Cherokee County, North Carolina: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|County in North Carolina, United States}} |
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{{Infobox U.S. County| |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}} |
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county = Cherokee County| |
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{{Infobox U.S. county |
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state = North Carolina | |
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| ex image = Cherokee County Courthouse (Cherokee County, North Carolina).jpg |
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seal = | |
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| ex image cap = [[Cherokee County Courthouse (North Carolina)|Cherokee County Courthouse]] in Murphy |
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map size = 250| |
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| county = Cherokee County |
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founded = 1839| |
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| state = North Carolina |
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seat = [[Murphy, North Carolina|Murphy]] | |
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| founded = 1839 |
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area_total_sq_mi =497 | |
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| named for = [[Cherokee Indians]] |
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area_land_sq_mi =455 | |
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| seat wl = Murphy |
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area_water_sq_mi =11 | |
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| largest city wl = Andrews |
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area percentage = 2.46% | |
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| city type = community |
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census yr = 2000| |
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| area_total_sq_mi = 466.67 |
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pop = 24298 | |
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| area_land_sq_mi = 455.54 |
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density_km2 =21| |
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| area_water_sq_mi = 11.13 |
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web = www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov| |
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| area percentage = 2.38 |
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|}} |
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| population_as_of = 2020 |
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'''Cherokee County''' is a [[county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[North Carolina]]. As of 2000, the population was 24,298. Its [[county seat]] is [[Murphy, North Carolina|Murphy]]{{GR|6}}. |
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| population_total = 28774 |
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| pop_est_as_of = 2023 |
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| population_est = 29959 |
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| population_density_sq_mi = 63.16 |
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| coordinates = {{coord|35.14|-84.06|type:adm2nd_region:US-NC_source:USCensusBureau2020gazetteerfiles|display=inline,title}} |
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| web = www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov |
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| district = 11th |
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| time zone = Eastern |
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| seal = Cherokee County Seal.png |
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|demonym=Cherokee Countians}} |
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'''Cherokee County''' is the westernmost [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[North Carolina]]. It borders [[Tennessee]] to its west and [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] to its south. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], the population was 28,774.<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> The [[county seat]] is [[Murphy, North Carolina|Murphy]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 2, 2021 |title=The History of Murphy, North Carolina |url=https://www.mountaincountrycabinrentals.com/blog/the-history-of-murphy-north-carolina/ |access-date=August 14, 2022 |website=Mountain Country Cabin Rentals}}</ref><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 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509170006/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 9, 2015 }}</ref> |
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== History == |
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The county was formed in 1839 from the western part of [[Macon County, North Carolina|Macon County]]. It was named for the [[Cherokee]] people, some of whom still live in the area. |
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==History== |
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In 1861 the southeastern part of Cherokee County became [[Clay County, North Carolina|Clay County]]; in 1872 its northeastern part became [[Graham County, North Carolina|Graham County]]. |
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This area was occupied for thousands of years by indigenous peoples who settled in the river valleys. It was part of the historic [[Cherokee]] homelands, a large territory composed of areas of what are now western Virginia, western North and South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and northeastern Georgia. |
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The area that would become Cherokee County was explored by Spanish conquistador [[Hernando de Soto|Hernando DeSoto]] as early as 1540.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cherokee County, North Carolina |url=https://www.carolana.com/NC/Counties/cherokee_county_nc.html |access-date=April 13, 2024 |website=www.carolana.com}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Conn |first=J. Stephen |title=De Soto Historical Marker |date=September 24, 2010 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/jstephenconn/6860035880/ |access-date=April 13, 2024}}</ref> In 1813, the first highway was built through the area. The [[Unicoi Turnpike]] was the first to link [[East Tennessee]], [[North Georgia]], and [[Western North Carolina]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Hyatt, Jr. |first1=Bass |title=Brasstown Valley Myths & History |chapter=Unicoi Turnpike |editor-last=Avett |editor-first=Wally |location=Blairsville, Georgia |publisher=Straub Publishing |year=2018 |page=14 |isbn=9780991372669 }}</ref> Early white farmers who wed [[Native Americans in the United States|Native Americans]] were granted property along the [[Nottely River|Nottley River]] in 1817.<ref name=":03">{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Sarah |date=December 2023 |title=Culberson: Railroad powerhouse of Cherokee County |work=Celebrating our communities of Cherokee County: Volume 1 |publisher=[[Cherokee Scout]] |pages=32–36}}</ref> A Baptist mission center was established in the area as early as 1820.<ref name=":3">{{Citation |last=Williams |first=Ms. Michael Ann |title=National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form – Harshaw Chapel and Cemetery |date=July 14, 1983 |url=https://files.nc.gov/ncdcr/nr/CE0003.pdf}} Retrieved April 15, 2024.</ref> European Americans began to settle near present-day Murphy and a [[trading post]] was established prior to 1828.<ref name="walker">{{Cite book |last=Walker-Freel |first=Margaret |title=OUR HERITAGE |publisher=The Miller Printing Company |year=1956 |location=Asheville, N.C. |pages=51}}</ref> |
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== Law and government == |
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Cherokee County is a member of the regional [[Southwestern Commission]] council of governments. |
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The Old Tatham House at the base of Pisgah Road near [[Andrews, North Carolina|Andrews]] was built in 1833. The two-story log cabin built by Thomas Tatham is the oldest surviving structure in the county.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=David |date=2024-09-18 |title=This week in local history |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |publisher=[[Community Newspapers Inc.]] |location=Murphy, NC |page=7A}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Skirmish at Hanging Dog Creek was one of Civil War's last |url=https://eracmh.blogspot.com/2009/08/skirmish-at-hanging-dog-creek-was-one.html |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Tales From a Mountain Real Estate Office}}</ref> [[Fort Butler (Murphy, North Carolina)|Fort Butler]] was built near Murphy in July 1836 and early court trials were held there.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Voyles |first=Bruce |date=April 11, 2023 |title=Southwest North Carolina a land of forts |url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/opinion/southwest-north-carolina-land-forts |access-date=March 27, 2024 |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |publisher=[[Community Newspapers Inc.]] |location=Murphy, NC}}</ref> In fall 1838, the area's land was put up for public sale in [[Franklin, North Carolina|Franklin]].<ref name=":3" /> Cherokee County was formed in 1839 from [[Macon County, North Carolina|Macon County]] and named for the Cherokee Native Americans.{{sfn|Corbitt|1987|p=62}} A proposal to name the county [[Junaluska]], in honor of the Cherokee leader, was rejected.<ref>{{cite news |last=Voyles |first=Bruce |date=January 17, 2024 |title=Five courthouses in Cherokee County |url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/opinion-newsletter/five-courthouses-cherokee-county |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=Cherokee Scout |publisher=Community Newspapers, Inc. |location=Murphy, NC |page=5A}}</ref> The county's first brick courthouse was constructed in 1844 in downtown Murphy.<ref name="courthistory">{{cite news |date=1927-11-18 |title=Formally open Cherokee's new courthouse |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83004710/1927-11-18/ed-1/seq-1/ |work=The Cherokee Scout |location=Murphy, NC}} Retrieved January 25, 2024.</ref> Murphy was incorporated as the county seat in 1851.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Murphy {{!}} Murphy NC |url=https://www.townofmurphync.com/community/page/about-murphy |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=www.townofmurphync.com |language=en}}</ref> |
