HISTORY OF BLUE RIDGE
Blue skies and a stunning ridge line are both a vocal point and backdrop to one of the best towns in America.
Blue Ridge, in North Georgia, is rich in history and with good reason. Nestled in Appalachian Mountains, a quaint downtown district offers antique shopping, restaurants, and galleries that will remind you of the good ol’ days and enrich you with a craftsmanship that has been perfected over time. Fly fishing, golfing and the arts will help you pass the time as you get to know your neighbors and the history of Fannin County.
Founded in 1854 and named after Civil War hero James Walker Fannin, the area has been home to the Cherokee and Sequoyah Indians, the famous DeSoto and the Spanish Conquistadors, frontiersman, entrepreneurs and a host of great Americans. Fannin County has a vibrant story and a rich history that can still be
Approved as its own entity by the State of Georgia, Fannin County was taken from parts of Union and Gilmer Counties. The small town of Morganton was declared the county seat with farm communities and modest towns quickly springing up bringing trade, craftsmanship and business, all making it a viable location for a rail line. Controversy arose when the railroad proposed doing just that and bringing a rail line through the mountains. Morganton felt the railroad hub should travel through the county seat. Engineers for the railway disagreed causing an eruption of political
confrontation. Ultimately, the railway refused Morganton and the town of Blue Ridge was
incorporated in 1887 and took its name sake from its location at the southern gateway
of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
It was 1889 and the future had arrived. The railroad would carry passengers and modern conveniences to the new frontier, while hauling raw materials to the low lands. Mineral potions were a much desirable luxury of the time and Fannin County was a wealth of pure mineral springs. Townspeople boasted the spring’s rejuvenating powers and abilities to heal any ailment. Most just felt the clean air, beautiful surroundings, wholesome food and a laid-back mountain atmosphere were the real healers.
Blue Ridge began to boom as a result of “the great iron highway.” Entrepreneurs, investors, tourists,
city goers and those just plain hungry for success made their way to the city for many of the same
reasons they still do today.
Such rich history makes you want to climb aboard and head down the railway and enjoy the
same things settlers did years ago. Well, you can. The Blue Ridge Scenic Railroad is always
preparing to leave its little depot in downtown Blue Ridge for a three hour journey into the past.
Whether you are nine or ninety, this train ride is spectacularly filled with scenic views and history.
Once that train stops rolling be sure to enjoy the city that has been called the Antique Capital of Georgia. Treasure hunters can spend their days searching a growing number of shops and antique malls for high country art and fine antiques. A unique blend of stores offers a superb selection that can offer a fun find or a coveted item you’ve been searching years for. It doesn’t stop there though. Local artists offer blacksmithing, wood carving, basket weaving, folk art and jewelry, hand-crafted furniture, watercolor and oil paintings, hand blown glass and even twig furniture and hand-spun alpaca and sweaters.
Be sure to check out Beautiful Pristine Lake Blue Ridge and the many activities available for our visitors.
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Mountain Family Vacation
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