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Eatonton, Georgia: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 33°19′35″N 83°23′16″W / 33.32639°N 83.38778°W / 33.32639; -83.38778
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{{Use mdy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
<!-- Basic info ---------------->
<!-- Basic info ---------------->
|official_name = Eatonton, Georgia
|name = Eatonton
|other_name =
|other_name =
|native_name = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
|native_name = <!-- for cities whose native name is not in English -->
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|imagesize =
|imagesize =
|image_caption = Putnam County Courthouse in Eatonton
|image_caption = Putnam County Courthouse in Eatonton
|image_flag =
|image_flag = Flag of Eatonton, Georgia.png
|flag_size =
|flag_size =
|image_seal =
|image_seal = Seal of Eatonton, Georgia.png
|seal_size =
|seal_size =
|image_shield =
|image_shield =
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|area_magnitude =
|area_magnitude =
|unit_pref = Imperial
|unit_pref = Imperial
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2016">{{cite web|title=2018 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2018_Gazetteer/2018_gaz_place_13.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=Feb 12, 2020}}</ref>
|area_footnotes = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_13.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=December 18, 2021}}</ref>
|area_total_km2 = 53.38
|area_total_km2 = 53.38
|area_land_km2 = 53.12
|area_land_km2 = 53.12
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|area_blank1_km2 =
|area_blank1_km2 =
|area_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- Population ----------------------->
|area_blank1_sq_mi = <!-- Population ----------------------->
|population_as_of = [[2010 United States Census|2010]]
|population_as_of = [[2020 United States Census|2020]]
|population_footnotes =
|population_footnotes =
|population_note =
|population_note =
|population_total = 6480
|population_total = 6307
|population_density_km2 = 124.40
|population_density_km2 = 118.74
|population_density_sq_mi = 322.20
|population_density_sq_mi = 307.52
|population_metro =
|population_metro =
|population_density_metro_km2 =
|population_density_metro_km2 =
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|area_code = [[Area code 706|706]]
|area_code = [[Area code 706|706]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_name = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
|blank_info = 13-26084<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank_info = 13-26084<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2008-01-31|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref>
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_name = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
|blank1_info = 0331628<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|accessdate=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
|blank1_info = 0331628<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=2008-01-31|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=2007-10-25}}</ref>
|website = [http://www.eatontonga.us/ City of Eatonton]
|website = [http://www.eatontonga.us/ City of Eatonton]
|footnotes =
|footnotes =
|pop_est_as_of = 2018
|pop_est_as_of =
|pop_est_footnotes = <ref name="USCensusEst2018CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse"/>
|pop_est_footnotes =
|population_est = 6608
|population_est =
}}
}}
[[Image:Eatonton ga-brer rabbit-2.jpg|thumb|100px|right|Eatonton's statue of [[Br'er Rabbit]] ]]
[[Image:Eatonton ga-brer rabbit-2.jpg|thumb|100px|right|Eatonton's statue of [[Br'er Rabbit]] ]]


'''Eatonton''' is a city in and county seat of [[Putnam County, Georgia|Putnam County]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |accessdate=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712220218/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archivedate=2012-07-12 }}</ref> As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], the city had a population of 6,480.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/1326084.html |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120505102255/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/13/1326084.html |archive-date=2012-05-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> It was named after [[William Eaton (soldier)|William Eaton]], an officer and diplomat involved in the [[First Barbary War]].<ref>{{cite book | url=http://www.kenkrakow.com/gpn/d.pdf | title=Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins | publisher=Winship Press | author=Krakow, Kenneth K. | year=1975 | location=Macon, GA | pages=68 | isbn=0-915430-00-2}}</ref> The name consists of his surname with the [[English language|English]] suffix "ton," meaning "town".
'''Eatonton''' is a city in and the [[county seat]] of [[Putnam County, Georgia|Putnam County]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], United States.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web |url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712220218/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=2012-07-12 }}</ref> As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], the city had a population of 6,307. It was named after [[William Eaton (soldier)|William Eaton]], an officer and diplomat involved in the [[First Barbary War]].<ref>{{cite book | url=http://www.kenkrakow.com/gpn/d.pdf | title=Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins | publisher=Winship Press | author=Krakow, Kenneth K. | year=1975 | location=Macon, GA | pages=68 | isbn=0-915430-00-2}}</ref> The name consists of his surname with the [[English language|English]] suffix "ton", meaning "town".


