Barrow County was created in 1914 from parts of Jackson, Gwinnett and Walton counties.  The creation was a means to settle a dispute among the citizens of the City of Winder, which at the time was located at the juncture of the three counties. 

Barrow County is named for David Crenshaw  "Uncle Dave" Barrow, Jr, alumnus, professor and long-time chancellor of the University of Georgia.