McMinn Countyis acountyin theU.S. stateofTennessee.It is located inEast Tennessee.As of the2020 census,the population was 53,794. The county has a total area of 432 square miles (1,120 km2). Most of the county is within theRidge and Valleyarea of theAppalachian Mountains.Itscounty seatisAthens.McMinn County, along withMeigs Countycomprises the Athens, TNMicropolitan Statistical Area.
McMinn County | |
|---|---|
 McMinn County Courthouse in Athens | |
 Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofTennessee | |
 Tennessee's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:35°25′N84°37′W/ 35.42°N 84.62°W | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Tennessee |
| Founded | 1819 |
| Named for | Joseph McMinn[1] |
| Seat | Athens |
| Largest city | Athens |
| Area | |
• Total | 432 sq mi (1,120 km2) |
| • Land | 430 sq mi (1,100 km2) |
| • Water | 2.1 sq mi (5 km2) 0.5% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 53,794 |
| • Density | 125.10/sq mi (48.30/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5(Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4(EDT) |
| Congressional district | 3rd |
| Website | mcminncountytn |
History
editMcMinn County was created in 1819 from Indian lands and was named in honor ofJoseph McMinn(1758–1824).[1]McMinn was a militia commander during theRevolutionary War,a member of the territorial legislature, speaker of the state senate, and eventually governor of the state of Tennessee. McMinn died on October 17, 1824, and is buried at Shiloh Presbyterian Cemetery inCalhoun.[2]
The first railroad in East Tennessee, the Hiwassee Railroad, began construction in McMinn County in the late 1830s, but was halted due to financial difficulties. Work was resumed by theEast Tennessee and Georgia Railroad(ET&G) in 1849, and by the mid-1850s rail lines connected Chattanooga, Knoxville, and the Tri-Cities. The ET&G was headquartered in Athens before moving to Knoxville in 1855.[1]A train depot from this early railroad period still stands in Niota. A number of communities sprang up along the railroads in subsequent years, most notablyEtowah,where theL&Nbuilt a large depot in the early 1900s, andEnglewood,which developed into a textile manufacturing center in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.[1]
Like many East Tennessee counties, McMinn was polarized by the Civil War and the issue of secession.[1]On June 8, 1861, the county voted against secession by a margin of 1,144 to 904.[3]The county provided 12 regiments for the Union Army and eight for the Confederate Army during the course of the war.[3]
On August 18, 1920, State Rep.Harry T. BurnofNiotacast the deciding vote in theTennessee General Assemblyto ratify theNineteenth Amendment.Burn credited a letter from his mother, Febb Ensminger Burn, for his decision to vote in favor of the amendment. McMinn County voters, although divided on thewomen's suffrageissue, reelected Burn to the state legislature three months later.[4]
In August 1946, an uprising known as theBattle of Athenserupted when the McMinn County sheriff and several other county officials (who had ties to Memphis political bossE.H. Crump) tried to steal the election. A group ofWorld War IIveterans launched an armed assault on the jail in Athens, where the county officials had retreated with the ballot boxes. After an exchange of gunfire, the county officials turned over the ballot boxes, and the votes were counted in a public setting, proving the bipartisan reform ticket won the election.[5][6]
On December 11, 1990,a crash involving 99 vehiclesoccurred alongInterstate 75near Calhoun in heavyfog,killing 12 and injuring 42.[7][8]The accident, which occurred in an area prone to fog, was reportedly the largest motor vehicle crash in United States history at the time, in terms of the number of vehicles involved, and was blamed by some on the nearbyBowater(nowResolute Forest Products)paper mill.[9][10]
Geography
edit
According to theU.S. Census Bureau,the county has a total area of 432 square miles (1,120 km2), of which 430 square miles (1,100 km2) is land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km2) (0.5%) is water.[11]Most of the county is within theRidge and Valleyprovince of theAppalachian Mountains,which is characterized by a series of parallel ridges separated by valleys oriented in a northeast-to-southwest direction. TheHiwassee Riverforms the county's border withBradley Countyto the southwest.Starr Mountain,a large ridge in the southeastern part of the county on the edge of theUnicoi Mountains,part of theBlue RidgeAppalachian province, forms part of the county's border withPolk Countyto the south andMonroe Countyto the north and east.
