Discover the Rich History of Rabun County and Northeast Georgia

  • Clayton, Georgia was founded at the intersection of five ancient Cherokee trails that connected the area to points throughout the Southeast.
  • The legendary Tallulah Falls Railroad opened Rabun County to the outside world in the late 19th century and forged the area’s future.
  • Georgia’s first environmental battle was fought in Rabun County in 1911 between the widow of a Civil War general and an Atlanta electric utility.
  • Between 1913 and 1927, six dams and hydroelectric generating plants were built along a contiguous 26-mile portion of the Tallulah and Tugalo Rivers in Rabun, Habersham and Stephens counties. The recreational lakes created by the dams forever changed the physical landscape of northeast Georgia.
  • Tens of thousands of acres in Rabun County were clear-cut by lumber companies during the first decades of the 20th century.
  • Rabun County was once the moonshining capital of Georgia.

You will learn about these and other important events and activities that shaped the history of northeast Georgia when you tour the museum of the Rabun County Historical Society in Clayton.

The Society is dedicated to keeping alive Rabun County’s 200-year history in the Appalachian Mountains of Georgia. We collect, preserve and display important historic artifacts, photographs and records in our 2,300-square-foot museum and archives.

Visit Our Museum

Admission

Free

Hours

Wednesday – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Friday – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Saturday  – 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Location

81 North Church Street
Clayton, Georgia 30525
(706) 782-5292

Become a Member

Our mission is funded by member dues and contributions. To join us in our continuing effort to preserve our history and promote its understanding, please consider a membership or donation.

News & Events

Holiday Open House
The Rabun County Historical Society will host a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 11 from 11:00-3:00. Light refreshments will be served.
  • Clayton, GA—May 20, 2021—The museum of the Rabun County Historical Society in downtown Clayton will reopen to the public on…

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  • Clayton, Ga.—October 2, 2020—The Rabun County Historical Society is asking area residents to donate or loan a moonshining still to…

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