== History ==
== History ==
The [[Rock Eagle Effigy Mound]], a [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] [[archaeological]] site, is located north of the city. It is one of two such sites east of the Mississippi River; both are in Putnam County. The mound and related earthwork constructions were made by [[Woodland culture]] peoples, perhaps as long ago as 1,000 to 3,000 years. The site within a 1500-acre park administered by the University of Georgia, which also maintains a 4-H camp nearby. The Mound has been listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].
The [[Rock Eagle Effigy Mound]], a [[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] [[archaeological]] site, is located north of the city. It is one of two such sites east of the Mississippi River; both are in Putnam County. The mound and related earthwork constructions were made by [[Woodland culture]] peoples, perhaps as long ago as 1,000 to 3,000 years. The site is situated within a 1500-acre park administered by the University of Georgia, which also maintains a 4-H camp nearby. The Mound has been listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].


Following the [[American Revolutionary War]], Eatonton was founded in 1807 as the seat of newly formed Putnam County. After the war, settlers were moving west and settling in the upland Piedmont region to develop cotton plantations. Eatonton was incorporated as a town in 1809 and as a city in 1879.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=REtEXQNWq6MC&lpg=PP1&pg=PA228#v=onepage&q&f=false | title=Historical Gazetteer of the United States | publisher=Routledge | date=May 13, 2013 | accessdate=30 November 2013 | author=Hellmann, Paul T. | pages=228| isbn=1135948593 }}</ref>
Following the [[American Revolutionary War]], Eatonton was founded in 1807 as the seat of newly formed Putnam County. After the war, settlers were moving west and settling in the upland Piedmont region to develop cotton plantations. Eatonton was incorporated as a town in 1809 and as a city in 1879.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=REtEXQNWq6MC&pg=PA228 | title=Historical Gazetteer of the United States | publisher=Routledge | date=May 13, 2013 | access-date=30 November 2013 | author=Hellmann, Paul T. | pages=228| isbn=978-1135948597 }}</ref>


In a 5-hour period in May 1919, five black churches and two black lodges in Eatonton were burned to the ground, but authorities did not charge anyone with arson.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McWhirter |first1=Cameron |title=Red Summer The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America |url=https://archive.org/details/redsummersummero0000mcwh |url-access=registration |date=2011 |publisher=Henry Holt and Company |isbn=9780805089066 |page=[https://archive.org/details/redsummersummero0000mcwh/page/53 53]}}</ref>
In a 5-hour period in May 1919, five black churches and two black lodges in Eatonton were burned to the ground, but authorities did not charge anyone with arson.<ref>{{cite book |last1=McWhirter |first1=Cameron |title=Red Summer The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America |url=https://archive.org/details/redsummersummero0000mcwh |url-access=registration |date=2011 |publisher=Henry Holt and Company |isbn=9780805089066 |page=[https://archive.org/details/redsummersummero0000mcwh/page/53 53]}}</ref>


⚫
On [[Tornado outbreak of November 21–23, 1992|November 22, 1992]], an F4 tornado with winds up to 260&nbsp;mph hit the south portions of the city. The storm caused $27,000,000 in damages to houses and businesses. The tornado killed five locals and injured 86 victims.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Brown |first=Ronald |title=The Widespread November 21-23, 1992, Tornado Outbreak: Houston to Raleigh and Gulf Coast to Ohio Valley |year=1993 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Li1RAAAAMAAJ&dq=tornado+F4+1992+eatonton%2C+georgia&pg=PA17 |pages=18}}</ref>
⚫
In the 21st century, Eatonton is known as the "Dairy Capital of Georgia" (in honor of its major industry, dairy farming).

⚫
In the 21st century, Eatonton is known as the "Dairy Capital of Georgia" (in honor of its major industry, [[dairy farming]]).


