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Coordinates: 35°56′N 85°27′W / 35.93°N 85.45°W / 35.93; -85.45
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{{short description|County in Tennessee, United States}}
{{other uses|White County (disambiguation)}}
{{other uses|White County (disambiguation)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = White County
| county = White County
| state = Tennessee
| state = Tennessee
| flag = Flag of White County, Tennessee.svg
| seal =
| seal =
| founded = September 11, 1806
| named for = John White, early settler<ref name=tehc>Carroll Van West, "[http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entry.php?rec=1496 White County]," ''Tennessee Encyclopedia History and Culture''. Retrieved: 24 April 2013.</ref>
| logo = Logo of White County, Tennessee.png
| founded = September 11, 1806
| named for = John White, early settler<ref name=tehc>Carroll Van West, "[http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entry.php?rec=1496 White County]," ''Tennessee Encyclopedia History and Culture''. Retrieved: April 24, 2013.</ref>
| seat wl= Sparta
| seat wl = Sparta
| largest city wl= Sparta
| largest city wl = Sparta
| area_total_sq_mi = 379
| area_total_sq_mi = 379
| area_land_sq_mi = 377
| area_land_sq_mi = 377
| area_water_sq_mi = 2.8
| area_water_sq_mi = 2.8
| area percentage = 0.7%
| area percentage = 0.7%
| census estimate yr = 2018
| census yr = 2020
| pop = 27351 {{increase}}
| pop = 27,107
| density_sq_mi = 69
| density_sq_mi = 69
| time zone = Central
| time zone = Central
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
| web = http://whitecountytn.gov/
| web = http://whitecountytn.gov/
| ex image = White-county-courthouse-tn2.jpg
| ex image = White-county-courthouse-tn2.jpg
| ex image cap = White County Courthouse in Sparta
| ex image cap = White County Courthouse in Sparta
| district = 6th
| district = 6th
}}
}}


'''White County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Tennessee]]. As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], the population was 25,841.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/47185.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 7, 2013}}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Sparta, Tennessee|Sparta]].<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}}</ref>
'''White County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Tennessee]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 census]], the population was 27,351.<ref>{{cite web|title=Census - Geography Profile: White County, Tennessee|url=https://data.census.gov/profile/White_County,_Tennessee?g=0500000US47185|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=January 7, 2023}}</ref> Its [[county seat]] is [[Sparta, Tennessee|Sparta]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>

White County is a component of the [[Cookeville Micropolitan Statistical Area]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://tnsdc.utk.edu/2023/08/21/new-metropolitan-and-micropolitan-area-boundaries-include-changes-for-eight-tennessee-counties/ | title=New Metropolitan and Micropolitan Area Boundaries Include Changes for Eight Tennessee Counties | date=August 21, 2023 }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
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[[File:Champ-ferguson-grave-tn1.jpg|left|210px|thumb|Grave of Confederate bushwhacker [[Champ Ferguson]] near Sparta]]
[[File:Champ-ferguson-grave-tn1.jpg|left|210px|thumb|Grave of Confederate bushwhacker [[Champ Ferguson]] near Sparta]]


In 1840, White County became a destination for people from all over the country when Christopher Haufmann erected a large hotel on Bon Air Mountain, part of the [[Cumberland Plateau]]. The hotel was near some [[mineral springs]] as well as being at a high altitude; both were thought to promote health, and people came from far and wide for the "cures" advertised by the resort.<ref>Coral Williams, "[http://www.danielhaston.com/history/tn-history/white-county/legends-whiteco1.htm Legends and Stories of White County, Tennessee]," DanielHaston.com. Retrieved: 20 November 2013.</ref>
In 1840, White County became a destination for people from all over the country when Christopher Haufmann erected a large hotel on Bon Air Mountain, part of the [[Cumberland Plateau]]. The hotel was near some [[mineral springs]] as well as being at a high altitude; both were thought to promote health, and people came from far and wide for the "cures" advertised by the resort.<ref>Coral Williams, "[http://www.danielhaston.com/history/tn-history/white-county/legends-whiteco1.htm Legends and Stories of White County, Tennessee]," DanielHaston.com. Retrieved: November 20, 2013.</ref>


White County was the site of a very large [[saltpeter]] mining operation during the Civil War. The Cave Hill Saltpeter Pits (No. 1 and No. 2), located on Cave Hill near the mouth of England Cove, were intensively mined. Relics remain from that operation. Saltpeter is the main ingredient of gunpowder and was obtained by leaching the earth from these caves.<ref>Thomas C. Barr, Jr., "Caves of Tennessee", Bulletin 64 of the Tennessee Division of Geology, 1961, 568 pages.</ref>
White County was the site of a very large [[saltpeter]] mining operation during the Civil War. The Cave Hill Saltpeter Pits (No. 1 and No. 2), located on Cave Hill near the mouth of England Cove, were intensively mined. Relics remain from that operation. Saltpeter is the main ingredient of gunpowder and was obtained by leaching the earth from these caves.<ref>Thomas C. Barr, Jr., "Caves of Tennessee", Bulletin 64 of the Tennessee Division of Geology, 1961, 568 pages.</ref>


