Terrell County was created from Randolph and Lee counties in 1856. It is named for Dr. William Terrell of Sparta who had served in both the state legislature and in Congress. Dawson, the county seat, is named for another legislator and jurist, William C. Dawson. Near the close of the Civil War Governor Joseph Brown arranged organization of "Exile Camp" near Dawson to shelter some 300 refugees from Atlanta. A short time later Union troops were quartered there and are remembered for their kind behavior toward the refugees and local citizens.