Clarkesville was incorporated as a village and made the Habersham County seat November 26, 1823. The city was named in honor of General John C. Clark, the son of the revolutionary hero and governor of Georgia, Elijah Clarke.

One of the State parks, Moccasin Creek Park, is located in Clarkesville. Moccasin Creek is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides camping, boating, fishing and hiking to visitors.