Blairsville, incorporated in 1835, is the county seat of Union County and is located off of U.S. Highway 76. Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Blairsville is a popular destination for tourists, including nature enthusiasts and hikers. Formerly Cherokee Indian territory, there are many examples in the place names that reflect back on the Cherokee influence, including the term Nottely River which is located in Union County. The name “Nottely” was derived from the name of an Indian village Naduhli, meaning “daring horseman.”

Like other northeast Georgia mountain communities, Blairsville benefited from the development of the Zell Miller Mountain Parkway led by former Governor Zell Miller. The parkway, also referred to as Georgia State Highway 515, provides easier vehicle access for residents to travel to Atlanta for employment and commerce. It also provides easier access to Blairsville and the surrounding areas for tourism and access to vacation and seasonal homes.

Arthur Reedy, known as the “barefoot ranger,” was one of Georgia’s first forest rangers and considered the states first conservationalist also resided in Blairsville. Other notables include Joseph Brown, Georgia’s governor during the Civil War and Byron Herbert Reece, poet and novelist.