Fulton County was formed from DeKalb County in 1853. In 1932, Milton and Campbell counties were consolidated with Fulton County, resulting in its current elongated shape.

The county was the 144th county created in the state and was named after Robert Fulton who built the Clermont, a boat that revolutionized river travel and played an important role in the development of the South.

Palmetto is the home of Cochran Mill Nature Center.