Familypedia
Register
Advertisement
This article is based on the corresponding article in another wiki. For Familypedia purposes, it requires significantly more historical detail on phases of this location's development. The ideal article for a place will give the reader a feel for what it was like to live at that location at the time their relatives were alive there. Also desirable are links to organizations that may be repositories of genealogical information..
Please help to improve this page yourself if you can.


Towns County, Georgia
Towns County Georgia Courthouse
Towns County courthouse in Hiawassee
Map of Georgia highlighting Towns County
Location in the state of Georgia (U.S. state)
Map of the U.S
Georgia's location in the U.S.
Founded 1856; 167 years ago (1856)
Named for George W. Towns
Seat Hiawassee
Largest city Young Harris
Area
 - Total
 - Land
 - Water

172 sq mi (445 km²)
167 sq mi (433 km²)
5.4 sq mi (14 km²), 3.2%
Population
 - (2020)
 - Density

12,493
75/sq mi (29/km²)
Congressional district 9th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website http://www.townscountyga.com/

Towns County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 12,493.[1] Its county seat is Hiawassee.[2] The county was created on March 6, 1856, and named for United States lawyer, legislator, and politician George W. Towns.[3]

Geography[]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 172 square miles (450 km2), of which 167 square miles (430 km2) is land and 5.4 square miles (14 km2) (3.2%) is water.[4] Towns is mostly in the Hiwassee River sub-basin of the Middle Tennessee-Hiwassee basin, with a part of the county in the Tugaloo River sub-basin in the larger Savannah River basin, as well as a small portion of the county's southwestern corner in the Chattahoochee River sub-basin of the ACF River Basin (Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin),[5] near the source of the Chattahoochee in neighboring Union County. Towns County is inside the Bible Belt.

Towns County is located amidst the Blue Ridge Mountains, (part of the Appalachian Mountains), some of which are protected by the Chattahoochee National Forest. Brasstown Bald, the highest mountain in Georgia, rises in southwest Towns County, straddling the Union County line. The source of the Hiwassee River is located in eastern Towns County, from which it flows northward into North Carolina. Chatuge Lake, an artificial reservoir created by the completion of Chatuge Dam by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1940s, dominates the northeastern section of Towns County and extends into North Carolina. State Route 515 from north of Atlanta ends here at the North Carolina state line near Young Harris.

The county was traversed by a road built upon a traditional Cherokee trading path, which ran north to south through the county, passing through Unicoi Gap. It served as a line between European-American settlers and the Cherokee until after the Indian cessions and Indian Removal in the 1830s, when it fell solely into the hands of the whites. When the Cherokee were expelled by US forces from their villages, they were forced temporarily into "removal forts." One had been constructed in what is now Hiawassee, the county seat. They were forced to travel what is known as the Trail of Tears to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River, a journey during which many Cherokee died.

Major highways[]

  • US 76 U.S. Route 76
  • Georgia 2 State Route 2
  • Georgia 17 State Route 17
  • Georgia 66 State Route 66
  • Georgia 75 State Route 75
  • Georgia 180 State Route 180
  • Georgia 288 State Route 288
  • Georgia 339 State Route 339
  • Georgia 515 State Route 515

Adjacent counties[]

National protected area[]

  • Appalachian Trail (part)
  • Chattahoochee National Forest (part)

Demographics[]

Historical populations
Census Pop.
1860 2,459
1870 2,780 13.1%
1880 3,261 17.3%
1890 4,064 24.6%
1900 4,748 16.8%
1910 3,932 −17.2%
1920 3,937 0.1%
1930 4,346 10.4%
1940 4,925 13.3%
1950 4,803 −2.5%
1960 4,538 −5.5%
1970 4,565 0.6%
1980 5,638 23.5%
1990 6,754 19.8%
2000 9,319 38.0%
2010 10,471 12.4%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790-1960[7] 1900-1990[8]
1990-2000[9] 2010-2020[10]

2000 census[]

As of the census[11] of 2000, there were 9,319 people, 3,998 households, and 2,826 families living in the county. The population density was 56 people per square mile (22/km2). There were 6,282 housing units at an average density of 38 per square mile (15/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 98.80% White, 0.13% Black or African American, 0.17% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.18% from other races, and 0.41% from two or more races. 0.72% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 3,998 households, out of which 20.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.90% were married couples living together, 6.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.30% were non-families. 26.00% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.10% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.20 and the average family size was 2.61.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 16.30% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 20.50% from 25 to 44, 28.30% from 45 to 64, and 25.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. For every 100 females there were 89.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.80 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $31,950, and the median income for a family was $37,295. Males had a median income of $28,657 versus $21,813 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,221. About 8.80% of families and 11.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.60% of those under age 18 and 10.40% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census[]

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 10,471 people, 4,510 households, and 2,981 families living in the county.[12] The population density was 62.9 inhabitants per square mile (24.3 /km2). There were 7,731 housing units at an average density of 46.4 per square mile (17.9 /km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 97.7% white, 0.4% black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.6% from other races, and 0.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 2.0% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 16.3% were Irish, 15.4% were German, 13.8% were English, 11.7% were American, and 8.3% were Scotch-Irish.[14]

Of the 4,510 households, 20.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.9% were non-families, and 30.1% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.65. The median age was 51.1 years.[12]

The median income for a household in the county was $39,540 and the median income for a family was $48,020. Males had a median income of $31,668 versus $27,127 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,527. About 5.6% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.[15]

2016[]

As of 2016 the largest self-reported ancestry groups in Towns County were:[16]

  • English - 15.2%
  • German - 15.1%
  • American - 14.7%
  • Irish - 13.3%
  • Scottish - 5.2%
  • Scots-Irish - 3.6%
  • Italian - 3.4%
  • French - 3.4%
  • Swedish - 1.8%
  • Polish - 1.7%
  • Welsh - 1.6%
  • Dutch - 1.6%

2020 census[]

Towns County racial composition[17]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 11,469 91.8%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 124 0.99%
Native American 28 0.22%
Asian 81 0.65%
Pacific Islander 3 0.02%
Other/Mixed 373 2.99%
Hispanic or Latino 415 3.32%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 12,493 people, 4,898 households, and 3,240 families residing in the county.