==Geography==
==Geography==
Eatonton is located at {{coord|33|19|35|N|83|23|16|W|type:city}} (33.326302, -83.387798).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|accessdate=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>
Eatonton is located at {{coord|33|19|35|N|83|23|16|W|type:city}} (33.326302, -83.387798).<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}}</ref>

The city is located in the central part of the state along U.S. Routes [[U.S. Route 129 in Georgia|129]] and [[U.S. Route 441 in Georgia|441]], which meet in and form the western boundary of the city. Via U.S. 129/441, [[Madison, Georgia|Madison]] is 22&nbsp;mi (35&nbsp;km) north. After leaving the city southward, U.S. 129 runs southwest 25&nbsp;mi (40&nbsp;km) to [[Gray, Georgia|Gray]] and U.S. 441 runs southeast 21&nbsp;mi (34&nbsp;km) to [[Milledgeville, Georgia|Milledgeville]]. Georgia State Routes [[Georgia State Route 16|16]] and [[Georgia State Route 44|44]] are the main roads through the center of town, with GA-16 leading east 27&nbsp;mi (43&nbsp;km) to [[Sparta, Georgia|Sparta]] and west 18&nbsp;mi (29&nbsp;km) to [[Monticello, Georgia|Monticello]], and GA-44 leading northeast 23&nbsp;mi (37&nbsp;km) to [[Greensboro, Georgia|Greensboro]].


According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|20.7|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|20.6|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.1|sqmi|km2}} (0.63%) is water.
According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|20.7|sqmi|km2}}, of which {{convert|20.6|sqmi|km2}} is land and {{convert|0.1|sqmi|km2}} (0.63%) is water.
Line 155: Line 160:
|2000= 6764
|2000= 6764
|2010= 6480
|2010= 6480
|2020= 6307
|estyear=2018
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.html|title=Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decade|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=}}</ref><br> 1850-1870<ref name=1870CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1870 Census of Population - Georgia - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1870|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1870/population/1870a-13.pdf |accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=|page=}}</ref> 1870-1880<ref name=1880CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1880 Census of Population - Georgia - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1880|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1880/vol-01-population/1880_v1-09.pdf |accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=|page=}}</ref><br> 1890-1910<ref name=1910CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1910 Census of Population - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1910|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1910/abstract/supplement-ga.pdf |accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=|page=}}</ref> 1920-1930<ref name=1930CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1930 Census of Population - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1930|url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/03815512v1ch04.pdf |accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=|pages=251–256}}</ref><br> 1940<ref name=1940CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1940 Census of Population - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1940|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1940/population-volume-1/33973538v1ch04.pdf |accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref> 1950<ref name=1950CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1950 Census of Population - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1950|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1950/population-volume-2/37779083v2p11ch2.pdf |accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref> 1960<ref name=1960CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1960 Census of Population - Population of County Subdivisions - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1960|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1960/population-volume-1/vol-01-12-c.pdf|accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref><br> 1970<ref name=1970CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1970 Census of Population - Population of County Subdivisions - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1970|url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1970a_ga-01.pdf|accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref> 1980<ref name=1980CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1980|url=https://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1980a_gaABC-01.pdf|accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref> 1990<ref name=1990CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 1990 Census of Population - Summary Social, Economic, and Housing Characteristics - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 1990|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/1990/cph-5/cph-5-12.pdf|accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref><br> 2000<ref name=2000CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 2000 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 2000|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2003/dec/phc-3-12.pdf |accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref> 2010<ref name=2010CensusGA>{{Cite web|first= |last= |authorlink= |title= 2010 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Georgia |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|date= 2010|url=https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2010/cph-2/cph-2-12.pdf|accessdate=|archive-url=| archive-date=}}</ref>
|estimate=6608
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2018CenPopScriptOnlyDirtyFixDoNotUse">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=June 4, 2019}}</ref>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|accessdate=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}
}}


{| class="wikitable"
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 6,760 people, 2,553 households, and 1,817 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was 329.1 people per square mile (127.0/km²). There were 2,723 housing units at an average density of 129.8 per square mile (50.1/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 35.50% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]] and 64.50% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]].
|+Eatonton racial composition as of 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US1326084&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=2021-12-18|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>

!Race
There were 2,553 households out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.4% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 24.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.20.
!Num.

!Perc.
In the city, the population was spread out with 9.8% from 18 to 24, 29.3% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.9 males.
|-

|[[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
The median income for a household in the city was $23,391, and the median income for a family was $29,751. Males had a median income of $24,883 versus $18,193 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $12,951. About 20.4% of families and 25.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 32.5% of those under age 18 and 16.4% of those age 65 or over.
|1,976
|31.33%
|-
|[[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
|3,553
|56.33%
|-
|[[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
|10
|0.16%
|-
|[[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
|26
|0.41%
|-
|[[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
|158
|2.51%
|-
|[[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
|584
|9.26%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 6,307 people, 2,559 households, and 1,756 families residing in the city.


