Buchanan, the county seat of Haralson County, was incorporated December 22, 1857. The city received its name in honor of former president James Buchanan.

The Old Haralson County courthouse, built in 1891, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The courthouse, which is a prime example of a public building constructed in the Queen Anne style, is now the home of the local historical society. The clock tower was added in 1897.