Bustling with a rich history, North Georgia features many state historic sites that reflect on the Native Peoples as well as early pioneers. From mounds and mansions to famous events in history — including the Civil War and the Georgia Gold Rush — North Georgia historic sites offer unique experiences for all ages just north of Atlanta. On your next getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, consider stopping by a historical site, museum, or visitor center to learn more about the area. Take guided tours, check out interactives, and bring home souvenirs from unique gift shops!
North Georgia Historic Sites
Chief Vann House State Historic Site | Chatsworth, GA
Constructed in 1804 and well-preserved to this day, the Chief Vann House is a historic site in the North Georgia Mountains that features gorgeous antiques, a 12-foot mantle, and a floating staircase. This 2+ story brick house was home to Chief James Vann who created the biggest and most prosperous plantation in the Cherokee Nation before the tragic Trail of Tears. While there, check out the seasonal gardens, take a guided house tour, eat at the picnic tables, and stop by the gift shop.
Dive deeper into this Cherokee story.
Dahlonega Gold Museum State Historic Site | Dahlonega, GA
Considered one of the state’s oldest standing courthouse buildings — on the National Register of Historic Places — the Dahlonega Gold Museum is a North Georgia historic site that marks the early gold rush days. Marvel at a complete set of rare coins, a classic gold nugget, and a hydraulic cannon that was used to blast the mountainside for gold mines. Inside the 1836 Lumpkin County Courthouse, you’ll see the judge’s chambers, traditional architecture, and wooden chapel seats. Want more? Come back for the Gold Rush Days Festival!
Hardman Farm State Historic Site | Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Along the Unicoi Turnpike, an original Native American nature trail in the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll find a 19th-century mansion with an Italian design — a stunning part of Hardman Farm. Also at this North Georgia historic homestead is the Sautee Nacoochee Indian Mound. You can take a guided tour of the house that showcases the bedroom of Anna Ruby Nichols, in relation to the nearby Anna Ruby Falls.
Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site | Cartersville, GA
Thousands of Native Americans called the Etowah Indian Mounds home between 1000-1550 A.D. Tour a mini-museum with artifacts from this 54-acre historic site, then head out to walk the beautiful grounds bordered by the Etowah River. Be amazed at the huge ditch used for defense against other tribes, an original fish weir, and the 6 earthen mounds — one reaching towards the heavens at 63 feet high!
Learn more about the Southeastern Native Peoples.
New Echota State Historic Site | Calhoun, GA
New Echota was the capital of the Cherokee Nation…as well as the starting point of their forced removal during the Trail of Tears. This significant historic site in North Georgia is at the headwaters of the Oostanaula River. Many historical events took place here, including the first Native American newspaper and a court case that went all the way to the Supreme Court. There are 12 buildings and a visitor center with exhibits, a film, and souvenirs.
Historical Places to Visit in North Georgia
- Byron Herbert Reece Farm and Heritage Center | Blairsville, GA
- Currahee Military Museum | Toccoa, GA
- Folk Pottery Museum of Northeast Georgia | Sautee Nacoochee, GA
- Foxfire Museum & Heritage Center | Mountain City, GA
- Helen Arts & Heritage | Helen, GA
- Historic Union County Courthouse & Mountain Life Museum | Blairsville, GA
- Sautee Nacoochee Center | Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Where to Stay
Stay within a short drive of North Georgia historic sites, fun attractions, shopping centers, hiking trails in the Chattahoochee National Forest, the Toccoa River, gorgeous state parks with waterfalls, and fine dining in Blue Ridge or Ellijay — with Georgia Cabins for YOU.
At your cozy cabin rental, you can sip local moonshine in a rocker with a mountain view, soak tired muscles in a steamy hot tub, read by a crackling fireplace, shoot pool in the game room, and watch entertainment on a big screen TV! Homey conveniences include complimentary high speed Wi-Fi, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washer/dryer. Questions? Reach out at 1.800.580.5524 anytime — we’re here to help!
Book YOUR memorable Blue Ridge Mountain cabin today and start exploring the many historical sites in North Georgia.