The [[American Civil War|Civil War]] deeply affected White County, although no major battles were fought in the area. As it was on the border between the largely pro-[[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] [[East Tennessee]] and pro-[[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] [[Middle Tennessee]], the county was the scene of bloodshed from [[Partisan (military)|partisans]] (called "bushwhackers") of both sides.<ref name=tehc /> One famous Confederate [[guerrilla]] operating in the area was [[Champ Ferguson]], who caused much mayhem and destruction before he was arrested after the war on May 28, 1865. Ferguson was tried by a military court, convicted and executed by hanging, one of only two Confederates executed for war crimes. He is buried in France Cemetery near Sparta.
The [[American Civil War|Civil War]] deeply affected White County, although no major battles were fought in the area. As it was on the border between the largely pro-[[Union (American Civil War)|Union]] [[East Tennessee]] and pro-[[Confederate States of America|Confederate]] [[Middle Tennessee]], the county was the scene of bloodshed from [[Partisan (military)|partisans]] (called "bushwhackers") of both sides.<ref name=tehc /> One famous Confederate [[guerrilla]] operating in the area was [[Champ Ferguson]], who caused much mayhem and destruction before he was arrested after the war on May 28, 1865. Ferguson was tried by a military court, convicted and executed by hanging, one of only two Confederates executed for war crimes. He is buried in France Cemetery near Sparta.


Over the subsequent decades, White County slowly rebuilt from the ashes of war. The county was connected to the outside world by railroad, mainly because of the booming [[coal mining]] industries being started on Bon Air Mountain. The mountain was rich in [[bituminous coal]], and enterprising local businessmen were quick to realize the profit potential that represented. Several mining towns sprang up on the plateau part of the county, including [[Bon Air, White County, Tennessee|Bon Air]], [[Eastland, Tennessee|Eastland]], and [[Ravenscroft, Tennessee|Ravenscroft]].<ref>Tennessee Mining Department, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=w9hAAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA68&lpg=PA68&dq=%22bon+air%22+eastland+ravenscroft&source=bl&ots=vb02crJh6l&sig=apZj26I6fVSb4_EwMEOdrWggrsU&hl=en&sa=X&ei=ccqMUvzuNM-DkQfaloGACQ&ved=0CEwQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=%22bon%20air%22%20eastland%20ravenscroft&f=false Annual Report]'' (Tennessee Mining Department, 1922), p. 68.</ref>
Over the subsequent decades, White County slowly rebuilt from the ashes of war. The county was connected to the outside world by railroad, mainly because of the booming [[coal mining]] industries being started on Bon Air Mountain. The mountain was rich in [[bituminous coal]], and enterprising local businessmen were quick to realize the profit potential that represented. Several mining towns sprang up on the plateau part of the county, including [[Bon Air, White County, Tennessee|Bon Air]], [[Eastland, Tennessee|Eastland]], and [[Ravenscroft, Tennessee|Ravenscroft]].<ref>Tennessee Mining Department, ''[https://books.google.com/books?id=w9hAAQAAIAAJ&dq=%22bon+air%22+eastland+ravenscroft&pg=PA68 Annual Report]'' (Tennessee Mining Department, 1922), p. 68.</ref>


In 1981, a dispute between a local mining company and residents escalated and later became a Tennessee Supreme Court case known as Doochin v. Rackley. The disagreement began when the local coal companies began to strip mine residents' private land. The court ruled in favor of the defendants because the [[Broad form deed|Broad Form Deed]] did not recognize strip mining as a legal form of mining.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/59149219add7b04934593608|title=DOOCHIN v. RACKLEY{{!}} Tenn. {{!}} Law {{!}} CaseMine|website=www.casemine.com|language=en|access-date=2018-05-01}}</ref>
In 1981, a dispute between a local mining company and residents escalated and later became a Tennessee Supreme Court case known as Doochin v. Rackley. The disagreement began when the local coal companies began to strip mine residents' private land. The court ruled in favor of the defendants because the [[Broad form deed|Broad Form Deed]] did not recognize strip mining as a legal form of mining.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.casemine.com/judgement/us/59149219add7b04934593608|title=DOOCHIN v. RACKLEY{{!}} Tenn. {{!}} Law {{!}} CaseMine|website=www.casemine.com|language=en|access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
[[File:Sparta-overlook-tn4.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Sunset over White County, viewed from US-70 at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau]]
[[File:Sparta-overlook-tn4.jpg|upright=1.15|thumb|Sunset over White County, viewed from US-70 at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau]]


