community spotlight
Blairsville, GA Where your adventure awaits
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lairsville Georgia has the energy of contemporary life combined with traditions of the history of the Appalachian Mountains. Every year people travel to visit this quaint little town to participate in it’s festivals, music, eat great food, shop and enjoy many outdoor recreational activities year round. Blairsville was incorporated in 1835 & named for Frank (Francis Preston) “Blair”, who was a Washington, D.C. newspaper editor. The Courthouse located in the center of a traffic circle is Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, built in 1899. Although the original clock tower has been removed it is still visible on display with a Museum open to the public. The Union County Historical Society has preserved local History memorabilia including Military, School, Music, & Genealogy from the area. Visitors enjoy hearing the nightly bell music from the tower and Friday Night Concerts of local bands and Gospel singings May – October.
4 | vACATION GUIDE in the Mountains
Growth was slow in the early days even though Union County shared a small extent of the Gold Rush. Roads and bridges opened the area in 1840, when a toll road (Union Turnpike) was built across Tesnatee Gap to connect Blairsville with Gainesville, Georgia. In 1841 Major Francis Logan bought he rights to run the toll road and built a home, a lodge, and the tollgate. In 1871 he purchased additional land in Union County and it became known as the Logan Turnpike and was operated by his family until work was completed across Neel’s Gap in 1922. History still abounds in downtown Blairsville as visitor’s can see the Mountain Life Museum, which replicates life in the early days. The Mock House circa 1906 and Payne Cabin, Barn and Corn-crib is restored for visitors to see early life of settlers. Other historical sites include The Reece Farm & Heritage Center, homestead of the famous poet Byron Herbert Reece. Continuing South on Hwy. 129 is the Walasi Yi Center; Cherokee www.mountainlakeguide.com | Fall 2021
