Blairsville Georgia, another great little mountain town that you will find as you travel through the North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains. Blairsville is located in Union County and is the county seat. The town's elevation is 1883 feet and is the only incorporated community in the county. It was incorporated in December 1835. Blairsville is surrounded by the beautiful mountain ranges known for their blue hue, better known as the Blue Ridge Mountains which are also the Appalachian Mountains. Other nearby towns are: Young Harris, Blue Ridge, Hiawassee and Hayesville North Carolina.
In 1899, the red brick courthouse that still stands tall in the center
of the town's square was constructed. It served the county for over 100 years and is now home to the Union County Historical Society and Museum. The museum tells the story of early settlers to the area from over 150 years ago. To one side is a glass structure which houses the old clockwork and bell. The bell weighs over two tons.
World War I and II, Korean and Vietnam veterans are memoralized by this stone structure and plaque on the grounds of the historical courthouse. Since the names are hard to read in the pictures, I felt it was important to list each name so they can be easily read. These are men who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom that we enjoy today. The stone monument was erected in 1930 and displays the names of the World War I veterans listed below. The plaque below is newer and includes the names of the World War I veterans shown here as well as veterans who served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. I have listed each name below as they appear on the two memorials.
World War I: Claude Akins, Luther Brackett, Claude Butt, Ervin Christopher, Nathaniel Holbrook, Cornelius Spiva, Fred Stevens, Ira Weaver
World War II: Herbert J. Akins, Beecher L. Anderson, Clyde N. Barnes, Monroe Burnette Jr., James U. Davenport, John G. Dover, Tommy A. Dyer, Frank J. Everett, Jake M. Garrett, Arlie Gregory, Garnie L. Grizzle, Waymond Harkins, W. C. Hooper, James F. Lance, Charles L. Marr, Roy B. Mason, H. J. Owenby, J. B. Plott, Dale C. Rogers, Thomas J. Rogers, John C. Sullivan, Robert L. Summerour, Woodrow Wilson
Korea: Vernon Burns, Claude N. Stephens
Vietnam: Roger R. Brown, Herbert C. Davis, Anthony Elliott, Charles F. Lance, Preston H. Patterson, John H. Woody
The bell rang on the hour and also served as a public alarm
which had to be rung manually. The clock had four faces and set high in the old tower of the courthouse. It was operated by 100 pound weights that had to be raised manually every 24 hours. The brass geared mechanism weighed two tons. The old tower's structure became unstable to support the clock and bell, so the tower, clock and bell were removed in 1960.
Fort Sorghum is where the ever popular annual Sorghum Festival is held the last three weekends every October. This has become a main event in the North Georgia Mountains attracting visitors from all over the country. Fort Sorghum is just off the square from the Courthouse. Read more.
Other interesting and popular places to visit within a very short drive from Blairsville is: Brasstown Bald,the highest point in Georgia. Visitors will pass through Brasstown Bald on their way to Vogel State Park, one of Georgia's oldest and most popular parks. Vogel State Park is located near the base of Blood Mountain and along with Brasstown Bald, these mountain ranges are collectively known as Wolfpen Ridge. Read more.
Read more about other places to see around Blairsville
Bikers --- Get Your Motor Running !
Twin Cities - McCaysville Georgia and Copperhill Tennessee
Step Back into Yesteryear - Blue Ridge
Slice of the Good Life for a Fraction
Donna Yates, Realtor
North Georgia Blue Ridge Mountains
706-633-0644 cell
www.move2northgeorgia.net
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