Governor Peter Early, born in Virginia on June 30, 1773, was a graduate of Princeton who became a lawyer, judge, State Senator, Congressman, Governor of Georgia during the difficult years 1813-1815, and trustee of the University of Georgia. His home stood near here on a bluff overlooking the river. He died on August 15, 1817, and was buried here before his remains were reinterred in Greensboro in December 1914 with fitting ceremonies. Early County was named for him. Near here also stood Fort Clarke, erected to protect early settlers against Indian raids.