Incorporated as a town December 21, 1898, Sylvester is the county seat of Worth County. Sylvester was originally known as “Isabella Station,” but in 1894 the name was changed to honor a prominent local family.

Sylvester hosts the Georgia Peanut Festival each October, since Worth County is known as the “Peanut Capital of the World”. This event includes the arts and crafts show; the Peanut Parade; a barbecue to honor peanut farmers; peanut cuisine; the Goober Gala, an annual dance; the Miss Georgia Peanut pageant; and numerous other events.