Murray County, Georgia

Murray County
County
Murray County courthouse in Chatsworth
Location within the U.S. state of Georgia
Georgia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°47′N84°45′W / 34.78°N 84.75°W / 34.78; -84.75
Country	United States
State	Georgia
Founded	1832;192 years ago (1832)
Seat	Chatsworth
Largest city	Chatsworth
Area
• Total	347 sq mi (900 km2)
• Land	344 sq mi (890 km2)
• Water	2.2 sq mi (6 km2)  0.6%
Population  (2020) [1]
• Total	39,973
• Density	120/sq mi (44/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district	14th
Website	www.murraycountyga.org

Murray County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 39,973. ^[1] The county seat is Chatsworth. ^[2] Murray County is part of the Dalton, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Chattanooga-Cleveland-Dalton, TN-GA-AL Combined Statistical Area.

History

In December 1832 the Georgia General Assembly designated the extreme northwestern corner of the state as Murray County. Formerly part of Cherokee County, the area was named for a distinguished Georgia statesman from Lincoln County, Mr. Thomas W. Murray, a former speaker of the Georgia House. Within a short time the legislature found the county was too large to administer properly as the population grew, for the county then included what is now Dade, Walker, Catoosa, Whitfield, Murray, Gordon and parts of Bartow and Chatooga Counties, so further division became necessary. Within two decades, Murray County came to be 342 square miles (886 km²) of land with Spring Place as its county seat until the railroad was built through Chatsworth. With Chatsworth more accessible, the county seat was moved there.

Cherokees

The area was in the heart of the Cherokee Nation at the time the boundary lines were drawn through the territory. Not until after the Cherokees were removed in 1838–39 did white settlers enter the county in large numbers. Spring Place had been established in 1801 as a Moravian mission to the Cherokee and had been a post office since 1810 – the second oldest in North Georgia. After the Cherokee removal, the Moravians relocated with the tribe in what is now Oklahoma to establish New Springplace near the town of Oaks, Oklahoma. Sometime during the late 19th century, James B. Brackett donated the land upon which the Brackett Indian School was built. ^[3] The school did not always function as a segregated Indian school. At one point in its previously integrated history it was referred to as the Lone Cherry School. ^[3]

The Bracketts were a notable Eastern Cherokee family ^[4] that lived along Brackett's Ridges, amongst several other American Indian families, several of which were also Eastern Cherokee. ^[4] Most of the Bracketts were forced to leave Georgia during the Trail of Tears earlier in the 19th century; however, some of them returned to Georgia several years later. James Brackett's brother Adam Brackett, along with several other siblings show up on the Dawes Rolls as being enrolled members of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma. ^[5]

Civil War

At the outbreak of the American Civil War, Murray County had no industry and very little wealth. When Georgia seceded from the Union, hundreds of men and boys^{[ citation needed ]} from Murray enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following units were from Murray County:

• 3rd Battalion, Georgia Infantry, Company B, Spring Place Volunteers
• 11th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, Company C, Murray Rifle Company
• 22nd Regiment, Georgia Infantry, Company D
• 37th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, Company A
• 39th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, Company A, Cohutta Rangers
• 39th Regiment, Georgia Infantry, Company B
• 19th State Troops – Capt. John Oats Company

In 1864, two skirmishes between Union and Confederate soldiers took place just to the west of Spring Place, one of which took place on June 25, 1864, with the 8th Michigan Cavalry US.^{[ citation needed ]} The First Tennessee Cavalry CS also skirmished about 5 miles north of Spring Place on April 19, 1864.^{[ citation needed ]} Another skirmish took place near Westfield late during the night of August 22, 1864. Captain Woody of the Murray County Home Guard was reported wounded.^{[ citation needed ]}

On February 27, 1865, and April 20, 1865, there was a skirmish at Spring Place between Confederates and the 145th Indiana Infantry US.^{[ citation needed ]} This was followed by a skirmish on Holly Creek on March 1, 1865. By 1865 Spring Place was known as an area occupied by Confederate Guerrillas. During March 20–22, 1865 Union soldiers made an attempt to suppress this activity.^{[ citation needed ]}

Railroad

In 1906, after two earlier attempts at building a railroad in Murray County had failed, the Louisville and Nashville line was built to run north to south through the entire length of the county. Murray grew, with new towns developing along the railroad. One of these new towns was named Chatsworth. With the new railroad line in place, timber could be shipped out of the mountains, and talc deposits, discovered in the 1870s, was able to be mined and the ore shipped throughout the country.

