Banks County, nestled in the northeastern part of Georgia, is a charming area encompassing 233 square miles. Established in 1858, this, the state’s 129th county, was formed from parts of Franklin and Habersham counties. It was named in honor of Dr. Richard E. Banks (1794-1856), a respected circuit-riding surgeon who served both white settlers and Cherokee people in the region. Dr. Banks was particularly known among the Cherokee for his successful treatments of smallpox.
Historically, the land that makes up Banks County was originally Cherokee territory. It served as a significant border region between the Cherokee Nation and the nascent United States. A twenty-foot-wide strip of felled trees, stretching from Currahee Mountain to the southernmost branch of the Oconee River, marked the western boundary of Georgia as agreed upon with the Cherokee in the 1783 Treaty of Augusta. To the north, Banks County is bordered by the vast Chattahoochee National Forest.
Historic Banks County Courthouse in Homer, Georgia
Homer serves as the county seat of Banks County. The original Banks County Courthouse, constructed in 1863, is a notable landmark. Legend says it was built with $6,600 in Confederate currency. This historic courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. Remarkably, after being saved from potential demolition thanks to the efforts of a Banks County High School student who initiated a restoration campaign, the old courthouse now functions as a museum and a community meeting space. A new courthouse was erected in 1987 to handle the county’s modern administrative needs. Homer itself became incorporated in 1859, succeeding New Lebanon as the county seat. It is believed to be named after Homer Jackson, an early resident of the area.
Banks County includes portions of several other incorporated towns, such as Alto (formerly known as Lulah), Baldwin, Gillsville, Lula, and Maysville. The 2020 U.S. Census recorded the population of Banks County at 18,035 residents, indicating a growing community within this northeast Georgia locale.
Picturesque Covered Bridge in Banks County, Georgia
The economic landscape of Banks County has evolved over time. While commercial forestry was once prominent, today small poultry farms are more common. However, a significant portion of the local workforce is employed in manufacturing, particularly in the textile and apparel industries. This sector remains a vital part of the Banks County economy.
Banks County has been home to several distinguished individuals. These include Allen D. Candler, a former Georgia governor, and Ty Cobb, a celebrated major-league baseball champion. Zach S. Henderson, former president of Georgia Teachers College (which later became Georgia Southern University), also hailed from Banks County.
For those interested in visiting or exploring Banks County, there are several points of interest. These include Nails Creek Baptist Church, the historic Old Banks County Jail, and Fort Hollingsworth. For entertainment, the Atlanta Dragway is also located in Banks County. Throughout the year, Banks County hosts a variety of annual events, such as the Banks County Festival in the fall, the Annual North Georgia Folk Potters Festival in June, and Homer’s renowned “World’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt.” These events offer a taste of the local culture and community spirit within Banks County.
