Athens, Tennessee | |
---|---|
Nickname: "The Friendly City" [1] | |
Motto: "Progress Since 1822" | |
Coordinates: 35°26′53″N84°36′7″W / 35.44806°N 84.60194°W | |
Country | United States |
State | Tennessee |
County | McMinn |
Founded | 1822 |
Incorporated | 1870 [2] |
Named for | Athens, Greece |
Government | |
• Type | Council-manager |
• Mayor | Steven S. Sherlin |
• City Manager | Randall Dowling |
Area | |
• Total | 15.51 sq mi (40.17 km2) |
• Land | 15.51 sq mi (40.17 km2) |
• Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
Elevation | 860 ft (262 m) |
Population | |
• Total | 14,084 |
• Density | 908.18/sq mi (350.65/km2) |
Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
ZIP codes | 37303 & 37371 |
Area code | 423 |
FIPS code | 47-02320 [6] |
GNIS feature ID | 1304889 [7] |
Website | www |
Athens is the county seat of McMinn County, Tennessee, United States [8] and the principal city of the Athens Micropolitan Statistical Area has a population of 53,569. The city is located almost equidistantly between the major cities of Knoxville and Chattanooga. [9] The population was 14,084 at the 2020 census. The population of the zipcode area is at 23,726 [10]
The Cherokee were living in McMinn County at the time of the arrival of the first Euro-American explorers. The Athens area was situated nearly halfway between the Overhill Cherokee villages of Great Tellico to the north in Monroe County and Great Hiwassee along the Hiwassee River to the south. In 1819, the Cherokee signed the Calhoun Treaty, selling the land north of the Hiwassee (including all of modern McMinn County) to the United States. McMinn County was organized on November 13, 1819, at the home of John Walker in what is now Calhoun. The Native American village, Pumpkintown (a corruption of Potemkin town), was located on a farm about two miles east of present-day Athens. It is sometimes incorrectly identified as a forerunner of Athens. Athens was laid out and chosen as the county seat in 1822. [11] The name "Athens" may have been chosen due to perceived topographical similarities to Athens, Greece. [12]
By 1834, the population of Athens had grown to over 500. [13] Prominent early settlers included William Henry Cooke, who operated an iron forge near modern Etowah, and Samuel Clegg (or Cleage), a construction entrepreneur. Jesse Mayfield, whose descendants founded Mayfield Dairy Farms, arrived in the early 1820s. [14] The Hiwassee Railroad received a charter in the mid-1830s to build a railroad connecting Knoxville, Tennessee, and Dalton, Georgia. The railroad began construction in 1837, although financial and legal problems delayed its completion until 1851. [12] In 1836, General John Wool arrived in Athens to help coordinate the Cherokee Removal. Although initially voluntary, the operation became a forced removal in 1838 when many Cherokee refused to leave. The removal culminated in the forced march west that became known as the Trail of Tears. Wool set up his headquarters at the Bridges Hotel, which was located across the street from the McMinn County Courthouse. [15]
McMinn County was divided during the American Civil War. The well-established railroad brought numerous pro-secessionist and anti-secessionist speakers to the county, including Andrew Johnson, Horace Maynard, John Bell, and William "Parson" Brownlow. In 1861, McMinn County voted against secession by a narrow 1,144-904 margin. The county sent 12 units to the Union army and 8 units to the Confederate army. General William Tecumseh Sherman was briefly headquartered at the Bridges Hotel in McMinn County while preparing his "March to the Sea." [16]
After the Civil War, the railroad lured business opportunists to McMinn County. In 1887, several investors established the Athens Mining and Manufacturing Company with plans to convert the town into a model industrial community and initiate large-scale mining operations in the area. Textile mills, flour mills, and timber mills dominated the county's industry by the late 19th century, complemented by furniture and appliance factories in the 1920s. [17]
In 1946, several McMinn County World War II veterans ran for local office in hopes of removing a county government deemed corrupt. On August 1, local authorities locked themselves in the county jail along with the ballot boxes. Suspecting foul play, the veterans armed themselves in revolt and assembled on a hill across the street from the jail. After an exchange of gunfire, the county authorities surrendered. The ballots were counted, and the veterans' ticket was elected, ending the Battle of Athens. [18]
Athens is located at 35°26′53″N84°36′7″W / 35.44806°N 84.60194°W (35.448171, -84.602069). [19] The city is situated amidst a series of narrow, elongate ridges and low hills that are characteristic of the Appalachian Ridge-and-Valley Province. The Unicoi Mountains rise roughly 20 miles (32 km) east of Athens, and the Tennessee River flows nearly 20 miles (32 km) to the west. Starr Mountain, one of the more noticeable ridges in McMinn County, is located roughly 15 miles (24 km) southeast of Athens.
