History of Gwinnett County, Georgia in Timeline

Gwinnett County, Georgia, a core county of Metro Atlanta, is situated approximately 9 miles northeast of Atlanta. As of 2020, it is the second-most populous county in Georgia with a population of 957,062. Lawrenceville serves as its county seat. The county derives its name from Button Gwinnett, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

1914: Formation of Barrow County

In 1914, the northeastern part of Gwinnett County was removed to form a part of the newly created Barrow County.

1960: Kennedy Wins Gwinnett

In 1960, John F. Kennedy won Gwinnett County.

1964: Republican Stronghold

From 1964, Gwinnett County was a Republican stronghold in presidential elections for many years.

1976: Carter Carries Gwinnett

In 1976, Jimmy Carter, then Governor of Georgia, carried Gwinnett County during his sweep of every county in the state in the presidential election.

1981: Bona Allen Company Closure

In 1981, the Bona Allen Company in Buford, Georgia, which produced saddles, harnesses, and other leather goods, ceased operations after being in business since 1873.

1986: Harris Wins Gwinnett

In 1986, Joe Frank Harris swept every county statewide in the gubernatorial election.

1990: Demographic Shift

As recently as 1990, over 90% of Gwinnett County's population was white, marking the beginning of a rapid demographic shift.

1999: Parks System Finalist

In 1999, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was a finalist for an award.

2006: Parks System Finalist

In 2006, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was a finalist for an award.

2007: Projected Majority-Minority

By 2007, Gwinnett County was projected to become a majority-minority county, reflecting its rapid demographic changes.

2008: Gold Medal Award

In 2008, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation won a gold medal from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

2008: Republican Vote

In 2008, Gwinnett County voted Republican.

2010: Household Income

In 2010, the median income for a household in Gwinnett County was $63,219, and the median income for a family was $70,767. Approximately 8.7% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line.

2012: Republican Vote

In 2012, Gwinnett County voted Republican.

2012: Georgia Force Folded

In 2012, the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League, which had played at Arena at Gwinnett Center, folded.

2014: Parks System Finalist

In 2014, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was a finalist for an award.

2015: Livable Centers Initiative Survey

In 2015, Peachtree Corners conducted a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) survey which indicated public desire for more multi-use trails.

2016: Democratic Shift

Beginning in 2016, Gwinnett County shifted to voting Democratic, making it one of six "reverse pivot counties" in the US.

2016: Construction of Multi-Use Trails

Beginning in 2016, Peachtree Corners began constructing 11.5 miles of multi-use trails within the city limits.

2016: Clinton Wins Gwinnett

In 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first Democrat to win Gwinnett County in 40 years, marking a shift in the county's political alignment.

2016: Bike Share Program Unveiled

In 2016, Suwanee unveiled the first Bike Share program in Gwinnett County.

2016: Georgia Swarm Relocation

In 2016, the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League relocated from Minnesota and began playing games at Infinite Energy Arena.

2017: League Championship

In 2017, the Georgia Swarm won the league championship.

2018: Abrams Wins Gwinnett

In 2018, Stacey Abrams became the first Democrat to win Gwinnett County in a gubernatorial election since 1986.

2020: Ethnic Diversity

As of the 2020 Census, Gwinnett County is the most ethnically diverse county in Georgia, with no ethnicity constituting more than a third of its population.