== Education ==
== Education ==
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==Notable people==
==Notable people==
[[Vincent Hancock]], Olympic gold medalist in men's skeet shooting at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics and Gatewood Schools graduate, resides in Eatonton.<ref name=Army>{{cite web |url=http://www.army.mil/article/84682/Hancock_first_Olympic_champion_to_repeat_in_men_s_skeet/ |title=Hancock first Olympic champion to repeat in men's skeet |date=July 31, 2012 |publisher=United States Army News Service |author=Tim Hipps |accessdate=August 4, 2012 }}</ref>
[[Vincent Hancock]], Olympic gold medalist in men's skeet shooting at the 2008, 2012, and 2020 Summer Olympics and Gatewood Schools graduate, resides in Eatonton.<ref name=CBS>{{cite web |url= https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tokyo-olympics-skeet-shooting-us-gold-mens-women-vincent-hancock-amber-english/ first Olympic champion to repeat in men's skeet | title=U.S. wins gold in men's and women's skeet shooting at Tokyo games | date=July 31, 2012 |publisher=CBS News |access-date=July 26, 2021 }}</ref>


[[Dwight York]], American cult leader and founder of the [[Nuwaubian Nation]], currently imprisoned at [[ADX Florence]].



The city is the birthplace of several noted writers, such as [[Joel Chandler Harris]] (journalist and author of the [[Uncle Remus]] stories), 19th century poet Louise Prudden Hunt (Mrs. B. W. Hunt), Henry Grady Weaver, author of ''[[The Mainspring of Human Progress]],'' and [[Alice Walker]], author of the novel ''[[The Color Purple]]'' and other fiction.
The city is the birthplace of noted writers: [[Joel Chandler Harris]], journalist and author of the [[Uncle Remus]] stories, 19th century poet Louise Prudden Hunt (Mrs. B. W. Hunt), Henry Grady Weaver, author of ''[[The Mainspring of Human Progress]]'', and [[Alice Walker]], author of the novel ''[[The Color Purple]]'' and other fiction.


Artist and leading scholar, curator, and promoter of African American art [[David Driskell]] was a native of Eatonton.
Artist and leading scholar, curator, and promoter of African American art [[David Driskell]] was a native of Eatonton.


[[S. Truett Cathy]], founder of [[Chick-fil-A]] fast food restaurant and franchise, is a native of the town.
[[S. Truett Cathy]], founder of [[Chick-fil-A]] fast food restaurant and franchise, is a native of the town.

[[Rick Brewer (academic)|Rick Brewer]], former administrator at [[Charleston Southern University]] in [[North Charleston, South Carolina|North Charleston]], [[South Carolina]], and current president of [[Louisiana College]] in [[Pineville, Louisiana|Pineville]], [[Louisiana]], is a former resident of Eatonton.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thetowntalk.com/story/news/local/2015/03/05/lc-board-names-south-carolina-vp-ninth-president/24444023/|title=LC board names South Carolina VP as ninth president|date=March 25, 2015|newspaper=[[The Town Talk (Alexandria)|The Alexandria Town Talk]]|author=Leigh Guidry|accessdate=July 23, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.intelius.com/results.php?ReportType=1&formname=name&qf=Richard&qmi=&qn=Brewer&qcs=North+Charleston%2C+SC&focusfirst=1|title=Richard B. Brewer|publisher=intelius.com|accessdate=July 23, 2015}}</ref>


[[Thomas Adiel Sherwood (judge)|Thomas Adiel Sherwood]], Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court from 1873 to 1902, was born there.<ref name="Herald">"Missouri Jurist Born 96 Years Ago", ''The Missouri Herald'' (June 6, 1930), p. 1.</ref><ref name="Bio">"Biographies of the Gentlemen Comprising the Democratic State Ticket", ''The St. Joseph Weekly Gazette'' (August 3, 1882), p. 7.</ref>
[[Thomas Adiel Sherwood (judge)|Thomas Adiel Sherwood]], Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court from 1873 to 1902, was born there.<ref name="Herald">"Missouri Jurist Born 96 Years Ago", ''The Missouri Herald'' (June 6, 1930), p. 1.</ref><ref name="Bio">"Biographies of the Gentlemen Comprising the Democratic State Ticket", ''The St. Joseph Weekly Gazette'' (August 3, 1882), p. 7.</ref>