The old county seat of Spring Place was bypassed by the railroad. Some Murray Countians began an effort to move the county seat to the more central and accessible railroad town of Chatsworth. Much dissention was caused by this effort. A county-wide referendum was held on the matter in 1912, which resulted in Chatsworth being named as the seat of local government, where it remains to present day.

Into the twentieth century, Murray remained predominantly agricultural. Shortly after World War II the textile industry, prevalent in neighboring Whitfield County, began to move into Murray. Today, the carpet industry is the predominant employer in Murray County.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 347 square miles (900 km²), of which 344 square miles (890 km²) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km²) (0.6%) is water. ^[6]

The majority of Murray County is located in the Conasauga River sub-basin in the ACT River Basin (Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin), and the southeastern corner of the county is located in the Coosawattee River sub-basin of the same larger ACT River Basin. ^[7]

Major highways

• U.S. Route 76
• U.S. Route 411
• State Route 2
• State Route 52
• State Route 52 Alternate
• State Route 61
• State Route 136
• State Route 225
• State Route 282
• State Route 286

Adjacent counties

• Polk County, Tennessee (northeast)
• Fannin County (east-northeast)
• Gilmer County (east)
• Gordon County (south)
• Whitfield County (west)
• Bradley County, Tennessee (northwest)

National protected area

• Chattahoochee National Forest (part)

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1840	4,695		—
1850	14,443		207.6%
1860	7,083		−51.0%
1870	6,500		−8.2%
1880	8,269		27.2%
1890	8,461		2.3%
1900	8,623		1.9%
1910	9,763		13.2%
1920	9,490		−2.8%
1930	9,215		−2.9%
1940	11,137		20.9%
1950	10,676		−4.1%
1960	10,447		−2.1%
1970	12,986		24.3%
1980	19,685		51.6%
1990	26,147		32.8%
2000	36,506		39.6%
2010	39,628		8.6%
2020	39,973		0.9%
2023 (est.)	41,035	[8]	2.7%
U.S. Decennial Census [9] 1790-1880 [10] 1890-1910 [11] 1920-1930 [12] 1930-1940 [13] 1940-1950 [14] 1960-1980 [15] 1980-2000 [16] 2010 [17] 2020 [18]

2020 census

Murray County, Georgia – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.

Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic)	Pop 2000 [19]	Pop 2010 [17]	Pop 2020 [18]	% 2000	% 2010	% 2020
White alone (NH)	33,890	33,666	32,164	92.83%	84.96%	80.46%
Black or African American alone (NH)	191	212	263	0.52%	0.53%	0.66%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH)	94	94	79	0.26%	0.24%	0.20%
Asian alone (NH)	89	110	127	0.24%	0.28%	0.32%
Pacific Islander alone (NH)	4	1	2	0.01%	0.00%	0.01%
Other race alone (NH)	3	15	58	0.01%	0.04%	0.15%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH)	229	376	1,366	0.63%	0.95%	3.42%
Hispanic or Latino (any race)	2,006	5,154	5,914	5.49%	13.01%	14.79%
Total	36,506	39,628	39,973	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 39,973 people, 14,385 households, and 10,557 families residing in the county.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 39,628 people, 14,080 households, and 10,677 families living in the county. ^[20] The population density was 115.0 inhabitants per square mile (44.4/km²). There were 15,979 housing units at an average density of 46.4 per square mile (17.9/km²). ^[21] The racial makeup of the county was 89.1% white, 0.6% black or African American, 0.4% American Indian, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 7.9% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 13.0% of the population. ^[20] In terms of ancestry, 40.1% were American, 8.8% were Irish, 7.8% were English, and 5.0% were German. ^[22]

Of the 14,080 households, 39.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 24.2% were non-families, and 19.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.20. The median age was 36.2 years. ^[20]

The median income for a household in the county was $38,226 and the median income for a family was $45,420. Males had a median income of $33,543 versus $27,797 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,925. About 14.3% of families and 17.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.1% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over. ^[23]

2000 census

As of the census ^[24] of 2000, there were 36,506 people, 13,286 households, and 10,256 families living in the county. The population density was 41/km² (110/sq mi). There were 14,320 housing units at an average density of 16/km² (41/sq mi). The racial makeup of the county was 95.30% White, 0.62% Black or African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.64% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. 5.49% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 13,286 households, out of which 39.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.80% were married couples living together, 11.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.80% were non-families. 18.80% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.73 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.00% under the age of 18, 9.50% from 18 to 24, 33.00% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 8.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,996, and the median income for a family was $42,155. Males had a median income of $29,812 versus $23,035 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,230. About 9.20% of families and 12.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.90% of those under age 18 and 19.40% of those age 65 or over.

