Gainesville

Gainesville is a county seat in northeast Georgia, sitting at an elevation of 1250 feet (381 meters) in Hall County with access to Lake Sidney Lanier. The town hosts several poultry processing facilities and combines rural surroundings with urban infrastructure.

The settlement began in 1818 as Mule Camp Springs, serving as a rest stop for traders traveling through the region. The current name was adopted in 1821 when the place officially became a county seat.

The settlement was renamed in honor of General Edmund P. Gaines in 1821, reflecting the early expansion period of the United States. The Smithgall Arts Center presents theater productions throughout the year and draws audiences from across the region.

Interstate 985 connects the town directly to Atlanta, making arrival from the metro area straightforward. The WeGo rideshare service offers local transport options within the town and county for visitors without their own vehicle.

Lake Sidney Lanier lies just outside the town and draws boaters and anglers from the surrounding area on weekends. The reservoir was created in the mid-20th century by damming the Chattahoochee River.

Location: Hall County

Inception: 1818

Elevation above the sea: 381 m

Website: http://gainesville.org

GPS coordinates: 34.29788,-83.82407

Latest update: December 12, 2025 22:43