Bartow County was created from the Cherokee lands of the Cherokee County territory on December 3, 1832.  It was originally called Cass County until renamed December 6, 1861 in honor of Francis Bartow, Confederate Colonel who was the first officer to die in combat at the First Battle of Manassas.  The original county seat was at Cassville.

Located in the scenic foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Bartow County is home to Red Top Mountain State Park, Allatoona Lake, Roselawn Museum, the Booth Western Art Museum, Weinman Mineral Museum, Etowah Indian Mounds, Barnsley Gardens Resort and the Euharlee Historic Area.