This little island in Lake Hartwell has an interesting distinction. Just a little bit west of its shore, in the middle of the lake, is the tripoint of three counties, i.e., the point at which they all meet. These counties are:
- Oconee County, South Carolina. This is the county actually containing the island. Founded in 1868, it was named after a Cherokee town whose name meant "land beside the water." Its county seat is Walhalla.
- Franklin County, Georgia. Founded in 1783, it was the very first county established in Georgia after the American Revolution and was named after Benjamin Franklin. Its county seat is Carnesville.
- Stephens County, Georgia. Founded in 1905, it was formed from parts of Franklin and Habersham Counties. It was named after Alexander Hamilton Stephens, a politician who served in the U.S. House before and after the Civil War, as the vice president of the Confederacy during the war, and as governor of Georgia at the end of his life. Its county seat is Toccoa.
Note that "Tri-County Island" is just a name I made up -- I couldn't find an official name on any maps. If anyone familar with the area does know of a name for this island, please let me know -- I'm curious!
Congratulations to clemsoncurry for FTF!