According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|379|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|377|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|2.8|sqmi}} (0.7%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_47.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 14, 2015|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files}}</ref> The eastern part of the county lies atop the [[Cumberland Plateau]], while the western portion is situated on the [[Highland Rim]], at a lower elevation. The Plateau Escarpment is visible from much of the western part of the county.
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|379|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|377|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|2.8|sqmi}} (0.7%) is water.<ref name="GR1">{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_47.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 14, 2015|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files}}</ref> The eastern part of the county lies atop the [[Cumberland Plateau]], while the western portion is situated on the [[Highland Rim]], at a lower elevation. The Plateau Escarpment is visible from much of the western part of the county.


The [[Caney Fork]], the county's primary drainage, flows across the southern portion of the county, and forms part the county's border with [[Van Buren County, Tennessee|Van Buren]], [[Warren County, Tennessee|Warren]] and [[DeKalb County, Tennessee|DeKalb]]. The river descends from the Cumberland Plateau to the Highland Rim through [[Scott's Gulf]], a dramatic gorge noted for scenic waterfalls, most notably the {{convert|110|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Virgin Falls]]. The section of the Caney Fork in southern White County is part of Great Falls Lake, an artificial reservoir created by [[Great Falls Dam (Tennessee)|Great Falls Dam]] at [[Rock Island State Park (Tennessee)|Rock Island State Park]]. Downstream from this dam, the river enters a second reservoir, [[Center Hill Dam|Center Hill Lake]].
The [[Caney Fork]], the county's primary drainage, flows across the southern portion of the county, and forms part the county's border with [[Van Buren County, Tennessee|Van Buren]], [[Warren County, Tennessee|Warren]] and [[DeKalb County, Tennessee|DeKalb]]. The river descends from the Cumberland Plateau to the Highland Rim through [[Scott's Gulf]], a dramatic gorge noted for scenic waterfalls, most notably the {{convert|110|ft|m|adj=on}} [[Virgin Falls]]. The section of the Caney Fork in southern White County is part of Great Falls Lake, an artificial reservoir created by [[Great Falls Dam (Tennessee)|Great Falls Dam]] at [[Rock Island State Park (Tennessee)|Rock Island State Park]]. Downstream from this dam, the river enters a second reservoir, [[Center Hill Dam|Center Hill Lake]].


The [[Calfkiller River]], a tributary of the Caney Fork, flows through the central part of White County, and drains the county seat, Sparta. The [[Falling Water River]], also a tributary of the Caney Fork, flows through the northwestern part of the county, and forms part of the county's border with [[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam County]]. The Falling Water River is noted for its {{convert|136|ft|m|adj=on}} waterfall, [[Burgess Falls]], which straddles the Putnam-White line.
The [[Calfkiller River]], a tributary of the Caney Fork, flows through the central part of White County, and drains the county seat, Sparta. The [[Falling Water River]], also a tributary of the Caney Fork, flows through the northwestern part of the county, and forms part of the county's border with [[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam County]]. The Falling Water River is noted for its {{convert|136|ft|m|adj=on}} waterfall, [[Burgess Falls]], which straddles the Putnam-White line.


White County also boasts over 1,200 documented caves (over 3.17 caves per square mile), which makes White County one of the most cave-dense regions in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.subworks.com/tcs/|title=Tennessee Cave Survey|website=www.subworks.com|access-date=2016-03-29}}</ref>
White County also boasts over 1,200 documented caves (over 3.17 caves per square mile), which makes White County one of the most cave-dense regions in the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.subworks.com/tcs/|title=Tennessee Cave Survey|website=www.subworks.com|access-date=March 29, 2016}}</ref>


[[File:Virginfallstn.JPG|thumb|upright|Virgin Falls]]
===Adjacent counties===
[[File:Virginfallstn.JPG|right|thumb|180px|Virgin Falls]]


===Adjacent counties===
The following counties are adjacent to White.<ref>{{cite web |title=White County, TN - Geographic Facts & Maps - MapSof.net |url=https://www.mapsof.net/white-county-tn |website=www.mapsof.net |access-date=May 26, 2023}}</ref>
*[[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam County]] (north)
*[[Putnam County, Tennessee|Putnam County]] (north)
*[[Cumberland County, Tennessee|Cumberland County]] (east)
*[[Cumberland County, Tennessee|Cumberland County]] (east)
*[[Bledsoe County, Tennessee|Bledsoe County]] (southeast)
*[[Van Buren County, Tennessee|Van Buren County]] (south)
*[[Van Buren County, Tennessee|Van Buren County]] (south)
*[[Warren County, Tennessee|Warren County]] (southwest)
*[[Warren County, Tennessee|Warren County]] (southwest)
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===Blue Spring Cave===
===Blue Spring Cave===