Oostanaula Creek (sometimes spelled "Eastanalle" or a similar variation) rises in the hills north of Athens and traverses the city approximately 30 miles (48 km) upstream from its mouth along Hiwassee River. Other major streams in the area include Mouse Creek, which parallels Oostanaula to the west, and Chestuee Creek, which parallels Oostanaula to the east.
Athens is centered around the junction of U.S. Route 11, which connects the city to Sweetwater to the north and Cleveland to the south, and State Route 30, which connects Athens to Etowah and U.S. Route 411 to the southeast and Decatur to the west. Interstate 75 passes west of Athens.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 13.5 square miles (35 km2), all land.
As is typical for the Southern United States, Athens has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) featuring hot, humid summers and cool to cold, though not severe, winters.
Climate data for Athens, Tennessee (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1962–present) | |||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
Record high °F (°C) | 74 (23) | 81 (27) | 85 (29) | 91 (33) | 95 (35) | 103 (39) | 105 (41) | 103 (39) | 99 (37) | 98 (37) | 86 (30) | 77 (25) | 105 (41) |
Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 48.6 (9.2) | 53.0 (11.7) | 61.7 (16.5) | 71.3 (21.8) | 78.8 (26.0) | 85.4 (29.7) | 88.4 (31.3) | 88.1 (31.2) | 83.1 (28.4) | 72.6 (22.6) | 60.9 (16.1) | 51.6 (10.9) | 70.3 (21.3) |
Daily mean °F (°C) | 38.4 (3.6) | 41.9 (5.5) | 49.5 (9.7) | 58.3 (14.6) | 66.8 (19.3) | 74.4 (23.6) | 77.9 (25.5) | 77.2 (25.1) | 71.5 (21.9) | 59.9 (15.5) | 48.6 (9.2) | 41.5 (5.3) | 58.8 (14.9) |
Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 28.2 (−2.1) | 30.9 (−0.6) | 37.3 (2.9) | 45.3 (7.4) | 54.8 (12.7) | 63.4 (17.4) | 67.5 (19.7) | 66.3 (19.1) | 59.9 (15.5) | 47.2 (8.4) | 36.2 (2.3) | 31.3 (−0.4) | 47.4 (8.6) |
Record low °F (°C) | −16 (−27) | −14 (−26) | 2 (−17) | 22 (−6) | 29 (−2) | 36 (2) | 48 (9) | 48 (9) | 29 (−2) | 23 (−5) | 9 (−13) | −4 (−20) | −16 (−27) |
Average precipitation inches (mm) | 5.56 (141) | 5.07 (129) | 5.51 (140) | 5.50 (140) | 4.59 (117) | 5.03 (128) | 5.52 (140) | 4.03 (102) | 5.20 (132) | 3.58 (91) | 4.88 (124) | 5.91 (150) | 60.38 (1,534) |
Average snowfall inches (cm) | 1.0 (2.5) | 1.3 (3.3) | 0.8 (2.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.1 (0.25) | 0.4 (1.0) | 3.6 (9.1) |
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 11.6 | 11.9 | 12.4 | 10.9 | 11.5 | 11.7 | 12.1 | 10.3 | 8.4 | 8.2 | 9.6 | 12.4 | 131.0 |
Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.0 |
Source: NOAA [20] [21] |
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1860 | 678 | — | |
1870 | 974 | 43.7% | |
1880 | 1,100 | 12.9% | |
1890 | 2,224 | 102.2% | |
1900 | 1,849 | −16.9% | |
1910 | 2,264 | 22.4% | |
1920 | 2,580 | 14.0% | |
1930 | 5,385 | 108.7% | |
1940 | 6,930 | 28.7% | |
1950 | 8,618 | 24.4% | |
1960 | 12,103 | 40.4% | |
1970 | 11,790 | −2.6% | |
1980 | 12,080 | 2.5% | |
1990 | 12,054 | −0.2% | |
2000 | 13,220 | 9.7% | |
2010 | 13,458 | 1.8% | |
2020 | 14,084 | 4.7% | |
Sources: [6] [22] [23] [5] |
Race | Number | Percentage |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 10,660 | 75.80% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 1,395 | 10.28% |
Native American | 35 | 0.25% |
Asian | 197 | 1.4% |
Pacific Islander | 4 | 0.03% |
Other/Mixed | 752 | 5.34% |
Hispanic or Latino | 1,041 | 7.39% |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,084 people, 5,530 households, and 2,991 families residing in the city.