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Cherokee County's first industry, a tannery northeast of what would become Andrews, was established by James Stewart in 1852.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Sarah |date=December 1, 2023 |title=Andrews: the Comeback King |work=Celebrating Our Communities of Cherokee County |publisher=[[Cherokee Scout]] |volume=1}}</ref> As European-American population increased in the area in the 19th century, the state legislature created new counties. In 1861 the southeastern part of Cherokee County became [[Clay County, North Carolina|Clay County]]. In 1872, its northeastern part was separated and organized as [[Graham County, North Carolina|Graham County]]. |
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[[Harshaw Chapel and Cemetery|Harshaw Chapel]], the oldest brick structure and church building in Cherokee County, was constructed in 1869.<ref name=":02">{{Cite web |title=Harshaw Chapel and Cemetery Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=187501 |access-date=April 13, 2024 |website=www.hmdb.org |language=en}}</ref> In the late 19th century, there was widespread interest in Native American cultures. In the 1870s, the Valentine brothers of [[Richmond, Virginia]], caused extensive damage to at least eight ancient mounds in Cherokee, Haywood, Jackson, and Swain counties. They roughly excavated and looted them, seeking artifacts for the museum of their father, Mann S. Valentine, which he operated in Richmond.<ref name="stone">{{cite news|url=https://www.smokymountainnews.com/archives/item/18153-protecting-the-past-mounds-hold-key-to-understanding-cherokee-history|title=Protecting the past: Mounds hold key to understanding Cherokee history|last=Stone|first=Jessi|work=Smoky Mountain News|date=August 3, 2016|access-date=December 19, 2020}}</ref> |
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The railroad came to Cherokee County in 1887, with Georgia & North Carolina Railroad's narrow gauge line from [[Marietta, Georgia|Marietta]] to [[Culberson, North Carolina|Culberson]] – then the largest town in the county.<ref name=":03" /> The train reached Murphy the following year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fain, George Mercer, 1820-1893 {{!}} ArchivesSpace Public Interface |url=https://wcu.lyrasistechnology.org/agents/people/340 |access-date=April 15, 2024 |website=wcu.lyrasistechnology.org}}</ref> The county's newspaper, the ''Cherokee Scout'', was founded in 1889.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/about |access-date=April 15, 2024 |website=Cherokee Scout}}</ref> |
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===20th century to present=== |
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The first known brick house in the county, the John Tatham House, was north of Andrews. It was destroyed in the early 1900s.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2007 |title=Town of Andrews Design Guidelines |url=https://regiona.org/wp-content/uploads/Town-of-Andrews-Design-Guidelines_9-27-2007.pdf |access-date=2024-09-21 |website=Regiona.org}}</ref> The 43-inmate Cherokee County Jail was built in downtown Murphy in 1922. The current [[Cherokee County Courthouse (North Carolina)|Cherokee County Courthouse]] was constructed next door four years later.<ref name="courthistory" /> The jail was demolished in 2008 after a new 150-inmate detention center was completed on Regal Street.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Randy |date=2024-10-23 |title=Inmate injured in escape attempt |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |publisher=[[Community Newspapers Inc.]] |location=Murphy, NC |pages=1A, 8A}}</ref> |
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The nation's oldest and largest folk school, [[John C. Campbell Folk School]], was founded in southeast Cherokee County in 1925.<ref>{{cite web |last=Eiben |first=Vicky |date=2015 |title=A brief history of folk schools |url=https://folkschoolalliance.org/a-brief-history-of-folk-schools |work=Folk Education Association of America |publisher=Folk School Alliance |quote=The John C. Campbell Folk School founded in 1925 in Brasstown, North Carolina is the largest folk school in the U.S. today.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=region: Brasstown, Hayesville |url=https://www.visitsmokies.org/regions/brasstown-hayesville/ |work=Great Smoky Mountains North Carolina |quote=Nation's oldest folk school founded in 1925.}}</ref> The county's first medical institution was Petrie Hospital, founded in November 1933 by Dr. R.W. Petrie, an eye, ear, nose, and throat specialist. The hospital was a two-story white brick building atop a hill on Peachtree Street in downtown Murphy. It started with four registered nurses and a capacity of 21 patients.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83004710/1935-12-24/ed-1/seq-1/#words=PETRlE+HOSPITAL |access-date=January 18, 2024 |title=Petrie Hospital Here is Granted a State Charter |work=The Cherokee Scout |location=Murphy, NC |date=December 24, 1935 |page=A1}}</ref> The [[Sisters of Providence of Holyoke]] came to Murphy in 1956 to manage Petrie Hospital and renamed it Providence Hospital.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://st-william.net/history |access-date=January 18, 2024 |title=Our History |work=St. William Catholic Church}}</ref> The 22-bed Murphy General Hospital was built by Dr. F. V. Taylor in 1941 and closed in July 1969 due to insufficient staff and property.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=McKeever |first=Mrs. Hobart |date=January 29, 1961 |title=Cherokee County Shows Greatest Progress During 1950-60 Decade |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/201809295/?terms=cherokee%20county&match=1 |access-date=March 21, 2024 |work=[[Asheville Citizen-Times]] |page=77}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=July 24, 1969 |title=Murphy General Hospital Ceases Operation |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn95072291/1969-07-24/ed-1/seq-1/ |access-date=March 21, 2024 |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |location=Murphy, NC |page=1}}</ref> In 1956, a $375,000, 30-bed non-profit regional hospital named District Memorial was constructed in Andrews.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jan 29, 1961, page 77 - Asheville Citizen-Times at Newspapers.com |url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/201809295/ |access-date=March 21, 2024 |website=Newspapers.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83004710/1954-05-20/ed-1/seq-1/#words=District+Memorial |access-date=January 18, 2024 |title=Andrews to get $345,000 district hospital soon |work=The Cherokee Scout |location=Murphy, NC |date=May 20, 1954 |page=A1}}</ref> In January 1974 the Murphy Town Council approved spending $4,000 on a study to see whether constructing a new hospital was feasible. Following this study, Providence Hospital closed in 1978 and Murphy Medical Center was founded in 1979.<ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=David |title=This week in local history |work=Cherokee Scout |location=Murphy, NC |publisher=Community Newspapers, Inc. |date=January 17, 2024 |page=9A }}</ref> Citing uncollected payments, District Memorial Hospital declared bankruptcy in 2000, closed soon afterward, and was demolished.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20000612/PREMIUM/6120308/hospital-briefs |access-date=January 18, 2024 |title=Hospital Briefs |work=Modern Healthcare |publisher=Crain Communications |date=June 12, 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=McGoun |first=Bill |url=https://www.citizen-times.com/story/opinion/2020/07/25/pondering-plight-rural-hospitals-wnc-one-their-beds-asheville-nc-mission/5502080002/#:~:text=District%20Memorial%20Hospital%20in%20Andrews,in%201997%20to%20form%20WestCare. |access-date=January 18, 2024 |title=McGoun: Pondering the plight of rural hospitals in WNC from one of their beds |work=Citizen-Times |location=Asheville, NC |publisher=Gannett |date=July 25, 2020 |quote=District Memorial Hospital in Andrews is long gone and its buildings have been razed.}}</ref> Murphy Medical Center was acquired by [[Erlanger Health System]] and renamed [[Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital]] in 2019. Today it is the only hospital in the state west of [[Bryson City, North Carolina|Bryson City]] and [[Franklin, North Carolina|Franklin]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://erlangerhealth.wordpress.com/2019/01/14/erlanger-announces-name-change-for-murphy-nc-hospital/ |access-date=January 18, 2024 |title=Erlanger announces name change for Murphy NC hospital |work=Erlanger News |publisher=Erlanger Health System |date=January 19, 2019}}</ref> |
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Cherokee County operated on [[Central Time Zone|Central]] time as late as 1934.<ref>{{cite news |last=Robertson, Jr. |first=A.T. |date=September 27, 1934 |title=TVA Co-operating In Brasstown Program |pages=8–9 |work=The Cherokee Scout |location=Murphy, North Carolina |format=PDF |url=https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn83004710/1934-09-27/ed-1/seq-9/ |access-date=October 30, 2023}}</ref> It is now located in the [[Eastern Time Zone]]. In the late 1930s, [[Hiwassee Dam]] was built in northwest Cherokee County by the [[Tennessee Valley Authority]], creating [[Hiwassee Lake]].<ref name="report1">Tennessee Valley Authority, ''The Hiwassee Project: A Comprehensive Report on the Planning, Design, Construction, and Initial Operations of the Hiwassee Project'' (Hiwassee Valley Projects Volume 1), Technical Report No. 5 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1946), pp. 1–8, 39–40, 211, 230, 242, 248.</ref> It is the highest overspill dam in the Eastern United States and was the tallest in the world when it was completed in 1940.<ref name="NC Markers 2023-08-05">{{cite web |title=Hiawassee Dam |url=http://www.ncmarkers.com/Markers.aspx?MarkerId=Q-54 |accessdate=August 6, 2023 |work=North Carolina Highway Historical Marker Program |publisher=North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources}}</ref> A second TVA dam, [[Apalachia Dam|Apalachia]], was built near the Tennessee border in 1942.<ref name="report12">Tennessee Valley Authority, ''The Hiwassee Valley Projects Volume 2: The Apalachia, Ocoee No. 3, Nottely, and Chatuge Projects'', Technical Report No. 5 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1948), pp. 1–13, 33, 34–35, 331, 493–494, 517, 526, 531.</ref> In the 1950s, the world's largest and most powerful pump was added to Hiwassee Dam.<ref name=":0" /> |