[[Blue Spring Cave]], located five miles northeast of Sparta, is the longest mapped cave in Tennessee and the tenth longest cave in the United States, with {{convert|38|mi|km}} of passages. The footprints of extinct Pleistocene (Ice Age) jaguars were discovered in the cave in 1990 by Bill Walter.<ref>Larry E. Matthews and Bill Walter, ''Blue Spring Cave'', Published by the National Speleological Society, 2010, 346 pages. {{ISBN|978-1-879961-36-4}}</ref>
[[Blue Spring Cave]], located five miles northeast of Sparta, is the longest mapped cave in Tennessee and the tenth longest cave in the United States, with {{convert|38|mi|km}} of passages. The footprints of extinct Pleistocene (Ice Age) jaguars were discovered in the cave in 1990 by Bill Walter.<ref>Larry E. Matthews and Bill Walter, ''Blue Spring Cave'', Published by the National Speleological Society, 2010, 346 pages. {{ISBN|978-1-879961-36-4}}</ref>


===Major highways===
===Major highways===
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|2000= 23102
|2000= 23102
|2010= 25841
|2010= 25841
|2020= 27351
|estyear=2018
|estref=
|estimate=27107
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|access-date=July 20, 2019}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|align-fn=center
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/tn190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|editor-last=Forstall|editor-first=Richard L.|date=March 27, 1995|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref> 2010-2014<ref name="QF"/>
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref><br />1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/tn190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|editor-last=Forstall|editor-first=Richard L.|date=March 27, 1995|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref><br />1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=October 9, 2022 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|date=April 2, 2001|access-date=April 14, 2015}}</ref> 2010-2014<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/47185.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=December 7, 2013|archive-date=June 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607144955/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/47185.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
}}
}}
{{Stack|[[Image:USA White County, Tennessee.csv age pyramid.svg|thumb|left|150px|Age pyramid White County<ref>Based on 2000 [[census]] data</ref>]]}}
{{Stack|[[Image:USA White County, Tennessee.csv age pyramid.svg|thumb|left|150px|Age pyramid White County<ref>Based on 2000 [[census]] data</ref>]]}}


===2020 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR8">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=2011-05-14|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 23,102 people, 9,229 households, and 6,774 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 61 people per square mile (24/km<sup>2</sup>). There were 10,191 housing units at an average density of 27 per square&nbsp;mile (10/km<sup>2</sup>). The racial makeup of the county was 96.63% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 1.64% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.20% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.23% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.05% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.46% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.79% from two or more races. 1.03% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right"
|+White County racial composition<ref>{{Cite web|title=Explore Census Data|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US47185&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|access-date=December 27, 2021|website=data.census.gov}}</ref>
!scope="col"| Race
!scope="col"| Number
!scope="col"| Percentage
|-
!scope="row"| [[White (U.S. Census)|White]] (non-Hispanic)
| 24,833
| 90.79%
|-
!scope="row"| [[African American (U.S. Census)|Black or African American]] (non-Hispanic)
| 405
| 1.48%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]]
| 75
| 0.27%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]]
| 132
| 0.48%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]]
| 10
| 0.04%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Race (United States Census)|Other/Mixed]]
| 1,160
| 4.24%
|-
!scope="row"| [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]]
| 736
| 2.69%
|}
As of the [[2020 United States census]], there were 27,351 people, 10,048 households, and 6,904 families residing in the county.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR8">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=May 14, 2011|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> of 2000, there were 23,102 people, 9,229 households, and 6,774 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|61|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people&nbsp;|people|}}. There were 10,191 housing units at an average density of {{convert|27|/mi2|/km2|adj=pre|units&nbsp;}}. The racial makeup of the county was 96.63% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 1.64% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.20% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.23% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.05% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.46% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 0.79% from two or more races. 1.03% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.


There were 9,229 households, out of which 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 23.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.90.
There were 9,229 households, out of which 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 10.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 23.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.90.


In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.50% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.40 males.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.50% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.40 males.


The median income for a household in the county was $29,383, and the median income for a family was $34,854. Males had a median income of $26,706 versus $20,346 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $14,791. About 11.20% of families and 14.30% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 16.90% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,383, and the median income for a family was $34,854. Males had a median income of $26,706 versus $20,346 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $14,791. About 11.20% of families and 14.30% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 16.90% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.