Adjacent counties
edit- Roane County(north)
- Loudon County(northeast)
- Monroe County(east)
- Polk County(southeast)
- Bradley County(southwest)
- Meigs County(west)
National protected area
edit- Cherokee National Forest(part)
State protected area
edit- Chickamauga Wildlife Management Area (part)
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1820 | 1,623 | — | |
| 1830 | 14,460 | 790.9% | |
| 1840 | 12,719 | −12.0% | |
| 1850 | 13,906 | 9.3% | |
| 1860 | 13,555 | −2.5% | |
| 1870 | 13,969 | 3.1% | |
| 1880 | 15,064 | 7.8% | |
| 1890 | 17,890 | 18.8% | |
| 1900 | 19,163 | 7.1% | |
| 1910 | 21,046 | 9.8% | |
| 1920 | 25,133 | 19.4% | |
| 1930 | 29,019 | 15.5% | |
| 1940 | 30,781 | 6.1% | |
| 1950 | 32,024 | 4.0% | |
| 1960 | 33,662 | 5.1% | |
| 1970 | 35,462 | 5.3% | |
| 1980 | 41,878 | 18.1% | |
| 1990 | 42,383 | 1.2% | |
| 2000 | 49,015 | 15.6% | |
| 2010 | 52,266 | 6.6% | |
| 2020 | 53,794 | 2.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] 1790–1960[13]1900–1990[14] 1990–2000[15]2010–2014[16] | |||
2020 census
edit| Race | Number | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| White(non-Hispanic) | 45,993 | 86.33% |
| Black or African American(non-Hispanic) | 2,361 | 4.38% |
| Native American | 140 | 0.26% |
| Asian | 430 | 0.81% |
| Pacific Islander | 17 | 0.03% |
| Other/Mixed | 2,693 | 5.05% |
| HispanicorLatino | 2,161 | 4.06% |
As of the2020 United States census,there were 53,794 people, 20,804 households, and 13,685 families residing in the county.[16]
2010 census
editAs of thecensus of 2010,[19]there were 52,266 people, 20,865 households, and 14,632 families living in the county. The population density was 121.55 persons per square mile and the housing unit density was 48.52 units per square mile. The racial makeup of the county was 91.96%White,3.95%Black,0.34%Native American,0.74%Asian,0.02%Pacific Islander,and 1.79% fromtwo or more races.Those ofHispanic of Latinoorigins made up 2.84% of the population.
Of all of the households, 26.93% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 53.88% were married couples living together, 4.86% had a male householder with no wife present, 11.38% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.87% were non families. 26.02% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.65% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.94.
The population was distributed with 22.57% under the age of 18, 60.57% ages 18 to 64, and 16.86% age 65 years and older. The median age was 40.4 years. 51.43% of the population were females and 48.57% were males.
Themedian household incomewas $37,146 and themedian family incomewas $47,726. Males had a median income of $38,459 versus $31,342 for females. Theper capita incomefor the county was $19,796. About 13.7% of families and 17.3% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 24.0% of those under the age of 18 and 11.9% of those over the age of 65.
2000 census
edit
At the 2000census,[21]there were 49,015 people, 19,721 households and 14,317 families living in the county. Thepopulation densitywas 114 people per square mile (44 people/km2). There were 21,626 housing units at an average density of 50 units per square mile (19/km2).
The racial makeup of the county was 92.72%White,4.48%BlackorAfrican American,0.27%Native American,0.70%Asian,0.02%Pacific Islander,0.75% fromother races,and 1.06% from two or more races. 1.80% of the population wereHispanicorLatinoof any race.
There were 19,721 households, of which 31.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.70% weremarried couplesliving together, 10.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 24.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.45, and the average family size was 2.90.
Age distribution was 23.90% under the age of 18, 8.40% from 18 to 24, 28.50% from 25 to 44, 24.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 93.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males.
Themedian household incomewas $31,919, and the median family income was $38,992. Males had a median income of $31,051 versus $20,524 for females. Theper capita incomefor the county was $16,725. About 10.90% of families and 14.50% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 18.20% of those under age 18 and 16.80% of those age 65 or over.