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In the early 1940s, religious tourist attraction [[Fields of the Wood]] opened in western Cherokee County with the world's largest Christian cross and biggest [[Ten Commandments]], covering a mountainside.<ref name=":0" /> In June 1955, the county health department moved into a new building at its current location.<ref name=":0" /> [[Tri-County Community College]] was founded in [[Peachtree, North Carolina|Peachtree]] in late 1964.<ref name="Moorebook">{{cite book |last1=Moore |first1=Carl S. |title=Clay County, N.C.: Then and Now |publisher=Genealogy Publishing Service |year=2008 |isbn=978-1881851240 |location=Franklin, N.C.}}</ref> A four-lane highway was built between Murphy and Andrews around 1977.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ward |first=Trawick |url=https://www.rla.unc.edu/Publications/pdf/misc/Andrews.pdf |title=An Archaeological Survey of the New U.S. 19-129 Route Between Andrews and Murphy in Cherokee Co. |date=April 1977 |publisher=The Research Laboratories of Anthropology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill}}</ref> |
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An F4 tornado in western Cherokee County killed four people (including two children) and injured 40 on April 3, 1974. It destroyed 45 homes near Murphy, causing $13 million (1974) in damages. The F4 was the deadliest of four tornadoes that struck the county during the first four days of April that year in the [[1974 Super Outbreak]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Brittany |date=April 6, 2017 |title=Murphy, N.C. woman remembers deadly tornadoes of 1974 |url=https://newschannel9.com/news/local/murphy-nc-woman-remembers-deadly-tornadoes-of-1974 |access-date=April 12, 2024 |website=WTVC |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=David |date=April 10, 2024 |title=This Week in Local History |url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/week-local-history-108 |access-date=April 12, 2024 |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |publisher=[[Community Newspapers Inc.]] |location=Murphy, NC |page=8A}}</ref> An EF-2 tornado hit Murphy the night of March 2, 2012, in the [[Tornado outbreak of March 2–3, 2012]], damaging businesses and temporarily closing two schools. An EF-1 tornado hit the Peachtree community on the night of May 8, 2024, in the [[Tornado outbreak of May 6–9, 2024]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=WTVC |date=2024-05-10 |title=NWS confirms tornadoes touched down in northeast Alabama, western North Carolina |url=https://newschannel9.com/news/local/nws-confirms-tornadoes-touched-down-in-northeast-alabama-western-north-carolina |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=WTVC |language=en}}</ref> |
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In 2014, the [[U.S. Forest Service]] made the decision to close Hanging Dog Campground in Nantahala National Forest.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=David |date=2024-05-08 |title=This Week in Local History |url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/local/week-local-history-111?check_logged_in=1 |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |publisher=[[Community Newspapers Inc.]] |location=Murphy, NC |page=6A}}</ref> A proposal to open a 1,200-acre state park at the site was dismissed by the [[North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources]] in 2023, as officials said the project would cost more than $20 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/hanging-dog-state-park |title=Hanging Dog State Park? |work=Cherokee Scout |location=Murphy, NC |publisher=Community Newspapers, Inc. |date=December 29, 2023 }}</ref> Tourism has become a major industry for the county. As of 2023, the tourism industry employs at least 590 people in the county and generates more than $100 million in annual visitor spending.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=David |date=2024-09-04 |title=County spending increases 2.6% |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |publisher=[[Community Newspapers Inc.]] |location=Murphy, NC |page=4A}}</ref> |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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{{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=8|id=Q484664|type=shape-inverse|text=Interactive map of Cherokee County}} |
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According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of 467 square miles (1,209 km²), of which, 455 square miles (1,179 km²) of it is land and 11 square miles (30 km²) of it (2.46%) is water. |
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[[File:The Hiwassee River and the town of Murphy in Cherokee County, N.C., on Oct. 24, 2022.jpg|thumb|Downtown Murphy from the air; the Hiwassee River is on the left]] |
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According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|466.67|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|455.54|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|11.13|sqmi}} (2.38%) is water.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2022 |title=2020 County Gazetteer Files – North Carolina |url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_counties_37.txt |access-date=September 9, 2023 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}}</ref> |
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Located in the southern [[Appalachian Mountains]], Cherokee County contains a varied [[natural landscape]]. Portions of the county fall within the boundaries of the [[Nantahala National Forest]]. The [[Hiwassee River]] flows into Tennessee after passing through this county from southeast to northwest; it is a tributary of the [[Tennessee River]]. Both rivers are known to have had several historic [[Cherokee]] towns and villages located along their banks. |
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=== Natural Landscape === |
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Located in the southern [[Appalachian]] Mountains, Cherokee County contains a varied [[natural landscape]]. Portions of the county fall within the boundaries of the [[Nantahala National Forest]], and the [[Hiawassee River]] - a tributary of the [[Tennessee River]] - flows through the county from southeast to northwest. |
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As of 2022, the county had 25,410 acres of agricultural land and 246 farms.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Randy |date=2024-09-03 |title=County by the numbers |url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/county-numbers |access-date=2024-09-06 |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |publisher=[[Community Newspapers Inc.]] |location=Murphy, NC |pages=1A, 7A}}</ref> Cherokee County has a total of 28 dams according to the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers|U.S. Army Corps of Engineers]]. Thirteen are classified as high-hazard, meaning a dam failure may be deadly; nine of those have no emergency action plans. Of the 13 high-hazard dams, eight are marked as potentially dangerous; one is considered an immediate threat.<ref>{{Cite web |title=National Inventory of Dams |url=https://nid.sec.usace.army.mil/#/dams/search/sy=@countyState:Cherokee,%20North%20Carolina&viewType=map&resultsType=dams&advanced=false&hideList=false&eventSystem=false |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=U.S. Army Corps of Engineers}}</ref> |
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In April 1974, parts of Cherokee County were affected by a historic weather event - the [[Super Outbreak]] of tornadoes, which affected parts of 13 states and was the largest such event to be recorded in the U.S. |
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In April 1974, parts of Cherokee County were affected by a historic weather event, the [[1974 Super Outbreak]] of tornadoes. This affected parts of 13 states and was the second-largest such event to be recorded in the U.S. |
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=== Townships === |
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The county is divided into six [[township (United States)|townships]]: Beaverdam, Hothouse, Murphy, Notla, Shoal Creek, and Valleytown. |
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=== |
===Cherokee reserve=== |
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Portions of the [[Qualla Boundary]] are located in Cherokee County. These are non-contiguous and are separate from the main part of the Qualla Boundary, which is in [[Swain County, North Carolina|Swain]] and [[Jackson County, North Carolina|Jackson]] counties. The land is exclusive territory of the federally recognized [[Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians]] and is protected by their Tribal Police. Following the success of [[Harrah's Cherokee]] Tribal Casino in Cherokee, the EBCI opened a second tribal casino in 2015 on a plot of their land here, located within the [[Murphy, North Carolina|Murphy]] city limits. |
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===National protected area=== |
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Parts of the [[Qualla Boundary]], also known as the Eastern Cherokee Indian Reservation, are located in Cherokee County. These sections of the Qualla Boundary are non-contiguous from the primary part of the Qualla Boundary located in [[Swain County, North Carolina|Swain]] and [[Jackson County, North Carolina|Jackson]] counties. |
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* [[Nantahala National Forest]] (part) |
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===State and local protected areas=== |
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* [[Cherokee Lake Recreation Area]] |
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* [[Fires Creek|Fires Creek Wildlife Management Area]] (part)<ref name="NCWRC Game Lands"/> |
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* [[Hanging Dog Recreation Area]] |
