Summerville, the county seat of Chattooga County, was incorporated on December 21, 1839. The county courthouse in Summerville was built in 1909 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Some of the festivals and special events held in Summerville include the Howard Finster Arts Festival held on the second Saturday of May and the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life on the third Saturday of May. Many other festivals throughout the year help to keep the citizens of Summerville actively involved in their community.