Incorporated on December 20, 1834, Ellijay is the county seat of Gilmer County. Ellijay was the site of an Indian village and bears an Indian name meaning “earth green there.” Cherokee Indians lived in this area until their removal in 1838 to Oklahoma. The Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers join together within the city limits to form the Coosawattee River.

Nicknamed “Georgia’s Apple Capital”, Ellijay hosts the annual Georgia Apple Festival held in October. Apple Orchard Alley features many of the county’s apple orchards along the valley.