It was named by the Georgia General Assembly in honor of Samuel Butts, an officer who was killed in the Creek War in 1814.

Indian Springs later disincorporated and Pepperton was merged with Jackson in 1966, leaving just three incorporated cities in Butts County.

Much of Butts County and its cities were destroyed by the army of General William T. Sherman in its March to the Sea during the American Civil War.

Butts County has one radio station: WJGA FM 92.1 and one local newspaper, the Jackson Progress-Argus.

The county has gained attention in recent years as being a frequent backdrop for a number of movies and television shows.

[citation needed] In addition to the many buildings of the downtown that are visible in various scenes, the exterior of the Butts County Courthouse is featured, standing in for the Hawkins library.

[19] The fact that Butts County serves as the filming location for key events in the show has already led fans there after just two seasons.

The Constitutional Officers include the Sheriff; Tax Commissioner; Probate Judge and Clerk of the Superior Court.

In 2008, a movement began to create an elected, at-large chairman position to serve as presiding officer over the Board of Commissioners.