== Education ==
== Education ==


=== Public schools ===
=== Public schools ===
*[[White County High School (Sparta, Tennessee)|White County High School]]<ref>[http://www.whitecoschools.net/schools White County Schools], White County Schools official site. Retrieved: 20 November 2013.</ref>
*[[White County High School (Sparta, Tennessee)|White County High School]]<ref>[http://www.whitecoschools.net/schools White County Schools], White County Schools official site. Retrieved: November 20, 2013.</ref>
*White County Middle School
*White County Middle School
*BonDeCroft Elementary School
*BonDeCroft Elementary School
Line 163: Line 206:


==Notable people==
==Notable people==
* [[David Culley]] - National Football League head coach
* [[George Gibbs Dibrell]] – U.S. Congressman and Confederate general
* [[George Gibbs Dibrell]] – U.S. Congressman and Confederate general
* [[Champ Ferguson]] – Confederate guerilla
* [[Champ Ferguson]] – Confederate guerrilla
* [[Lester Flatt]] – Bluegrass guitarist and mandonlist, best known for his collaboration with banjo picker Earl Scruggs in "The Foggy Mountain Boys"
* [[Lester Flatt]] – bluegrass guitarist and mandolinist, best known for his collaboration with banjo picker Earl Scruggs in "The Foggy Mountain Boys"
* [[Kellie Harper]] – women's basketball head coach at the [[University of Tennessee]] [[Lady Vols]] - formerly ([[North Carolina State]] and [[Missouri State University]]) and a graduate of White County High School
* [[Kellie Harper]] – women's basketball head coach at the [[University of Tennessee]] [[Lady Vols]] - formerly ([[North Carolina State]] and [[Missouri State University]]) and a graduate of White County High School
* [[Benny Martin]] – Bluegrass musician; invented the eight-string fiddle
* [[Benny Martin]] – bluegrass musician; invented the eight-string fiddle
* [[Carl Rowan]] – journalist, author, U.S. Ambassador to [[Finland]]
* [[Carl Rowan]] – journalist, author, U.S. Ambassador to [[Finland]]
* [[Pauline Weaver]] – Arizona [[mountain man]], born in White County
* [[Pauline Weaver]] – Arizona [[mountain man]], born in White County
Line 173: Line 217:


==Politics==
==Politics==
{{PresHead|place=White County, Tennessee|source=<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=March 13, 2018}}</ref>}}
{{Hidden begin
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
|titlestyle = background:#ccccff;
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|10,717|2,105|109|Tennessee}}
|title = Presidential election results
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|9,606|2,143|146|Tennessee}}
}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|7,671|1,845|309|Tennessee}}
{| align="center" border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="float:right; margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|6,197|2,795|148|Tennessee}}
|+ '''Presidential Elections Results'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=2018-03-13}}</ref>
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|6,103|3,372|172|Tennessee}}
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|5,269|4,147|79|Tennessee}}
! Year
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|3,525|4,135|115|Tennessee}}
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,498|3,592|545|Tennessee}}
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|2,118|4,102|854|Tennessee}}
! [[Third Party (United States)|Third Parties]]
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|2,646|2,562|41|Tennessee}}
|-
{{PresRow|1984|Democratic|2,895|3,033|30|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 2020|2020]]'''
{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|2,100|3,415|98|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''80.8%''' ''9,606''
{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|1,382|3,874|58|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|18.0% ''2,143''
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|2,252|1,392|83|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.2% ''146''
{{PresRow|1968|American Independent|1,423|1,584|1,750|Tennessee}}
|-
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|1,199|2,987|0|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 2016|2016]]'''
{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|1,725|2,207|66|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''78.1%''' ''7,671''
{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|1,346|2,378|35|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|18.8% ''1,845''
{{PresRow|1952|Democratic|1,374|2,319|21|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.1% ''309''
{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|635|1,719|328|Tennessee}}
|-
{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|668|1,339|4|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 2012|2012]]'''
{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|657|2,256|15|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''67.8%''' ''6,197''
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|591|814|9|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.6% ''2,795''
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|390|1,938|13|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.6% ''148''
{{PresRow|1928|Democratic|776|1,018|0|Tennessee}}
|-
{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|452|1,162|42|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 2008|2008]]'''
{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|1,456|2,201|0|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''63.3%''' ''6,103''
{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|587|1,407|34|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|35.0% ''3,372''
{{PresFoot|1912|Democratic|330|1,222|336|Tennessee}}
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.8% ''172''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 2004|2004]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''55.5%''' ''5,269''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.7% ''4,147''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''79''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 2000|2000]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|45.3% ''3,525''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''53.2%''' ''4,135''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.5% ''115''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1996|1996]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.7% ''2,498''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''54.1%''' ''3,592''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|8.2% ''545''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1992|1992]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.9% ''2,118''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''58.0%''' ''4,102''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|12.1% ''854''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1988|1988]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''50.4%''' ''2,646''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|48.8% ''2,562''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''41''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1984|1984]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|48.6% ''2,895''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.9%''' ''3,033''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.5% ''30''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1980|1980]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.4% ''2,100''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''60.8%''' ''3,415''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.8% ''98''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1976|1976]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|26.0% ''1,382''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''72.9%''' ''3,874''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.1% ''58''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1972|1972]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''60.4%''' ''2,252''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|37.4% ''1,392''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.2% ''83''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/American Independent}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1968|1968]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|29.9% ''1,423''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|33.3% ''1,584''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|'''36.8%''' ''1,750''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1964|1964]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|28.6% ''1,199''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''71.4%''' ''2,987''
| style="text-align:center;|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1960|1960]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|43.2% ''1,725''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''55.2%''' ''2,207''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.7% ''66''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[United States presidential election in Tennessee, 1956|1956]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|35.8% ''1,346''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''63.3%''' ''2,378''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.9% ''35''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1952 United States presidential election|1952]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|37.0% ''1,374''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''62.4%''' ''2,319''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.6% ''21''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1948 United States presidential election|1948]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|23.7% ''635''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''64.1%''' ''1,719''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|12.2% ''328''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1944 United States presidential election|1944]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|33.2% ''668''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''66.6%''' ''1,339''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.2% ''4''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1940 United States presidential election|1940]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|22.4% ''657''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''77.1%''' ''2,256''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.5% ''15''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1936 United States presidential election|1936]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|41.8% ''591''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''57.6%''' ''814''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.6% ''9''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1932 United States presidential election|1932]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|16.7% ''390''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''82.8%''' ''1,938''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.6% ''13''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1928 United States presidential election|1928]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|43.3% ''776''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''56.7%''' ''1,018''
| style="text-align:center;|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1924 United States presidential election|1924]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|27.3% ''452''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''70.2%''' ''1,162''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.5% ''42''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1920 United States presidential election|1920]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|39.8% ''1,456''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''60.2%''' ''2,201''
| style="text-align:center;|
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1916 United States presidential election|1916]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|28.9% ''587''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''69.4%''' ''1,407''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.7% ''34''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1912 United States presidential election|1912]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|17.5% ''330''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''64.7%''' ''1,222''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|17.8% ''336''
|}
{{Hidden end}}
{{clear}}