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* [[Nantahala National Forest Game Land]] (part)<ref name="NCWRC Game Lands">{{Cite web |title=NCWRC Game Lands |url=https://www.ncpaws.org/ncwrcmaps/gamelands |access-date=March 30, 2023 |website=www.ncpaws.org}}</ref> |
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===Major water bodies=== |
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* [[Appalachia Lake (North Carolina)|Appalachia Lake]] |
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* [[Harold Wells Lake (North Carolina)|Harold Wells Lake]] |
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* [[Hiwassee Lake]] |
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* [[Hiwassee River]] |
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* [[Junaluska Creek (North Carolina)|Junaluska Creek]] |
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* [[Little Tennessee River]] |
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* [[Moccasin Creek (North Carolina)|Moccasin Creek]] |
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* [[Nottely River]] |
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* [[Peachtree Creek (North Carolina)|Peachtree Creek]] |
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* [[Valley River (North Carolina)|Valley River]] |
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* [[Welch Mill Creek (North Carolina)|Welch Mill Creek]] |
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===Adjacent counties=== |
===Adjacent counties=== |
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*[[Graham County, North Carolina]] |
* [[Graham County, North Carolina|Graham County]] – north |
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*[[ |
* [[Clay County, North Carolina|Clay County]] – east |
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*[[ |
* [[Macon County, North Carolina|Macon County]] – east |
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*[[ |
* [[Fannin County, Georgia]] – southwest |
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*[[ |
* [[Union County, Georgia]] – south |
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*[[Polk County, Tennessee]] |
* [[Polk County, Tennessee]] – west |
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*[[Monroe County, Tennessee]] |
* [[Monroe County, Tennessee]] – northwest |
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=== |
===Major highways=== |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|US|19}} |
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Cherokee County is well-known in [[North Carolina]] as the westernmost of the state's 100 counties. Several US and state highways serve the county, linking it with other regions of North Carolina, along with the neighboring states of [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] and [[Tennessee]]. |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Bus|19|dab1=Andrews}} (Andrews) |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|US-Bus|19|dab1=Murphy}} (Murphy) |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|US|64}} |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|US|74}} |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|US|129}} |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|60}} |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|141}} |
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* {{Jct|state=NC|NC|294}} |
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US 64, the longest highway in North Carolina, and a cross-country highway, passes through the county from east–west. US 74, which links [[Chattanooga, Tennessee|Chattanooga]], [[Asheville, North Carolina|Asheville]], [[Charlotte, North Carolina|Charlotte]], and [[Wilmington, North Carolina|Wilmington]], is a major 4-lane highway through the county. US 19 and US 129 also pass through the county, providing connections to [[Atlanta, Georgia|Atlanta]] to the south and [[Knoxville, Tennessee|Knoxville]] to the north. There is also a plan to extend Interstate 24 from Chattanooga to Charlotte. |
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===Major infrastructure=== |
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* [[Western Carolina Regional Airport]] |
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==Demographics== |
==Demographics== |
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{{US Census population |
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As of the [[census]]{{GR|2}} of 2000, there were 24,298 people, 10,336 households, and 7,369 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 53 people per square mile (21/km²). There were 13,499 housing units at an average density of 30 per square mile (11/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 94.82% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 1.59% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 1.63% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.28% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.45% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.21% from two or more races. 1.25% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 34.3% were of [[United States|American]], 10.8% [[Irish people|Irish]], 10.6% [[German people|German]] and 10.3% [[English people|English]] ancestry according to [[Census 2000]]. 97.7% spoke [[English language|English]] and 1.2% [[Spanish language|Spanish]] as their first language. |
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| 1840 = 3427 |
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| 1850 = 6838 |
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| 1860 = 9166 |
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| 1870 = 8080 |
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| 1880 = 8182 |
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| 1890 = 9976 |
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| 1900 = 11860 |
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| 1910 = 14136 |
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| 1920 = 15242 |
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| 1930 = 16151 |
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| 1940 = 18813 |
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| 1950 = 18294 |
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| 1960 = 16335 |
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| 1970 = 16330 |
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| 1980 = 18933 |
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| 1990 = 20170 |
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| 2000 = 24298 |
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| 2010 = 27444 |
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| 2020 = 28774 |
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| estyear=2023 |
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| estimate=29959 |
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| estref =<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts"/> |
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| align-fn=center |
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| 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=January 13, 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=January 13, 2015|archive-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110448/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 1900–1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/nc190090.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=January 13, 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://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |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=January 13, 2015}}</ref> 2010<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37039.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=October 18, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110805235140/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/37/37039.html|archive-date=August 5, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> 2020<ref name="2020CensusQuickFacts">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/cherokeecountynorthcarolina|title=QuickFacts: Cherokee County, North Carolina|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 21, 2024}}</ref> |
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}}As of 2024, Cherokee County has the second-oldest population of any county in North Carolina. The county's median age is 52.2, just behind [[Brunswick County, North Carolina|Brunswick County]]. Ten percent of Cherokee County residents are veterans; the county has the highest concentration of veterans in the state after counties with significant military and naval facilities.<ref name=":2" /> Cherokee County ranks second in the state for residents age 16-24 who are neither in school nor employed.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Foster |first=Randy |date=2024-09-11 |title=Needs of schools daunting |url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/local-newsletter/needs-schools-daunting |access-date=2024-09-21 |work=[[Cherokee Scout]] |publisher=[[Community Newspapers Inc.]] |location=Murphy, NC |pages=1A, 9A}}</ref> |
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As of 2024, Cherokee County has the third-lowest per capita income in the state: $40,021. One-fourth of its children live in poverty.<ref name=":4" /> |
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There were 10,336 households (there gonna take over the world!!!!)out of which 25.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.80% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.76. |
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===2020 census=== |
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In the county the population was spread out with 20.60% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 28.80% from 45 to 64, and 19.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 94.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.70 males. |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |
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|+'''Cherokee County, North Carolina – Racial and ethnic composition'''<br><small>{{nobold|''Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.''}}</small> |
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!Race / Ethnicity <small>(''NH = Non-Hispanic'')</small> |