Attractions

View of Murray County from Fort Mountain State Park.

The Chief Vann House Historic Site at Spring Place. Constructed in 1805 for James Vann, a Cherokee chief, the two-story red brick home was built alongside the Federal Road, a major early path in northwest Georgia.

Fort Mountain State Park. A 3,712-acre (15 km²) park in the Cohutta Mountains.

Another major asset is the Chattahoochee National Forest, which occupies a large portion of northeastern Murray County. Within the forest is the Cohutta Wilderness Area, a roadless, mountainous landscape featuring several of Georgia's premier backpacking trails.

Carters Lake, on the Coosawatee River, was formed by the Carter Dam, which is the largest earth-rock dam east of the Mississippi. The 3,200-acre (13 km²) lake attracts fishermen, boaters and campers.

Lake Conasauga located near the summit of Grassy Mountain was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1940 and is the highest lake in Georgia at 3,150 feet (960 m) above sea level.

Communities

Cities

• Chatsworth (county seat)

Towns

• Eton

Unincorporated communities

• Spring Place
• Carters
• Tennga
• Cisco

The community is located at the intersection of U.S. Route 411, Georgia State Route 2, and Georgia State Route 61, 13 miles (21 km) north of Chatsworth. Cisco has a post office with ZIP code 30708. ^{[25] [26]} A post office called Cisco has been in operation since 1881. ^[27] The community's name is a shortening and alteration of the name of "Cis" Cockburn, a local storekeeper. ^{[28] [29]}

• Crandall (incorporated until 1995)

The community is located along the concurrent U.S. Route 411, Georgia State Route 2, and Georgia State Route 61, 7 miles (11 km) north of Chatsworth. Crandall has a post office with ZIP code 30711. ^{[30] [31]}

• Amzi/Treadwell Community
• Dennis

A post office called Dennis was established in 1882, and remained in operation until 1906. ^[32] The community was named after Dennis Johnson, a local merchant. ^[33]

• Hasslers Mill

A post office was established at Hasslers Mill in 1836, and remained in operation until 1909. ^[34] The community was named after one William Hassler. ^[35] Variant names are "Hasler Mill" and "Hassler Mill". ^[36]

• Holley

A variant spelling was "Holly". ^[37] A post office called Holly Creek was established in 1843, the name was changed to Holly in 1894, and the post office closed in 1909. ^[38] The community derives its name from nearby Holly Creek. ^[39]

• Ramhurstsection

Ramhurstsection of U.S. Route 411 and U.S. Route 76, 5.2 miles (8.4 km) south-southeast of Chatsworth. ^[40] Ramhurst was first called "Ramsey", after A. K. Ramsey, the proprietor of a local gristmill and country store. ^[41]

• Sumac

The community takes its name from nearby Sumac Creek. ^[42] A variant spelling is "Sumach". ^[36] A post office called Sumach was established in 1878, and remained in operation until 1907. ^[43] The town was hit by a tornado on April 12, 2020, which killed eight people in and around the town and was rated EF2. ^{[44] [45]}

Media

Murray County, Georgia has been featured in an Independent Lens series documenting bullying. ^[46]

Politics

United States presidential election results for Murray County, Georgia ^{[47] [ failed verification ]}

