephens County was
created on August 18, 1905. The county seat is Toccoa.
The county is named in honor of Alexander Stephens
(1812-1883), a U.S. Congressman, the Governor of Georgia, and the first
and only Vice President of the Confederate States of America.
Stephens County comprises the Toccoa, GA Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Etymology - Origin of Stephens County Name
The county is named for Alexander Stephens, who served as vice-president of the Confederacy (despite his having opposed secession) and governor of Georgia.
Demographics:
County QuickFacts: CensusBureau Quick Facts
Stephens County 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 Records' "Strongest Man ". Anderson was the 1956 Olympic Gold Medalist in super heavy weight and weightlifting.
Geography: Land and Water
As reported by the Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 184 square miles (480 km2), of which 179 square miles (460 km2) is land and 5.1 square miles (13 km2) (2.8%) is water.
Stephens county is located in north Georgia. The county is in the Savannah River basin.
Neighboring Counties
Bordering counties are as follows:
- Northeast: Oconee County, S.C.
- Southeast: Franklin County
- Southwest: Banks County
- Northwest: Habersham County
Education
Higher Education
Toccoa Falls College and North Georgia Technical College
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