Social Circle was incorporated as a village in 1832, became a town in 1869, and achieved city status in 1904. Its strategic location made it a pivotal rail center by 1845, as the Georgia Railroad expanded westward. During the Civil War, Union General William T. Sherman's troops destroyed the town's rail lines during their March to the Sea. However, Social Circle rebounded post-war, bolstered by the cotton industry, with cotton mills established in the 1840s.

The Historic Preservation Society of Social Circle, headquartered in the Nebhut-Akridge-Gunter House (circa 1840–1855), actively works to preserve the city's rich history. The Social Circle Heritage Museum, housed in a renovated mule barn, showcases artifacts and exhibits that celebrate the city's heritage.

Today, Social Circle continues to embody the warmth and hospitality that inspired its name, offering residents and visitors a blend of historical significance and small-town charm.