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!Pop 2000<ref name=2000CensusP004>{{Cite web|title=P004: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Cherokee County, North Carolina |url=https://data.census.gov/table?g=050XX00US37039&tid=DECENNIALSF12000.P004|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref> |
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!Pop 2010<ref name=2010CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cherokee County, North Carolina |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=050XX00US37039&tid=DECENNIALPL2010.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref> |
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!{{partial|Pop 2020}}<ref name=2020CensusP2>{{Cite web|title=P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Cherokee County, North Carolina |url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?q=p2&g=050XX00US37039&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date= }}</ref> |
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!% 2000 |
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!% 2010 |
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!{{partial|% 2020}} |
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|- |
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|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino whites|White]] alone (NH) |
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|22,875 |
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|23,341 |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |25,366 |
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|94.14% |
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|92.34% |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |88.16% |
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|- |
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|[[Non-Hispanic or Latino African Americans|Black or African American]] alone (NH) |
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|382 |
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|327 |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |373 |
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|1.57% |
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|1.19% |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |1.30% |
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|- |
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|[[Native Americans in the United States|Native American]] or [[Alaska Native]] alone (NH) |
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|394 |
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|336 |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |417 |
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|1.62% |
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|1.22% |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |1.45% |
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|- |
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|[[Asian Americans|Asian]] alone (NH) |
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|68 |
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|131 |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |158 |
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|0.28% |
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|0.48% |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.55% |
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|- |
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|[[Pacific Islander Americans|Pacific Islander]] alone (NH) |
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|3 |
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|8 |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |0 |
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|0.01% |
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|0.03% |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.00% |
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|- |
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|[[Race and ethnicity in the United States census|Other Race]] alone (NH) |
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|2 |
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|3 |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |66 |
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|0.01% |
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|0.01% |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |0.23% |
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|- |
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|[[Multiracial Americans|Mixed race or Multiracial]] (NH) |
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|271 |
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|610 |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |1,495 |
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|1.12% |
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|2.22% |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |5.20% |
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|- |
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|[[Hispanic and Latino Americans|Hispanic or Latino]] (any race) |
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|303 |
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|688 |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |899 |
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|1.25% |
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|2.51% |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |3.12% |
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|- |
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|'''Total''' |
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|'''24,298''' |
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|'''27,444''' |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''28,774''' |
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|'''100.00%''' |
|||
|'''100.00%''' |
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|style='background: #ffffe6; |'''100.00%''' |
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|} |
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As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], there were 28,774 people, 12,471 households, and 8,465 families residing in the county. |
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The median income for a household in the county was $27,992, and the median income for a family was $33,768. Males had a median income of $26,127 versus $18,908 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $15,814. About 11.70% of families and 15.30% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 19.20% of those under age 18 and 18.00% of those age 65 or over. |
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===2000 census=== |
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== Cities and towns == |
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At the [[2000 United States census|2000 census]],<ref name="GR2">{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref> there were 24,298 people, 10,336 households, and 7,369 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|53|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people}}. There were 13,499 housing units at an average density of {{convert|30|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units |units|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 94.82% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 1.59% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 1.63% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.28% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.45% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.21% from two or more races. 1.25% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 34.3% were of [[United States|American]], 10.8% [[Irish people|Irish]], 10.6% [[German people|German]] and 10.3% [[English people|English]] ancestry according to [[Census 2000]]. 97.7% spoke [[English language|English]] and 1.2% [[Spanish language|Spanish]] as their first language. |
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[[Image:Map of Cherokee County North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels.PNG|thumb|300px|Map of Cherokee County, North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels]] |
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*[[Andrews, North Carolina|Andrews]] |
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There were 10,336 households, out of which 25.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.80% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.76. |
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*[[Murphy, North Carolina|Murphy]] |
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*[[Owl Creek, North Carolina|Owl Creek]] |
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In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.60% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 28.80% from 45 to 64, and 19.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 94.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.70 males. |
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The median income for a household in the county was $27,992, and the median income for a family was $33,768. Males had a median income of $26,127 versus $18,908 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $15,814. About 11.70% of families and 15.30% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 19.20% of those under age 18 and 18.00% of those age 65 or over. |
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==Law, government, and politics== |
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===Government=== |
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Mandated by the laws of the State of North Carolina, Cherokee County is governed by an elected five-member board of commissioners who each serve a four-year term. The board directs the actions of the appointed Cherokee County Manager. The commission, as of 2023, is composed of Ben Adams, Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, Jan Griggs (vice-chair), Randy Phillips, and Cal Stiles (chair). Maria Hass is the clerk to the board and Darryl Brown is the county attorney.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Board of Commissioners |url=https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/322/Board-of-Commissioners |access-date=October 1, 2023 |website=www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov}}</ref> |
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Cherokee County is a member of the regional [[Councils of governments in North Carolina|Southwestern Commission Council of Governments]]. |
