Clarke County was created from a part of Jackson County in 1801. It was named for Revolutionary War General Elijah Clarke. On January 14, 1991, the unification of the City of Athens and Clarke County established the second consolidated city/county government in the state of Georgia. Encompassing 313 acres, and located in Athens-Clarke County, the State Botanical Garden is a horticultural preserve set-aside for the study and enjoyment of plants and nature. Athens grew up around The University of Georgia, the nation's oldest land grant university. On campus, the main library houses the original Constitution of the Confederate States of America. Athens grew up around The University of Georgia, the nation's oldest land grant university

There are a myriad of things to do and places to go in Athens! Visit the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureauwebsite for official information on area hotels, attraction and trivia. The site also has a special events calendar with information on all that's happening in this vibrant community. There are literally hundreds of listings!

Also in Athens is the Georgia Museum of Art, designated by the Georgia General Assembly as the official state art museum. The permanent collection has more than 8,000 works of art.

The Morton Theater, completed in 1910, is the only remaining vaudeville theater on the National Register of Historic Places that was built, owned, and operated by an African-American, Monroe "Pink" Morton. In its heyday, the Morton featured headliners such as Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Blind Willie McTell, and Duke Ellington. Athens is home to a vibrant arts and music community.

The Athens Navy Supply Corps School, was originally established in 1891 as a teacher training school called the Normal School.  In 1928, it became a 4 year school known as Georgia Teacher's College. In 1932, the campus became known as the Coordinate College and its facilities were used as dormitories for University freshman and sophomore women.  Following World War II, in 1953, the site was acquired by the US Navy and has been utilized for training and educational purposes by the Navy since the acquisition. Every Navy supply officer since 1954 has been trained in Athens.  Following the U.S. Department of Defense 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission recommendations, how the Navy Supply Corps School is used is being reconsidered.