Government[]

Towns County's Sole Commissioner is Cliff Bradshaw, who has served since 2017.[18]

Towns County's Sheriff, Chris Clinton, was elected in a special election in 2007. Clinton was re-elected in the general election in 2008, where he ran unopposed after serving only four months in office.

Towns County's Judge of Magistrate and Probate Court is D. David Rogers, who was elected in 2008, beating 30-year Democratic incumbent Wayne Garrett. Rogers and his wife, Alicia, live in Young Harris, GA. He is the son of well-known minister, Rev. James "Jimmy" Rogers of Hayesville, NC and Helen Adams Rogers of Andrews, NC. The Towns County Probate and Magistrate Courts are combined with a single judge presiding over both Courts. This combination court is one of very few in the State of Georgia (Long County is another example).Template:Undue weight inline

Politics[]

United States presidential election results for Towns County, Georgia[19]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 6,384 80.01% 1,550 19.43% 45 0.56%
2016 5,383 79.16% 1,210 17.79% 207 3.04%
2012 4,876 78.09% 1,273 20.39% 95 1.52%
2008 4,292 74.46% 1,391 24.13% 81 1.41%
2004 3,823 72.34% 1,430 27.06% 32 0.61%
2000 2,902 64.53% 1,495 33.24% 100 2.22%
1996 2,030 48.58% 1,664 39.82% 485 11.61%
1992 1,674 45.19% 1,487 40.15% 543 14.66%
1988 1,783 65.12% 942 34.40% 13 0.47%
1984 1,960 66.06% 1,007 33.94% 0 0.00%
1980 1,475 48.12% 1,510 49.27% 80 2.61%
1976 1,175 39.68% 1,786 60.32% 0 0.00%
1972 1,573 79.56% 404 20.44% 0 0.00%
1968 1,492 52.33% 770 27.01% 589 20.66%
1964 1,140 46.88% 1,289 53.00% 3 0.12%
1960 1,272 54.73% 1,052 45.27% 0 0.00%
1956 1,096 55.33% 885 44.67% 0 0.00%
1952 983 46.94% 1,111 53.06% 0 0.00%
1948 302 36.65% 516 62.62% 6 0.73%
1944 674 37.22% 1,137 62.78% 0 0.00%
1940 830 48.14% 894 51.86% 0 0.00%
1936 732 48.96% 763 51.04% 0 0.00%
1932 790 51.57% 742 48.43% 0 0.00%
1928 857 62.37% 517 37.63% 0 0.00%
1924 765 55.76% 604 44.02% 3 0.22%
1920 398 60.86% 256 39.14% 0 0.00%
1916 481 56.92% 358 42.37% 6 0.71%
1912 89 16.95% 230 43.81% 206 39.24%
1908 291 59.51% 196 40.08% 2 0.41%
1904 417 44.84% 338 36.34% 175 18.82%
1900 326 51.83% 295 46.90% 8 1.27%
1896 299 46.79% 340 53.21% 0 0.00%
1892 352 47.83% 369 50.14% 15 2.04%
1888 277 50.00% 275 49.64% 2 0.36%
1884 147 47.12% 165 52.88% 0 0.00%
1880 178 41.20% 254 58.80% 0 0.00%



Communities[]

Cities[]

Census-designated place[]

  • Tate City

Notable natives[]

  • Zell Miller – former Georgia governor and U.S. senator.

See also[]

  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Towns County, Georgia

References[]

  1. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: Towns County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau. https://data.census.gov/profile/Towns_County,_Georgia?g=0500000US13281. 
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx. 
  3. ^ Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins. Macon, GA: Winship Press. pp. 230. ISBN 0-915430-00-2. http://www.kenkrakow.com/gpn/t.pdf. 
  4. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html. 
  5. ^ "Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Interactive Mapping Experience". Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. http://www.gaswcc.org/maps/. 
  6. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html. 
  7. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu. 
  8. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/ga190090.txt. 
  9. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf. 
  10. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/13281.html. 
  11. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov. 
  12. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US13281. 
  13. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US13281. 
  14. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US13281. 
  15. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US13281. 
  16. ^ Bureau, U.S. Census. "American FactFinder - Results". https://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/16_5YR/DP02/0500000US13281. 
  17. ^ "Explore Census Data". https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US13281&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2. 
  18. ^ The man in the driver’s seat of Towns County Archived 2009-05-12 at the Wayback Machine, Hiawassee River Watershed Coalition
  19. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS. 

External links[]

Commons-logo
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Coordinates: 34°55′N 83°44′W / 34.92, -83.74


This page uses content from the English language Wikipedia. The original content was at Towns County, Georgia. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with this Familypedia wiki, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons License.
Advertisement