Resting in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, roughly 90 miles north of Atlanta, is Georgia’s forty-sixth county. Officially created in 1818 from the lands of the Cherokee Indians, Habersham County is named after Revolutionary War hero and U.S. Postmaster General Joseph Habersham. Habersham County has changed with the times while keeping its small community feel. Some examples of agricultural products from this county are poultry and apples. Fieldale Farms is a family business that has grown to become one of the largest independent poultry producers in the world. It is also Habersham County's largest employer. Other notable industries include the following: Ethicon, a Johnson & Johnson company, which develops innovative surgical products for laparoscopic and minimally invasive procedures; Mount Vernon Mills Inc., a diversified and integrated producer of yarns, fabrics, and finished products for the apparel, industrial, home furnishings, institutional and consumer goods markets; and Globaltech Industries, a candle manufacturer that has produced candles for companies such as Bath & Body Works, Curve, and Victoria’s Secret. Habersham County residents are fortunate to have an award-winning medical facility to serve their health care needs. Located in Demorest, Habersham Medical Center is a 53-bed not-for-profit acute care facility providing health care to more than 80,000 residents of Habersham and adjoining counties. Another important part of Habersham County lies 2 miles west of Cornelia. The Habersham County Airport boasts a 5,000 foot runway as well as a fuel station with 100 octane aviation fuel and jet fuel during regular business hours.