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Cherokee County faces more than $50 million in costs related to lawsuits over its [[North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services|Department of Social Services]] practice of separating children from families with an unlawful form to bypass judicial approval.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Kate |date=August 19, 2021 |title=County wary of lawsuit costs as insurer tries to reduce its liability |url=http://carolinapublicpress.org/47788/county-wary-of-lawsuit-costs-as-insurer-tries-to-reduce-its-liability/ |access-date=March 7, 2022 |website=Carolina Public Press |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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===Public safety=== |
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====Sheriff and police==== |
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Court protection, jail management, and security for county owned property plus patrol and detective services for unincorporated county areas is provided by the Cherokee County Sheriff. The towns of Murphy and Andrews have municipal police departments. The Qualla Boundary tribal police provide security for the Cherokee Nation's Qualla Boundary territories throughout the county.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sheriff's Office {{pipe}} Cherokee County, NC |url=https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/269/Sheriffs-Office |url-status=live |access-date=August 14, 2022 |website=www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625010115/https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/269/Sheriffs-Office|archive-date=June 25, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home – Murphy, NC Police |url=http://www.murphypolice.com/ |access-date=August 15, 2022 |website=www.murphypolice.com}}</ref> |
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====Fire and EMS==== |
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Fire protection is provided by thirteen all-volunteer fire departments in the county including those at Culberson and Murphy.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/BusinessDirectoryII.aspx?lngBusinessCategoryID=22|title = Resource Directory • Cherokee County, NC • CivicEngage}}</ref> Cherokee County Fire Inspector activity is part of the Cherokee County Building Code Enforcement Office.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fire Inspection Office {{pipe}} Cherokee County, NC |url=https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/188/Fire-Inspection-Office |url-status=live |archive-date=August 13, 2022 |access-date=August 14, 2022 |website=www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220813033225/https://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/188/Fire-Inspection-Office}}</ref> |
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===Politics=== |
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{{PresHead|place=Cherokee County, North Carolina|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 15, 2018}}</ref>}} |
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<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} --> |
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{{PresRow|2024|Republican|13,883|3,686|255|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|2020|Republican|12,628|3,583|212|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|2016|Republican|10,844|2,860|477|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|2012|Republican|9,278|3,378|211|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|2008|Republican|8,643|3,785|158|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|2004|Republican|7,517|3,635|47|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|2000|Republican|6,305|3,239|130|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1996|Republican|3,883|3,129|871|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1992|Republican|4,021|3,686|1,051|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1988|Republican|4,557|2,567|21|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1984|Republican|4,894|2,776|9|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1980|Republican|3,849|3,114|116|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|3,210|3,571|67|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1972|Republican|4,113|2,411|80|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1968|Republican|3,768|2,402|915|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|3,106|3,823|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1960|Republican|4,294|3,197|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1956|Republican|3,830|2,843|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1952|Democratic|3,228|3,363|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|2,615|2,771|186|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1944|Republican|2,625|2,582|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|2,674|3,180|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|3,214|3,473|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|3,131|3,348|25|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1928|Republican|3,239|1,911|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1924|Republican|2,314|1,742|23|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1920|Republican|2,506|1,761|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1916|Tie|1,362|1,362|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|734|906|477|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1908|Republican|1,310|782|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1904|Republican|980|663|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1900|Republican|1,157|774|6|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1896|Republican|987|770|2|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1892|Tie|692|692|66|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1888|Republican|888|673|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresRow|1884|Republican|678|517|0|North Carolina}} |
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{{PresFoot|1880|Democratic|649|722|0|North Carolina}} |
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Politically, Cherokee County is dominated by the Republican Party.<ref>{{cite news| last = Pishko| first = Jessica| title = Fed Up| newspaper = The Assembly| date = September 27, 2023| url = https://www.theassemblync.com/politics/constitutional-sheriff-cherokee-county/| access-date = September 28, 2023}}</ref> No Democratic presidential candidate has carried Cherokee County since [[Jimmy Carter]] in 1976, and the past six Republican candidates have all exceeded 65 percent of the county's vote, with [[Donald Trump]] exceeding 75 percent in 2016, 2020, and 2024. |
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Cherokee County lies within the [[North Carolina's 50th Senate district|50th State Senate district]], represented by Republican Senator [[Jim Davis (North Carolina politician)|Jim Davis]], in the [[North Carolina Senate]]. It lies within the [[North Carolina's 120th House district|120th district]], and is represented by Republican [[Kevin Corbin]], in the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]]. |
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==Education== |
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[[Cherokee County Schools (North Carolina)|Cherokee County Schools]] manages 13 schools including [[Murphy High School (North Carolina)|Murphy]], [[Andrews High School (North Carolina)|Andrews]], and [[Hiwassee Dam High School|Hiwassee Dam]] high schools. The school system has a total enrollment of 3,081 students.<ref>{{cite news |last=Foster |first=Randy |url=https://publisher.etype.services/Cherokee-Scout/e-paper-regular-edition/9190D8A58EAD97D5 |title=Overcrowded with campuses |work=Cherokee Scout |location=Murphy, N.C. |publisher=Community Newspapers, Inc. |date=September 6, 2023 |page=9A }}</ref> |
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Higher education is offered at [[Tri-County Community College]] in Murphy. |
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The [[John C. Campbell Folk School]], is located in [[Brasstown, North Carolina|Brasstown]], an unincorporated village near Murphy. It exists partly in Cherokee County and partly in Clay County. This education center focuses on creative folk arts, music, and dance for all ages.<ref>{{Cite web|title = John C. Campbell Folk School|url = https://www.folkschool.org/|website = www.folkschool.org|access-date = February 23, 2016}}</ref> |
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==Media== |
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[[File:Local TV 4 is a television news station based in Murphy, N.C.jpg|thumb|Local TV 4 television station in Murphy]] |
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The ''[[Cherokee Scout]]'' has been published weekly in Murphy since 1889. After merging with ''The Andrews Journal'' on January 1, 2019, the ''Scout'' has been the only newspaper serving Cherokee County.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cherokeescout.com/opinion/david-brown-andrews-journal-merging-cherokee-scout|title=Andrews Journal merging with Cherokee Scout|last=Brown|first=David|date=December 27, 2018|access-date=March 8, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}</ref> |
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[[WKRK (AM)|WKRK]] 1320 AM, [[WCVP (AM)|WCVP]] 600 AM, and [[WCNG]] 102.7 FM are three radio stations currently broadcast from Murphy. |
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Local TV 4 is a Murphy-based television news station. |
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==Communities== |
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[[File:Map of Cherokee County North Carolina With Municipal and Township Labels.PNG|thumb|300px|Map of Cherokee County with municipal and township labels]] |
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[[File:Downtown Andrews, North Carolina, in Cherokee County 01.jpg|thumb|Downtown Andrews]] |
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===Towns=== |
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* [[Andrews, North Carolina|Andrews]] (largest community) |
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* [[Murphy, North Carolina|Murphy]] (county seat) |
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===Census-designated place=== |
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* [[Marble, North Carolina|Marble]] |