==See also==
==See also==
Line 341: Line 262:
*White County [http://tnlandforms.us/landforms/countylf.php?county=White landforms]
*White County [http://tnlandforms.us/landforms/countylf.php?county=White landforms]
*[http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/Maps/county/co93.pdf Tennessee Department of Transportation Map of White County]
*[http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/Maps/county/co93.pdf Tennessee Department of Transportation Map of White County]
*{{curlie|Regional/North_America/United_States/Tennessee/Counties/White/|White County}}


{{Geographic Location
{{Geographic Location
Line 366: Line 286:
[[Category:Populated places established in 1806]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1806]]
[[Category:Counties of Appalachia]]
[[Category:Counties of Appalachia]]
[[Category:Middle Tennessee]]

Latest revision as of 05:45, 8 December 2024

For other uses, see White County (disambiguation).

White County
County
White County Courthouse in Sparta
White County Courthouse in Sparta
Flag of White County
Flag
Official logo of White County
Logo
Map of Tennessee highlighting White County
Location within the U.S. state of Tennessee
Map of the United States highlighting Tennessee
Tennessee's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 35°56′N 85°27′W / 35.93°N 85.45°W / 35.93; -85.45
Country United States
State Tennessee
FoundedSeptember 11, 1806
Named forJohn White, early settler[1]
SeatSparta
Largest citySparta
Area
 • Total
379 sq mi (980 km2)
 • Land377 sq mi (980 km2)
 • Water2.8 sq mi (7 km2)  0.7%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
27,351 Increase
 • Density69/sq mi (27/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional district6th
Websitewhitecountytn.gov

White County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of the 2020 census, the population was 27,351.[2] Its county seat is Sparta.[3]

White County is a component of the Cookeville Micropolitan Statistical Area.[4]

History

[edit]

On September 11, 1806, an act of the Tennessee General Assembly created White County out of Smith and Jackson counties, responding to a petition signed by 155 residents of the area. The county's original geographic area included all of what are now White and Warren counties, as well as parts of modern Cannon, Coffee, DeKalb, Franklin, Grundy, Putnam, and Van Buren counties.[5]

The origin of the county's name is disputed. The county is officially held to be named for John White (1751–1846), a Revolutionary War soldier, surveyor, and frontiersman who was the first known white settler of the area. White had moved his family to the Cumberland Mountains from Virginia in 1789.[5] However, some historians suggest the county was named for Revolutionary War soldier James White, the founder of Knoxville.[5]

A temporary county seat was established near Rock Island, now in Warren County. Three years later a permanent county seat was established on the banks of the Calfkiller River and named Sparta.

