Georgia's largest county and site of the state capital is turning 147 years old this month.

Fulton County was created in 1853, when Gov. Herschel V. Johnson approved an act of the legislature to incorporate the county. Composed of land transferred from Dekalb County, the new jurisdiction was a rural community at the time of its creation.

In 1932, Fulton County annexed Milton and Campbell counties and the Roswell District of Cobb County.

Fulton County experienced enormous growth through the years, becoming the business, communications, financial and legal center of Georgia.

Today, the 535-square-mile county has nearly 798,300 residents and 10 municipalities, including Atlanta. Approximately 5,289 employees provide services in many areas, including the arts, community and economic development, courts and law enforcement, elections, environment, fire protection, health and human services, medical examiner, public works, property tax administration and zoning.

Fulton is governed by a seven-member Board of Commissioners, which sets policy. The board appoints the county manager, who is responsible for daily management and administration.