Communities
editCities
edit- Athens(county seat)[22]
- Etowah
- Niota
- Sweetwater
Towns
editCensus-designated place
editUnincorporated communities
editSchools
editThe 1870Tennessee constitutionprevented black and white children from attending the same public schools.[23][24]In 1875, McMinn County had 56 white schools and 10 "colored" schools.[25]After theCivil Rights Act of 1964was passed, Tennessee began to integrate schools.[26]
McMinn County Schoolsoperates public schools serving most of the county for grades K-12. Included areMcMinn County High SchoolandMcMinn Central High School. In 2020, the district had 5,493 students. It had two high schools, seven middle schools, seven elementary schools, and seven preschools.[27]As of 2022, a total of 31% of elementary school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 40% tested did so for math. Also, 31% of middle school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 40% did so for math. Furthermore 34% of high school students tested at or above the proficient level for reading, and 22% did so for math.[27]
Athens City Schoolsand theEtowah School District,respectively, serve their areas for grades K-8, with McMinn County Schools operating the high schools for those respective cities.[28]
Politics
editIn the2020 US presidential election,79.7% of voters in the county voted forDonald Trump,who attracted 46.9% of the vote nationwide.[29]Following Trump in the county vote were Democrat Joe Biden, LibertarianJo Jorgensen,coal mining business executiveDon Blankenship,and rapperKanye West.[29]
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 2024 | 19,673 | 81.73% | 4,207 | 17.48% | 192 | 0.80% |
| 2020 | 18,198 | 79.66% | 4,361 | 19.09% | 285 | 1.25% |
| 2016 | 14,691 | 78.33% | 3,510 | 18.72% | 554 | 2.95% |
| 2012 | 12,967 | 72.71% | 4,609 | 25.84% | 258 | 1.45% |
| 2008 | 12,989 | 69.13% | 5,541 | 29.49% | 259 | 1.38% |
| 2004 | 11,980 | 66.54% | 5,891 | 32.72% | 132 | 0.73% |
| 2000 | 10,155 | 61.17% | 6,142 | 37.00% | 303 | 1.83% |
| 1996 | 7,655 | 51.78% | 5,987 | 40.50% | 1,142 | 7.72% |
| 1992 | 7,453 | 46.61% | 6,682 | 41.79% | 1,855 | 11.60% |
| 1988 | 8,462 | 64.70% | 4,568 | 34.93% | 48 | 0.37% |
| 1984 | 9,604 | 64.83% | 5,141 | 34.71% | 68 | 0.46% |
| 1980 | 7,825 | 57.76% | 5,460 | 40.30% | 262 | 1.93% |
| 1976 | 6,638 | 48.34% | 7,020 | 51.12% | 74 | 0.54% |
| 1972 | 7,423 | 70.56% | 2,838 | 26.98% | 259 | 2.46% |
| 1968 | 6,098 | 52.92% | 2,889 | 25.07% | 2,535 | 22.00% |
| 1964 | 5,624 | 51.93% | 5,207 | 48.07% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1960 | 6,585 | 61.16% | 4,111 | 38.19% | 70 | 0.65% |
| 1956 | 6,075 | 59.83% | 3,950 | 38.90% | 128 | 1.26% |
| 1952 | 5,778 | 62.39% | 3,440 | 37.15% | 43 | 0.46% |
| 1948 | 4,432 | 57.84% | 3,016 | 39.36% | 214 | 2.79% |
| 1944 | 3,091 | 41.07% | 4,435 | 58.93% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 3,901 | 42.77% | 5,192 | 56.92% | 28 | 0.31% |
| 1936 | 4,310 | 51.11% | 4,077 | 48.35% | 45 | 0.53% |
| 1932 | 2,790 | 50.77% | 2,630 | 47.86% | 75 | 1.36% |
| 1928 | 4,421 | 68.59% | 2,011 | 31.20% | 14 | 0.22% |
| 1924 | 2,654 | 58.85% | 1,617 | 35.85% | 239 | 5.30% |
| 1920 | 2,800 | 62.63% | 1,636 | 36.59% | 35 | 0.78% |
| 1916 | 1,726 | 61.34% | 1,088 | 38.66% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1912 | 667 | 30.98% | 912 | 42.36% | 574 | 26.66% |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^abcdeBill Akins, "McMinn County",Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.Retrieved: March 11, 2013.