==Tornado==
⚫
On November 22, 1992, an F4 tornado with winds up to 260&nbsp;mph hit the south portions of the city. The storm caused $27,000,000 in damages to houses and businesses. The tornado killed five locals and injured 86 victims.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}


==References==
==References==
Line 202: Line 224:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.eatontongeorgia.com/ Welcome to Eatonton, Georgia]
* [http://www.eatontonga.us/ City of Eatonton]
* [http://www.eatontonga.us/ City of Eatonton]
* [http://www.uncleremusmuseum.org/ Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton]


{{commons category}}
{{commonscat}}

{{Putnam County, Georgia}}
{{Putnam County, Georgia}}
{{Georgia county seats}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

Latest revision as of 16:45, 29 December 2024

Eatonton
City
Putnam County Courthouse in Eatonton
Putnam County Courthouse in Eatonton
Flag of Eatonton
Flag
Official seal of Eatonton
Seal
Location in Putnam County and the state of Georgia
Location in Putnam County and the state of Georgia
Eatonton is located in Georgia
Eatonton
Eatonton
Eatonton is located in the United States
Eatonton
Eatonton
Coordinates: 33°19′35″N 83°23′16″W / 33.32639°N 83.38778°W / 33.32639; -83.38778
Country United States
State Georgia
CountyPutnam
Area
[1]
 • Total
20.61 sq mi (53.38 km2)
 • Land20.51 sq mi (53.12 km2)
 • Water0.10 sq mi (0.27 km2)
Elevation
568 ft (173 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
6,307
 • Density307.52/sq mi (118.74/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
31024
Area code706
FIPS code13-26084[2]
GNIS feature ID0331628[3]
WebsiteCity of Eatonton
Eatonton's statue of Br'er Rabbit

Eatonton is a city in and the county seat of Putnam County, Georgia, United States.[4] As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 6,307. It was named after William Eaton, an officer and diplomat involved in the First Barbary War.[5] The name consists of his surname with the English suffix "ton", meaning "town".

History

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The Rock Eagle Effigy Mound, a Native American archaeological site, is located north of the city. It is one of two such sites east of the Mississippi River; both are in Putnam County. The mound and related earthwork constructions were made by Woodland culture peoples, perhaps as long ago as 1,000 to 3,000 years. The site is situated within a 1500-acre park administered by the University of Georgia, which also maintains a 4-H camp nearby. The Mound has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Following the American Revolutionary War, Eatonton was founded in 1807 as the seat of newly formed Putnam County. After the war, settlers were moving west and settling in the upland Piedmont region to develop cotton plantations. Eatonton was incorporated as a town in 1809 and as a city in 1879.[6]

In a 5-hour period in May 1919, five black churches and two black lodges in Eatonton were burned to the ground, but authorities did not charge anyone with arson.[7]

On November 22, 1992, an F4 tornado with winds up to 260 mph hit the south portions of the city. The storm caused $27,000,000 in damages to houses and businesses. The tornado killed five locals and injured 86 victims.[8]

In the 21st century, Eatonton is known as the "Dairy Capital of Georgia" (in honor of its major industry, dairy farming).

Geography

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Eatonton is located at 33°19′35″N 83°23′16″W / 33.32639°N 83.38778°W / 33.32639; -83.38778 (33.326302, -83.387798).[9]

The city is located in the central part of the state along U.S. Routes 129 and 441, which meet in and form the western boundary of the city. Via U.S. 129/441, Madison is 22 mi (35 km) north. After leaving the city southward, U.S. 129 runs southwest 25 mi (40 km) to Gray and U.S. 441 runs southeast 21 mi (34 km) to Milledgeville. Georgia State Routes 16 and 44 are the main roads through the center of town, with GA-16 leading east 27 mi (43 km) to Sparta and west 18 mi (29 km) to Monticello, and GA-44 leading northeast 23 mi (37 km) to Greensboro.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 20.7 square miles (54 km2), of which 20.6 square miles (53 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.26 km2) (0.63%) is water.

Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1840516—
18602,009—
18701,240−38.3%
18801,37110.6%
18901,68222.7%
19001,8238.4%
19102,03611.7%
19202,51923.7%
19301,876−25.5%
19402,39927.9%
19502,74914.6%
19603,61231.4%
19704,12514.2%
19804,83317.2%
19904,737−2.0%
20006,76442.8%
20106,480−4.2%
20206,307−2.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[10]
1850-1870[11] 1870-1880[12]
1890-1910[13] 1920-1930[14]
1940[15] 1950[16] 1960[17]
1970[18] 1980[19] 1990[20]
2000[21] 2010[22]
Eatonton racial composition as of 2020[23]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 1,976 31.33%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 3,553 56.33%
Native American 10 0.16%
Asian 26 0.41%
Other/Mixed 158 2.51%
Hispanic or Latino 584 9.26%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 6,307 people, 2,559 households, and 1,756 families residing in the city.

Education

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Schools in the area

[edit]

The Putnam County School District holds grades Headstart to grade twelve, and consists of one primary school, an elementary school, a middle school, a high school, and an alternative school.[24] The district has 165 full-time teachers and more than 2,474 students. Gatewood Schools, a private Christian school in the area serves children in grades K3-12.[25]

  • Gatewood Schools (K3-12)
  • Putnam County Primary School
  • Putnam County Elementary School
  • Putnam County Middle School
  • Putnam County High School
  • Putnam County Achievement Academy

Notable people

[edit]

Vincent Hancock, Olympic gold medalist in men's skeet shooting at the 2008, 2012, and 2020 Summer Olympics and Gatewood Schools graduate, resides in Eatonton.[26]


The city is the birthplace of noted writers: Joel Chandler Harris, journalist and author of the Uncle Remus stories, 19th century poet Louise Prudden Hunt (Mrs. B. W. Hunt), Henry Grady Weaver, author of The Mainspring of Human Progress, and Alice Walker, author of the novel The Color Purple and other fiction.

Artist and leading scholar, curator, and promoter of African American art David Driskell was a native of Eatonton.

S. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A fast food restaurant and franchise, is a native of the town.

Thomas Adiel Sherwood, Justice of the Missouri Supreme Court from 1873 to 1902, was born there.[27][28]

References

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  1. ^ "2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  2. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  3. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  4. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on July 12, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. ^ Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 68. ISBN 0-915430-00-2.
  6. ^ Hellmann, Paul T. (May 13, 2013). Historical Gazetteer of the United States. Routledge. p. 228. ISBN 978-1135948597. Retrieved November 30, 2013.
  7. ^ McWhirter, Cameron (2011). Red Summer The Summer of 1919 and the Awakening of Black America. Henry Holt and Company. p. 53. ISBN 9780805089066.
  8. ^ Brown, Ronald (1993). The Widespread November 21-23, 1992, Tornado Outbreak: Houston to Raleigh and Gulf Coast to Ohio Valley. p. 18.
  9. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  10. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decade". United States Census Bureau.
  11. ^ "1870 Census of Population - Georgia - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1870.
  12. ^ "1880 Census of Population - Georgia - Population of Civil Divisions less than Counties" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1880.
  13. ^ "1910 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1910.
  14. ^ "1930 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1930. pp. 251–256.
  15. ^ "1940 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1940.
  16. ^ "1950 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1950.
  17. ^ "1960 Census of Population - Population of County Subdivisions - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1960.
  18. ^ "1970 Census of Population - Population of County Subdivisions - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1970.
  19. ^ "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
  20. ^ "1990 Census of Population - Summary Social, Economic, and Housing Characteristics - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1990.
  21. ^ "2000 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2000.
  22. ^ "2010 Census of Population - General Population Characteristics - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2010.
  23. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  24. ^ Georgia Board of Education[permanent dead link‍], Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  25. ^ School Stats, Retrieved June 25, 2010.
  26. ^ first Olympic champion to repeat in men's skeet "U.S. wins gold in men's and women's skeet shooting at Tokyo games". CBS News. July 31, 2012. Retrieved July 26, 2021. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  27. ^ "Missouri Jurist Born 96 Years Ago", The Missouri Herald (June 6, 1930), p. 1.
  28. ^ "Biographies of the Gentlemen Comprising the Democratic State Ticket", The St. Joseph Weekly Gazette (August 3, 1882), p. 7.
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