The Rock Eagle Effigy Mound, a Native American archaeological site, is located north of the city.

The mound and related earthwork constructions were made by Woodland culture peoples, perhaps as long ago as 1,000 to 3,000 years.

The site is situated within a 1500-acre park administered by the University of Georgia, which also maintains a 4-H camp nearby.

Following the American Revolutionary War, Eatonton was founded in 1807 as the seat of newly formed Putnam County.

After the war, settlers were moving west and settling in the upland Piedmont region to develop cotton plantations.

Artist and leading scholar, curator, and promoter of African American art David Driskell was a native of Eatonton.

S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant and franchise, is a native of the town.