Telfair County, the 35th county formed in Georgia, was created in 1807. The county was named for Governor Edward Telfair, who came to Savannah from Scotland in 1766, eventually serving in the Continental Congress and as governor of Georgia.

The county was primarily settled by Scottish Presbyterians from the Carolinas. Jacksonville was the first seat of government and remained an important river trading center until after the Civil War. Lumber City, in the eastern part of the county, is known for its 50 artesian wells.