- ^John Thweatt, "Joseph McMinn,"Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.Retrieved: March 11, 2013.
- ^abC. Stephen Byrum,McMinn County(Memphis, Tenn: Memphis State University Press, 1984), pp. 23-32.
- ^Boyd, Tyler L.,Tennessee Statesman Harry T. Burn: Woman Suffrage, Free Elections and a Life of Service(Charleston, SC: The History Press, 2019)
- ^Information obtained from Tennessee Historical Commission marker 2A 102 in Athens, Tennessee. Information accessed: November 26, 2007.
- ^Derose, Chris (November 1, 2020)."'Get the Hell Out of Here and Get Something to Shoot With'".Politico.RetrievedNovember 2,2020.
- ^Sneed, Calvin (December 11, 2015).""Stumbling Out Of The Fog:" Memories Of The Worst Traffic Accident in Tennessee History ".Chattanooga, Tennessee:WTVC-TV.RetrievedJanuary 15,2021.
- ^Speaks, Dewaine A. (August 5, 2019).Historic Disasters of East Tennessee.Mount Pleasant, South Carolina: Arcadia Publishing. pp. 17–23.ISBN9781467141895– via Google Books.
- ^"Forensic Files:Killer Fog (Season 2, Episode 3) ".IMDB.RetrievedJanuary 12,2019.
- ^Ashdown, Kyle (January 13, 2018)."That Time A Paper Mill Was Blamed For A Massive Highway Crash".CarThrottle.RetrievedJanuary 14,2020.
- ^"2010 Census Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012.RetrievedApril 9,2015.
- ^"U.S. Decennial Census".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedApril 9,2015.
- ^"Historical Census Browser".University of Virginia Library. Archived fromthe originalon August 11, 2012.RetrievedApril 9,2015.
- ^Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995)."Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedApril 9,2015.
- ^"Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000"(PDF).United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001.Archived(PDF)from the original on October 9, 2022.RetrievedApril 9,2015.
- ^ab"State & County QuickFacts".United States Census Bureau. Archived fromthe originalon June 7, 2011.RetrievedDecember 6,2013.
- ^"Population and Housing Unit Estimates".RetrievedJuly 20,2019.
- ^"Explore Census Data".data.census.gov.RetrievedDecember 27,2021.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedOctober 5,2019.
- ^Based on2000 censusdata
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedMay 14,2011.
- ^"Find a County".National Association of Counties.RetrievedJune 7,2011.
- ^Knaff, Sheila (May 1998)."A Case Study of the Effects of Integration on Two Black High Schools in East Tennessee".Electronic Theses and Dissertations– via Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University.
- ^"School Desegregation in Tennessee"(PDF).United States Commission on Civil Rights.April 2008.Archived(PDF)from the original on October 9, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 28,2021.
- ^Annual Report of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction of Tennessee for the Scholastic Year Ending Aug. 31, 1874.Tennessee Department of Public Instruction. 1875.
- ^"Tennessee State Board of Education Records 1815-1958"(PDF).Tennessee State Library and Archives.Archived(PDF)from the original on October 9, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 28,2022.
- ^ab"Mcminn County".U.S. News & World Report.RetrievedJanuary 28,2022.
- ^"2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: McMinn County, TN"(PDF).U.S. Census Bureau.Archived(PDF)from the original on October 9, 2022.RetrievedJanuary 28,2022.-Text list
- ^ab"Tennessee Presidential Election Results".Usatoday.com.
- ^Leip, David."Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".uselectionatlas.org.
Further reading
edit- Byrum, Stephen C.McMinn County.Memphis: Memphis State University Press (1984).ISBN978-0878701766.
- Guy, Joe.The Hidden History of McMinn County: Tales From Eastern Tennessee.Charleston: The History Press (2007).ISBN1-59629-349-7.
External links
edit
- Official site
- McMinn County, TNGenWeb– free genealogy resources for the county