For pre-formatted natality & mortality data please see Vital Statistics Reports (VSR).

For other health data resources please see the Health Data & Info section.

Health Care
Union County had 8.9 licensed nursing home beds per 100 persons in 1999, compared with the state average of 5.5 per 100 persons. In 1999, the number of physicians in the county per 10,000 persons was 8.5X, compared to the state average of 19.3. For more community indicators, please go to OASIS .

History*

Union County, the 88th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1832 from the Cherokee County territory acquired by treaty with the Cherokee Indians. The county received its name from John Thomas, the area's state representative, who recommended Union as the new county's name due to its staunchly unionist stand.

The county is rich in Indian lore. Of particular note was a battle between Creek and Cherokee Indians near Blairsville, the site of which was given the name Slaughter Gap.

Georgia's highest point, Brasstown Bald (4,784 feet), is in Union County. An observation platform offers a spectacular view of the surrounding Smoky Mountains as well as three neighboring states.