Town of Morganton
Fannin County was approved as its own entity, by the State of Georgia in 1854 from parts of Union and Gilmer County. The town of Morganton was the site for the Fannin County seat. Farm communities and modest towns were quickly becoming permanent fixtures within the county.
Controversy arose in Fannin County when the railroad proposed to build a rail line through the mountains. Morganton felt the railroad should naturally go through the county seat, the railroad didn't feel that Morganton provided the best route. Although much controversy erupted before the final decision, the railroad chose another location for the railroad hub. As a result of this decision, the town of Blue Ridge came into being, and was incorporated in 1887. The county seat was eventually moved to Blue Ridge.