Grave of Confederate bushwhacker Champ Ferguson near Sparta

In 1840, White County became a destination for people from all over the country when Christopher Haufmann erected a large hotel on Bon Air Mountain, part of the Cumberland Plateau. The hotel was near some mineral springs as well as being at a high altitude; both were thought to promote health, and people came from far and wide for the "cures" advertised by the resort.[6]

White County was the site of a very large saltpeter mining operation during the Civil War. The Cave Hill Saltpeter Pits (No. 1 and No. 2), located on Cave Hill near the mouth of England Cove, were intensively mined. Relics remain from that operation. Saltpeter is the main ingredient of gunpowder and was obtained by leaching the earth from these caves.[7]

The Civil War deeply affected White County, although no major battles were fought in the area. As it was on the border between the largely pro-Union East Tennessee and pro-Confederate Middle Tennessee, the county was the scene of bloodshed from partisans (called "bushwhackers") of both sides.[1] One famous Confederate guerrilla operating in the area was Champ Ferguson, who caused much mayhem and destruction before he was arrested after the war on May 28, 1865. Ferguson was tried by a military court, convicted and executed by hanging, one of only two Confederates executed for war crimes. He is buried in France Cemetery near Sparta.

Over the subsequent decades, White County slowly rebuilt from the ashes of war. The county was connected to the outside world by railroad, mainly because of the booming coal mining industries being started on Bon Air Mountain. The mountain was rich in bituminous coal, and enterprising local businessmen were quick to realize the profit potential that represented. Several mining towns sprang up on the plateau part of the county, including Bon Air, Eastland, and Ravenscroft.[8]

In 1981, a dispute between a local mining company and residents escalated and later became a Tennessee Supreme Court case known as Doochin v. Rackley. The disagreement began when the local coal companies began to strip mine residents' private land. The court ruled in favor of the defendants because the Broad Form Deed did not recognize strip mining as a legal form of mining.[9]

Geography

[edit]
Sunset over White County, viewed from US-70 at the edge of the Cumberland Plateau

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 379 square miles (980 km2), of which 377 square miles (980 km2) is land and 2.8 square miles (7.3 km2) (0.7%) is water.[10] The eastern part of the county lies atop the Cumberland Plateau, while the western portion is situated on the Highland Rim, at a lower elevation. The Plateau Escarpment is visible from much of the western part of the county.

The Caney Fork, the county's primary drainage, flows across the southern portion of the county, and forms part the county's border with Van Buren, Warren and DeKalb. The river descends from the Cumberland Plateau to the Highland Rim through Scott's Gulf, a dramatic gorge noted for scenic waterfalls, most notably the 110-foot (34 m) Virgin Falls. The section of the Caney Fork in southern White County is part of Great Falls Lake, an artificial reservoir created by Great Falls Dam at Rock Island State Park. Downstream from this dam, the river enters a second reservoir, Center Hill Lake.

The Calfkiller River, a tributary of the Caney Fork, flows through the central part of White County, and drains the county seat, Sparta. The Falling Water River, also a tributary of the Caney Fork, flows through the northwestern part of the county, and forms part of the county's border with Putnam County. The Falling Water River is noted for its 136-foot (41 m) waterfall, Burgess Falls, which straddles the Putnam-White line.

White County also boasts over 1,200 documented caves (over 3.17 caves per square mile), which makes White County one of the most cave-dense regions in the world.[11]

Virgin Falls

Adjacent counties

[edit]

The following counties are adjacent to White.[12]

Blue Spring Cave

[edit]

Blue Spring Cave, located five miles northeast of Sparta, is the longest mapped cave in Tennessee and the tenth longest cave in the United States, with 38 miles (61 km) of passages. The footprints of extinct Pleistocene (Ice Age) jaguars were discovered in the cave in 1990 by Bill Walter.[13]

Major highways

[edit]

State protected areas

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18104,028—
18208,701116.0%
18309,96714.6%
184010,7477.8%
185011,4446.5%
18609,381−18.0%
18709,375−0.1%
188011,17619.2%
189012,34810.5%
190014,15714.7%
191015,4208.9%
192015,7011.8%
193015,543−1.0%
194015,9832.8%
195016,2041.4%
196015,577−3.9%
197017,0889.7%
198019,56714.5%
199020,0902.7%
200023,10215.0%
201025,84111.9%
202027,3515.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[14]
1790-1960[15] 1900-1990[16]
1990-2000[17] 2010-2014[18]
Age pyramid White County[19]

2020 census

[edit]
White County racial composition[20]
Race Number Percentage
White (non-Hispanic) 24,833 90.79%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 405 1.48%
Native American 75 0.27%
Asian 132 0.48%
Pacific Islander 10 0.04%
Other/Mixed 1,160 4.24%
Hispanic or Latino 736 2.69%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 27,351 people, 10,048 households, and 6,904 families residing in the county.

