Morgan County, Tennessee

History

Morgan County was formed in 1817 from portions of Anderson and Roane counties. It was named in honor of Daniel Morgan (1736–1802), an American Revolutionary War officer who commanded the troops that defeated the British at the Battle of Cowpens, and who later served as a U.S. congressman from Virginia. The county had been part of lands relinquished by the Cherokee with the signing of the Third Treaty of Tellico in 1805.

Tornado

On November 10, 2002, a tornado destroyed 50 homes. At least seven people were killed in the Morgan County communities of Mossy Grove and Joyner.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 522 sqmi, of which 522 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (0.06%) is water. The county, which lies on the eastern edge of the Cumberland Plateau, is known for its rugged mountain terrain, and cold mountain streams and rivers. The Crab Orchard Mountains comprise a large area of the county, which includes several designated wilderness areas, Frozen Head State Park, and Lone Mountain State Forest.

The Emory River rises on the slopes of Bird Mountain near Wartburg. The Obed River, a designated national wild and scenic river, empties into the Emory southwest of Wartburg. The Clear Fork, which forms part of Morgan's boundary with Fentress County, joins the New River in Scott County to the north to form the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River.

The Cumberland Trail passes through Morgan County.

Adjacent counties

• Scott County (northeast)
• Anderson County (east)
• Roane County (south)
• Cumberland County (southwest/CST Border)
• Fentress County (northwest/CST Border)

National protected areas

• Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (part)
• Obed Wild and Scenic River (part)

State protected areas

• Catoosa Wildlife Management Area (part)
• Frozen Head State Natural Area
• Frozen Head State Park
• Justin P. Wilson Cumberland Trail State Park
• Lone Mountain State Forest
• North Cumberland Wildlife Management Area (part)
• Rugby State Natural Area

Demographics

|align-fn=center 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010-2014

2020 census

As of the 2020 census, the county had a population of 21,035, 7,457 households, and 5,659 families. The median age was 43.0 years, with 19.7% of residents under the age of 18 and 18.6% of residents who were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 120.9 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 124.9 males age 18 and over.

The racial makeup of the county was 90.9% White, 4.6% Black or African American, 0.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% Asian,

There were 7,457 households in the county, of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 52.4% were married-couple households, 17.7% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 23.9% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 8,502 housing units, of which 12.3% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 80.3% were owner-occupied and 19.7% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4% and the rental vacancy rate was 6.0%.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 19,757 people, 6,990 households, and 5,235 families residing in the county. The population density was 38 /mi2. There were 7,714 housing units at an average density of 15 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 96.72% White, 2.23% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.14% from other races, and 0.59% from two or more races. 0.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 6,990 households, out of which 33.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.70% were married couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.10% were non-families. 22.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.20% under the age of 18, 8.80% from 18 to 24, 31.90% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 11.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 116.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $27,712, and the median income for a family was $31,901. Males had a median income of $25,683 versus $18,606 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,925. About 13.50% of families and 16.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.50% of those under age 18 and 15.80% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

Cities

• Harriman (mostly in Roane County)
• Sunbright
• Wartburg (seat)

Towns

• Oakdale
• Oliver Springs (part)

Census-designated places

• Coalfield
• Petros

Unincorporated communities

• Annadel
• Deer Lodge
• Joyner
• Lancing
• Midway
• Rugby (partial)
• Shady Grove

Politics

Morgan County, in line with much of East Tennessee, has historically supported the Republican Party. The county opposed secession during the Civil War and maintained strong Unionist sentiment, which translated into long-term Republican loyalty. Since the late 19th century, Republicans have carried Morgan County in nearly every presidential election, with Democrats only occasionally winning the county in the 20th century. In the 21st century, the county has become increasingly Republican after voting for Bill Clinton in the 1990s. In 2024, Donald Trump received 86.8% of the vote.

References

References

1. Donald Todd, "[http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entry.php?rec=942 Morgan County]," ''Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture''. Retrieved: March 11, 2013.
2. "Census - Geography Profile: Morgan County, Tennessee". [[United States Census Bureau]].
3. "Find a County". National Association of Counties.
4. Heidi Wigdahl, "[http://www.wbir.com/news/article/262187/2/Knoxville-metropolitan-area-expands- Knoxville Metropolitan Area Expands] {{Webarchive. link. (2013-04-12 ," WBIR.com, March 28, 2013. Retrieved: January 8, 2014.)
5. (October 31, 2013). "Goodspeed's History of Morgan County (1887)". tngenweb.org.
6. (August 22, 2012). "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau.
7. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau.
8. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library.
9. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau.
10. (April 2, 2001). "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000". United States Census Bureau.
11. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau.
12. "Explore Census Data".
13. (2021). "2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)".
14. (2021). "2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)".
15. (2023). "2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)".
16. "U.S. Census website". [[United States Census Bureau]].
17. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".