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===Village=== |
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* [[Hiwassee, North Carolina|Hiwassee]] |
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===Unincorporated communities=== |
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* [[Bellview, North Carolina|Bellview]] |
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* [[Culberson, North Carolina|Culberson]] |
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* [[Friendship, Cherokee County, North Carolina|Friendship]] |
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* [[Grape Creek, North Carolina|Grape Creek]] |
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* Hanging Dog |
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* [[Hothouse, North Carolina|Hothouse]] |
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* Liberty |
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* [[Martins Creek, North Carolina|Martins Creek]] |
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* [[Owl Creek, North Carolina|Owl Creek]] |
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* [[Peachtree, North Carolina|Peachtree]] |
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* Ranger |
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* [[Rhodo, North Carolina|Rhodo]] |
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* [[Texana, North Carolina|Texana]] |
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* [[Tomotla, North Carolina|Tomotla]] |
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* [[Topton, North Carolina|Topton]] |
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* [[Unaka, North Carolina|Unaka]] |
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* Violet<ref>{{cite web|url=https://northcarolina.hometownlocator.com/nc/cherokee/violet.cfm|title=Violet Populated Place Profile / Cherokee County, North Carolina Data|website=northcarolina.hometownlocator.com}}</ref> |
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* Wehutty |
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===Townships=== |
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* Beaverdam |
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* Hothouse |
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* Murphy |
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* Notla |
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* Shoal Creek |
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* Valleytown |
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==See also== |
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* [[List of counties in North Carolina]] |
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* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Cherokee County, North Carolina]] |
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* [[Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA]], wine region partially located in the county |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
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<references /> |
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==Works cited== |
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* {{cite book| last = Corbitt| first = David Leroy| title = The formation of the North Carolina counties, 1663–1943| publisher = North Carolina Division of Archives and History| date = 1987| location = Raleigh| url = https://digital.ncdcr.gov/Documents/Detail/the-formation-of-the-north-carolina-counties-1663-1943/3692099?item=4798800}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category}} |
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*[http://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov Official Cherokee County NC Government Website] |
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* {{osmrelation|2528686}} |
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*[http://www.theblueridgehighlander.com/cherokee_county_north_carolina/index.html '''Cherokee County North Carolina Profile with photos'''] |
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* {{Official website|http://www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov/}} |
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* [http://www.theblueridgehighlander.com/cherokee_county_north_carolina/index.html Cherokee County, North Carolina profile with photos] |
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{{Geographic Location |
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{{North_Carolina}} |
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|Centre = Cherokee County, North Carolina |
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|North = |
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|Northeast = [[Graham County, North Carolina|Graham County]] |
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|East = [[Macon County, North Carolina|Macon County]] |
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|Southeast = [[Clay County, North Carolina|Clay County]] |
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|South = [[Union County, Georgia]] |
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|Southwest = [[Fannin County, Georgia]] |
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|West = [[Polk County, Tennessee]] |
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|Northwest = [[Monroe County, Tennessee]] |
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}} |
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{{Cherokee County, North Carolina}} |
{{Cherokee County, North Carolina}} |
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{{North Carolina}} |
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{{coord|35.14|-84.06|display=title|type:adm2_region:US-NC_source:UScensus1990}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cherokee County, North Carolina}} |
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[[Category:Cherokee County, North Carolina| ]] |
[[Category:Cherokee County, North Carolina| ]] |
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[[Category:Counties of Appalachia]] |
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[[Category:1839 establishments in North Carolina]] |
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[[ar:مقاطعة تشيروكي، كارولاينا الشمالية]] |
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[[Category:Populated places established in 1839]] |
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[[de:Cherokee County (North Carolina)]] |
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[[fr:Comté de Cherokee (Caroline du Nord)]] |
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[[bpy:চেরুকী কাউন্টি, নর্থ ক্যারোলাইনা]] |
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[[it:Contea di Cherokee (Carolina del Nord)]] |
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[[nl:Cherokee County (North Carolina)]] |
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[[ja:チェロキー郡 (ノースカロライナ州)]] |
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[[no:Cherokee County (Nord-Carolina)]] |
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[[nds:Cherokee County (Noord-Carolina)]] |
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[[pl:Hrabstwo Cherokee (Karolina Północna)]] |
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[[pt:Condado de Cherokee (Carolina do Norte)]] |
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[[simple:Cherokee County, North Carolina]] |
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[[sv:Cherokee County, North Carolina]] |
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[[zh:切羅基縣 (北卡羅萊納州)]] |
Latest revision as of 21:49, 14 December 2024
Cherokee County | |
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Coordinates: 35°08′N 84°04′W / 35.14°N 84.06°W | |
Country | United States |
State | North Carolina |
Founded | 1839 |
Named for | Cherokee Indians |
Seat | Murphy |
Largest community | Andrews |
Area | |
• Total | 466.67 sq mi (1,208.7 km2) |
• Land | 455.54 sq mi (1,179.8 km2) |
• Water | 11.13 sq mi (28.8 km2) 2.38% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 28,774 |
• Estimate (2023) | 29,959 |
• Density | 63.16/sq mi (24.39/km2) |
Demonym | Cherokee Countians |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional district | 11th |
Website | www |
Cherokee County is the westernmost county in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It borders Tennessee to its west and Georgia to its south. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,774.[1] The county seat is Murphy.[2][3]
History
[edit]This area was occupied for thousands of years by indigenous peoples who settled in the river valleys. It was part of the historic Cherokee homelands, a large territory composed of areas of what are now western Virginia, western North and South Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and northeastern Georgia.
The area that would become Cherokee County was explored by Spanish conquistador Hernando DeSoto as early as 1540.[4][5] In 1813, the first highway was built through the area. The Unicoi Turnpike was the first to link East Tennessee, North Georgia, and Western North Carolina.[6] Early white farmers who wed Native Americans were granted property along the Nottley River in 1817.[7] A Baptist mission center was established in the area as early as 1820.[8] European Americans began to settle near present-day Murphy and a trading post was established prior to 1828.[9]
The Old Tatham House at the base of Pisgah Road near Andrews was built in 1833. The two-story log cabin built by Thomas Tatham is the oldest surviving structure in the county.[10][11] Fort Butler was built near Murphy in July 1836 and early court trials were held there.[12] In fall 1838, the area's land was put up for public sale in Franklin.[8] Cherokee County was formed in 1839 from Macon County and named for the Cherokee Native Americans.[13] A proposal to name the county Junaluska, in honor of the Cherokee leader, was rejected.[14] The county's first brick courthouse was constructed in 1844 in downtown Murphy.[15] Murphy was incorporated as the county seat in 1851.[16]
Cherokee County's first industry, a tannery northeast of what would become Andrews, was established by James Stewart in 1852.[17] As European-American population increased in the area in the 19th century, the state legislature created new counties. In 1861 the southeastern part of Cherokee County became Clay County. In 1872, its northeastern part was separated and organized as Graham County.