2000 census

[edit]

As of the census[21] of 2000, there were 23,102 people, 9,229 households, and 6,774 families residing in the county. The population density was 61 people per square mile (24 people/km2). There were 10,191 housing units at an average density of 27 units per square mile (10/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 96.63% White, 1.64% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. 1.03% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,229 households, out of which 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.50% were married couples living together, 10.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.60% were non-families. 23.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.50% under the age of 18, 7.90% from 18 to 24, 27.90% from 25 to 44, 25.40% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 96.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $29,383, and the median income for a family was $34,854. Males had a median income of $26,706 versus $20,346 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,791. About 11.20% of families and 14.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.90% of those under age 18 and 13.90% of those age 65 or over.

Education

[edit]

Public schools

[edit]
  • White County High School[22]
  • White County Middle School
  • BonDeCroft Elementary School
  • Cassville Elementary School
  • Central View Elementary School
  • Doyle Elementary School
  • Findlay Elementary School
  • Northfield Elementary School
  • Woodland Park Elementary School

Communities

[edit]

City

[edit]

Town

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

Notable people

[edit]

Politics

[edit]
United States presidential election results for White County, Tennessee[23]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 10,717 82.88% 2,105 16.28% 109 0.84%
2020 9,606 80.76% 2,143 18.02% 146 1.23%
2016 7,671 78.08% 1,845 18.78% 309 3.15%
2012 6,197 67.80% 2,795 30.58% 148 1.62%
2008 6,103 63.26% 3,372 34.95% 172 1.78%
2004 5,269 55.49% 4,147 43.68% 79 0.83%
2000 3,525 45.34% 4,135 53.18% 115 1.48%
1996 2,498 37.65% 3,592 54.14% 545 8.21%
1992 2,118 29.94% 4,102 57.99% 854 12.07%
1988 2,646 50.41% 2,562 48.81% 41 0.78%
1984 2,895 48.59% 3,033 50.91% 30 0.50%
1980 2,100 37.41% 3,415 60.84% 98 1.75%
1976 1,382 26.01% 3,874 72.90% 58 1.09%
1972 2,252 60.42% 1,392 37.35% 83 2.23%
1968 1,423 29.91% 1,584 33.30% 1,750 36.79%
1964 1,199 28.64% 2,987 71.36% 0 0.00%
1960 1,725 43.15% 2,207 55.20% 66 1.65%
1956 1,346 35.81% 2,378 63.26% 35 0.93%
1952 1,374 37.00% 2,319 62.44% 21 0.57%
1948 635 23.68% 1,719 64.09% 328 12.23%
1944 668 33.22% 1,339 66.58% 4 0.20%
1940 657 22.44% 2,256 77.05% 15 0.51%
1936 591 41.80% 814 57.57% 9 0.64%
1932 390 16.66% 1,938 82.79% 13 0.56%
1928 776 43.26% 1,018 56.74% 0 0.00%
1924 452 27.29% 1,162 70.17% 42 2.54%
1920 1,456 39.81% 2,201 60.19% 0 0.00%
1916 587 28.94% 1,407 69.38% 34 1.68%
1912 330 17.48% 1,222 64.72% 336 17.80%

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Carroll Van West, "White County," Tennessee Encyclopedia History and Culture. Retrieved: April 24, 2013.
  2. ^ "Census - Geography Profile: White County, Tennessee". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 7, 2023.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "New Metropolitan and Micropolitan Area Boundaries Include Changes for Eight Tennessee Counties". August 21, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Brief History of White County, White County TNGenWeb Project website, accessed May 2, 2008
  6. ^ Coral Williams, "Legends and Stories of White County, Tennessee," DanielHaston.com. Retrieved: November 20, 2013.
  7. ^ Thomas C. Barr, Jr., "Caves of Tennessee", Bulletin 64 of the Tennessee Division of Geology, 1961, 568 pages.
  8. ^ Tennessee Mining Department, Annual Report (Tennessee Mining Department, 1922), p. 68.
  9. ^ "DOOCHIN v. RACKLEY| Tenn. | Law | CaseMine". www.casemine.com. Retrieved May 1, 2018.
  10. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  11. ^ "Tennessee Cave Survey". www.subworks.com. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
  12. ^ "White County, TN - Geographic Facts & Maps - MapSof.net". www.mapsof.net. Retrieved May 26, 2023.
  13. ^ Larry E. Matthews and Bill Walter, Blue Spring Cave, Published by the National Speleological Society, 2010, 346 pages. ISBN 978-1-879961-36-4
  14. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  15. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  16. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  17. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  18. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  19. ^ Based on 2000 census data
  20. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
  21. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  22. ^ White County Schools, White County Schools official site. Retrieved: November 20, 2013.
  23. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
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