Georgia 's 27th county was named for Abraham Baldwin, a member of the Continental Congress and author of the bill to create the nation's first state university, now the University of Georgia.

Milledgeville was laid out in 1803, designated as the state capital in 1804, and incorporated in 1806. The city served as state capital until that honor was transferred to Atlanta on April 20, 1868. Milledgeville, named for Governor John Milledge, is the county's only incorporated city.

The historic district of Milledgeville includes the Old State Capitol and Governor's Mansion, as well as a number of noteworthy private homes. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Milledgeville is the only surviving example of a complete "Federal Period" city. It is also the only city designed specifically to be a state capital.

With 15,330 acres of water and 417 miles of shoreline, Lake Sinclair is an important recreational resource for the county. The State of Georgia has a strong presence in the county with the Middle Georgia Correctional Institution, Central State Hospital, the Youth Development Center, and two University System units.

Notable Georgians from Baldwin County include the Honorable Carl Vinson, who served Georgia as a U.S. Congressman for 50 years; writer Flannery O'Connor; and comedian Oliver Hardy. Georgia College's Ina Dillard Russell Library is home of the Flannery O'Connor Collection and includes manuscripts by O'Connor and her personal collection of more than 700 books and journals.

Baldwin County is home to a number of festivals and events including water skiing tournaments in July, the Brown's Crossing Craftsmen Fair in October, and the Candlelight Tour of Homes in December.