Dawsonville, incorporated December 10, 1859, is the county seat of Dawson County. The city was named after William C. Dawson, a compiler of the laws of Georgia and commander of a brigade in the Creek Indian War of 1836. Dawson also served in both houses of the state legislature and in Congress before the Civil War.

Dawsonville is the home of NASCAR Champion, Bill Elliot and his racing operation. The Elliott Museum and Souvenir Center is the home of Bill Elliot’s auto racing paraphernalia and memorabilia.