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	14,965	85.67%	2,459	14.08%	44	0.25%
2020	12,944	84.08%	2,301	14.95%	150	0.97%
2016	10,341	82.67%	1,800	14.39%	368	2.94%
2012	8,443	75.02%	2,542	22.59%	270	2.40%
2008	8,180	71.46%	3,026	26.43%	241	2.11%
2004	7,745	72.38%	2,899	27.09%	56	0.52%
2000	5,539	66.16%	2,684	32.06%	149	1.78%
1996	3,289	46.17%	2,861	40.16%	974	13.67%
1992	3,256	45.13%	2,764	38.31%	1,194	16.55%
1988	3,996	70.11%	1,679	29.46%	25	0.44%
1984	3,521	68.10%	1,649	31.90%	0	0.00%
1980	1,538	32.72%	3,094	65.82%	69	1.47%
1976	889	20.20%	3,511	79.80%	0	0.00%
1972	2,643	80.41%	644	19.59%	0	0.00%
1968	1,278	33.23%	818	21.27%	1,750	45.50%
1964	1,064	30.44%	2,426	69.41%	5	0.14%
1960	925	33.02%	1,876	66.98%	0	0.00%
1956	1,144	38.61%	1,819	61.39%	0	0.00%
1952	756	29.12%	1,840	70.88%	0	0.00%
1948	616	25.41%	1,653	68.19%	155	6.39%
1944	671	32.80%	1,375	67.20%	0	0.00%
1940	545	28.01%	1,399	71.89%	2	0.10%
1936	806	33.53%	1,597	66.43%	1	0.04%
1932	350	15.67%	1,874	83.92%	9	0.40%
1928	1,106	52.97%	982	47.03%	0	0.00%
1924	648	42.33%	818	53.43%	65	4.25%
1920	851	53.89%	728	46.11%	0	0.00%
1916	301	18.82%	1,162	72.67%	136	8.51%
1912	68	9.18%	366	49.39%	307	41.43%

See also

• State of Georgia portal

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Murray County, Georgia
• List of counties in Georgia

References

1. "Census - Geography Profile: Murray County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 27, 2022.
2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. Museum, Murray County. "Murray County Museum - MURRAY SCHOOLS". www.murraycountymuseum.com. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
4. "Ancestry Paths: Eastern Cherokee applications US Court of Claims 1906-1909". www.ancestrypaths.com. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
5. "Search the Dawes Final Rolls | OHS". www.okhistory.org. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
6. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
7. "Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Interactive Mapping Experience". Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
8. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
9. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
10. "1880 Census Population by Counties 1790-1800" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1880.
11. "1910 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1910.
12. "1930 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1930.
13. "1940 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1940.
14. "1950 Census of Population - Georgia -" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1950.
15. "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
16. "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2000.
17. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Murray County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 26, 2024.
18. "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) - Murray County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 26, 2024.
19. "P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Murray County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 26, 2024.
20. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
21. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
22. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
23. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
24. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
25. United States Postal Service. "USPS - Look Up a ZIP Code" . Retrieved May 25, 2015.
26. "Postmaster Finder - Post Offices by ZIP Code". United States Postal Service. Archived from the original on October 17, 2020. Retrieved May 25, 2015.
27. "Post Offices". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
28. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 44. ISBN   0-915430-00-2.
29. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Cisco
30. United States Postal Service. "USPS – Look Up a ZIP Code" . Retrieved May 25, 2015.
31. "Postmaster Finder – Post Offices by ZIP Code". United States Postal Service . Retrieved May 25, 2015.
32. "Post Offices". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved April 22, 2018.
33. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 61. ISBN   0-915430-00-2.
34. "Post Offices". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
35. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 105. ISBN   0-915430-00-2.
36. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Sumac
37. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Holley
38. "Post Offices". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
39. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 111. ISBN   0-915430-00-2.
40. U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Ramhurst
41. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 184. ISBN   0-915430-00-2.
42. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 215. ISBN   0-915430-00-2.
43. "Post Offices". Jim Forte Postal History. Retrieved June 20, 2019.
44. "NWS Damage Survey for 04/12-13/2020 Tornado Event". Iowa Environmental Mesonet. National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Peachtree City, Georgia. April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 22, 2020.
45. ""War zone:" At least 7 dead in Murray County from Sunday's storms, at least 23 injured". WTVC. April 13, 2020. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
46. "INDEPENDENT LENS: Bully". Public Broadcasting System. October 9, 2014. Retrieved September 12, 2015.
47. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved February 22, 2021.

External links

• https://web.archive.org/web/20100207163414/http://murraycountychamber.org/history2.htm
• https://web.archive.org/web/20080807015831/http://www.ourchatsworth.com/
• http://www.murraycountymuseum.com
• http://www.chatsworthtimes.com
• Murray County Genealogy & History
• Murray County Website

34°47′N84°45′W / 34.78°N 84.75°W / 34.78; -84.75