As of the census of 2010, [25] there were 13,458 people, 5,704 households, and 3,498 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 84.87% White, 9.12% Black, 0.35% Native American, 1.64% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, and 2.61% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origins constituted 5.27% of the population.
Out of all of the households, 61.33% were family households, 42.39% were married couples living together, 26.30% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 4.33% had a male householder with no wife present, and 14.60% had a female householder with no husband present. 34.52% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.39% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.91.
The population was spread out, with 22.69% under the age of 18, 59.97% ages 18 to 64, and 17.34% age 65 and over. The median age was 39.1 years. 53.52% of the population were females and 46.48% were males.
The median household income was $31,062 and the median family income was $44,419. Males had a median income of $37,120 versus $28,889 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,259. About 22.2% of families and 24.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.8% of those under the age of 18 and 17.2% of those age 65 and over
As of the census [6] of 2000, there were 13,220 people, 5,550 households, and 3,590 families residing in the city. The population density was 976.3 inhabitants per square mile (377.0/km2). There were 6,086 housing units at an average density of 449.4 per square mile (173.5/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 86.33% White, 9.32% African American, 0.23% Native American, 1.38% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.34% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.01% of the population.
There were 5,550 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.89.
The population consisted of 23.9% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $29,277, and the median income for a family was $39,563. Males had a median income of $32,170 versus $20,917 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,877. About 14.6% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.
The City of Athens employs a Council-Manager form of government. Citizens elect a five-member council. Councilmembers are elected to four year terms, which are staggered. The Council is responsible for approving budgets, passing local ordinances, and setting policy, but members are forbidden by the City Charter from giving direct orders to city staff. The Council hires a City Manager, who is responsible for hiring, firing, and managing city staff. A Council Study Session takes place once per month, and a City Council Meeting takes place once per month.
Law enforcement services in Athens are provided by the City of Athens Police Department. The Department's authorized strength is thirty-two sworn officers.
City Council Role | Name |
---|---|
Mayor | Steven S. Sherlin |
Vice Mayor | Larry D. Eaton |
Council Member | Jordan Curtis |
Council Member | Dr. Dick Pelley |
Council Member | Frances Witt-McMahan |
University and vocational school:
McMinn County Schools operates public high schools serving the city. [27]
High schools:
Athens City Schools operates public elementary and middle schools. [27]
Middle schools:
Elementary schools:
Rogers Creek and E.K. Baker schools, operated by McMinn Schools, are not in the Athens city limits, despite having Athens postal addresses. [28] [29]
Private schools:
Fairview Christian Academy ( K-12)
Christ Legacy Academy (K-12)
McMinn County is covered by both the Chattanooga and Knoxville [33] media markets. Athens is served by one daily newspaper publication, The Daily Post Athenian as well as seven radio stations, (four FM, and three AM), and one Comcast TV channel, 95.
Cherokee County, Alabama is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 24,971. Its county seat is Centre. The county is named for the Cherokee tribe.
Etowah County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census the population was 103,436. Its county seat is Gadsden. Its name is from a Cherokee word meaning "edible tree". In total area, it is the smallest county in Alabama, albeit one of the most densely populated. Etowah County comprises the Gadsden Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Polk County is a county located in the southeastern corner of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 United States census, its population was 17,544. Its county seat is Benton. The county was created on November 28, 1839, from parts of Bradley and McMinn counties, after final removal of most Cherokee from the region that year. The county was named after then-governor James K. Polk. Polk County is included in the Cleveland, Tennessee Metropolitan Area Statistical Area, which is also included in the Chattanooga–Cleveland–Dalton, TN–GA–AL Combined Statistical Area.
Meigs County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,758. Its county seat is Decatur.
McMinn County is a county in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is located in East Tennessee. As of the 2020 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 the Ridge and Valley area of the Appalachian Mountains. Its county seat is Athens. McMinn County, along with Meigs County comprises the Athens, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Loudon County is a county in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is located in the central part of East Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 54,886. Its county seat is Loudon. Loudon County is included in the Knoxville, TN Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Bradley County is a county located in the southeastern portion of the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 108,620, making it the thirteenth most populous county in Tennessee. Its county seat is Cleveland. It is named for Colonel Edward Bradley of Shelby County, Tennessee, who was colonel of Hale's Regiment in the American Revolution and the 15th Regiment of the Tennessee Volunteers in the War of 1812. Bradley County is included in the Cleveland, Tennessee Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Chattanooga-Cleveland-Dalton, TN-GA-AL Combined Statistical Area.
Gordon County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 57,544. The county seat is Calhoun. Gordon County comprises the Calhoun, GA Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is included in the Atlanta–Athens-Clarke County–Sandy Springs, GA-AL CSA.
Fannin County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,319. It is one of the most rural counties in Georgia due its location in the Appalachian Mountain Range, with about 90% of the population of Fannin County living in unincorporated lands. The county seat and largest city is Blue Ridge. The county was created on January 21, 1854, and is named after James Fannin, a veteran who fought in the Texas Revolution.
Cherokee County is located in the US state of Georgia. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 266,620. The county seat is Canton. The county Board of Commissioners is the governing body, with members elected to office. Cherokee County is included in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area.
Bartow County is in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 108,901, up from 100,157 in 2010. The county seat is Cartersville. Traditionally considered part of northwest Georgia, Bartow County is now included in the Atlanta metropolitan area, mainly in the southeastern part near Cartersville, which has become an exurb more than 40 miles (64 km) from downtown Atlanta on I-75. It has a sole commissioner government, and is the largest county by population of the few remaining in Georgia with a sole commissioner.
Attalla is a city in Etowah County, Alabama, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population was 6,048.
Canton is a city in and the county seat of Cherokee County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 22,958, up from 7,709 in 2000.
Charleston is a city in Bradley County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 664 at the 2020 census. It is included in the Cleveland Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Calhoun is a town in McMinn County, Tennessee, United States. It is part of the Athens Micropolitan Statistical Area. The population was estimated at 536 in 2020.
Englewood is a town in McMinn County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 1,550 in 2020.
Etowah is a city in McMinn County in the U.S. state of Tennessee. The population was 3,613 at the 2020 census.
Niota is a city in McMinn County, Tennessee, United States. The population was estimated at 772 in 2020 by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Madisonville is the county seat of Monroe County, Tennessee, United States. It is located in East Tennessee on the eastern border of the state. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 5,132.
Benton is a town in Polk County, Tennessee, United States. The population was 1,532 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat.
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(help)E.K. Baker Elementary 1044 County Road 172 Athens, Tennessee 37303- It is not in the Athens city limits, despite the "Athens, Tennessee" postal address.
Rogers Creek Elementary 137 County Road 82 Athens, Tennessee 37303- It is not in the city limits, despite the "Athens, Tennessee" postal address.