Harshaw Chapel, the oldest brick structure and church building in Cherokee County, was constructed in 1869.[18] In the late 19th century, there was widespread interest in Native American cultures. In the 1870s, the Valentine brothers of Richmond, Virginia, caused extensive damage to at least eight ancient mounds in Cherokee, Haywood, Jackson, and Swain counties. They roughly excavated and looted them, seeking artifacts for the museum of their father, Mann S. Valentine, which he operated in Richmond.[19]
The railroad came to Cherokee County in 1887, with Georgia & North Carolina Railroad's narrow gauge line from Marietta to Culberson – then the largest town in the county.[7] The train reached Murphy the following year.[20] The county's newspaper, the Cherokee Scout, was founded in 1889.[21]
20th century to present
[edit]The first known brick house in the county, the John Tatham House, was north of Andrews. It was destroyed in the early 1900s.[22] The 43-inmate Cherokee County Jail was built in downtown Murphy in 1922. The current Cherokee County Courthouse was constructed next door four years later.[15] The jail was demolished in 2008 after a new 150-inmate detention center was completed on Regal Street.[23]
The nation's oldest and largest folk school, John C. Campbell Folk School, was founded in southeast Cherokee County in 1925.[24][25] The county's first medical institution was Petrie Hospital, founded in November 1933 by Dr. R.W. Petrie, an eye, ear, nose, and throat specialist. The hospital was a two-story white brick building atop a hill on Peachtree Street in downtown Murphy. It started with four registered nurses and a capacity of 21 patients.[26] The Sisters of Providence of Holyoke came to Murphy in 1956 to manage Petrie Hospital and renamed it Providence Hospital.[27] The 22-bed Murphy General Hospital was built by Dr. F. V. Taylor in 1941 and closed in July 1969 due to insufficient staff and property.[28][29] In 1956, a $375,000, 30-bed non-profit regional hospital named District Memorial was constructed in Andrews.[30][31] In January 1974 the Murphy Town Council approved spending $4,000 on a study to see whether constructing a new hospital was feasible. Following this study, Providence Hospital closed in 1978 and Murphy Medical Center was founded in 1979.[32] Citing uncollected payments, District Memorial Hospital declared bankruptcy in 2000, closed soon afterward, and was demolished.[33][34] Murphy Medical Center was acquired by Erlanger Health System and renamed Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in 2019. Today it is the only hospital in the state west of Bryson City and Franklin.[35]
Cherokee County operated on Central time as late as 1934.[36] It is now located in the Eastern Time Zone. In the late 1930s, Hiwassee Dam was built in northwest Cherokee County by the Tennessee Valley Authority, creating Hiwassee Lake.[37] It is the highest overspill dam in the Eastern United States and was the tallest in the world when it was completed in 1940.[38] A second TVA dam, Apalachia, was built near the Tennessee border in 1942.[39] In the 1950s, the world's largest and most powerful pump was added to Hiwassee Dam.[28]
In the early 1940s, religious tourist attraction Fields of the Wood opened in western Cherokee County with the world's largest Christian cross and biggest Ten Commandments, covering a mountainside.[28] In June 1955, the county health department moved into a new building at its current location.[28] Tri-County Community College was founded in Peachtree in late 1964.[40] A four-lane highway was built between Murphy and Andrews around 1977.[41]
An F4 tornado in western Cherokee County killed four people (including two children) and injured 40 on April 3, 1974. It destroyed 45 homes near Murphy, causing $13 million (1974) in damages. The F4 was the deadliest of four tornadoes that struck the county during the first four days of April that year in the 1974 Super Outbreak.[42][43] An EF-2 tornado hit Murphy the night of March 2, 2012, in the Tornado outbreak of March 2–3, 2012, damaging businesses and temporarily closing two schools. An EF-1 tornado hit the Peachtree community on the night of May 8, 2024, in the Tornado outbreak of May 6–9, 2024.[44]
In 2014, the U.S. Forest Service made the decision to close Hanging Dog Campground in Nantahala National Forest.[45] A proposal to open a 1,200-acre state park at the site was dismissed by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources in 2023, as officials said the project would cost more than $20 million.[46] Tourism has become a major industry for the county. As of 2023, the tourism industry employs at least 590 people in the county and generates more than $100 million in annual visitor spending.[47]
Geography
[edit]According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 466.67 square miles (1,208.7 km2), of which 455.54 square miles (1,179.8 km2) is land and 11.13 square miles (28.8 km2) (2.38%) is water.[48]
Located in the southern Appalachian Mountains, Cherokee County contains a varied natural landscape. Portions of the county fall within the boundaries of the Nantahala National Forest. The Hiwassee River flows into Tennessee after passing through this county from southeast to northwest; it is a tributary of the Tennessee River. Both rivers are known to have had several historic Cherokee towns and villages located along their banks.
As of 2022, the county had 25,410 acres of agricultural land and 246 farms.[49] Cherokee County has a total of 28 dams according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Thirteen are classified as high-hazard, meaning a dam failure may be deadly; nine of those have no emergency action plans. Of the 13 high-hazard dams, eight are marked as potentially dangerous; one is considered an immediate threat.[50]
In April 1974, parts of Cherokee County were affected by a historic weather event, the 1974 Super Outbreak of tornadoes. This affected parts of 13 states and was the second-largest such event to be recorded in the U.S.
Cherokee reserve
[edit]Portions of the Qualla Boundary are located in Cherokee County. These are non-contiguous and are separate from the main part of the Qualla Boundary, which is in Swain and Jackson counties. The land is exclusive territory of the federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and is protected by their Tribal Police. Following the success of Harrah's Cherokee Tribal Casino in Cherokee, the EBCI opened a second tribal casino in 2015 on a plot of their land here, located within the Murphy city limits.
National protected area
[edit]- Nantahala National Forest (part)
State and local protected areas
[edit]- Cherokee Lake Recreation Area
- Fires Creek Wildlife Management Area (part)[51]
- Hanging Dog Recreation Area
- Nantahala National Forest Game Land (part)[51]
Major water bodies
[edit]- Appalachia Lake
- Harold Wells Lake
- Hiwassee Lake
- Hiwassee River
- Junaluska Creek
- Little Tennessee River
- Moccasin Creek
- Nottely River
- Peachtree Creek
- Valley River
- Welch Mill Creek
Adjacent counties
[edit]- Graham County – north
- Clay County – east
- Macon County – east
- Fannin County, Georgia – southwest
- Union County, Georgia – south
- Polk County, Tennessee – west
- Monroe County, Tennessee – northwest
Major highways
[edit]- US 19
US 19 Bus. (Andrews)
US 19 Bus. (Murphy)- US 64
- US 74
- US 129
- NC 60
- NC 141
- NC 294
US 64, the longest highway in North Carolina, and a cross-country highway, passes through the county from east–west. US 74, which links Chattanooga, Asheville, Charlotte, and Wilmington, is a major 4-lane highway through the county. US 19 and US 129 also pass through the county, providing connections to Atlanta to the south and Knoxville to the north. There is also a plan to extend Interstate 24 from Chattanooga to Charlotte.
Major infrastructure
[edit]Demographics
[edit]Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1840 | 3,427 | — | |
1850 | 6,838 | 99.5% | |
1860 | 9,166 | 34.0% | |
1870 | 8,080 | −11.8% | |
1880 | 8,182 | 1.3% | |
1890 | 9,976 | 21.9% | |
1900 | 11,860 | 18.9% | |
1910 | 14,136 | 19.2% | |
1920 | 15,242 | 7.8% | |
1930 | 16,151 | 6.0% | |
1940 | 18,813 | 16.5% | |
1950 | 18,294 | −2.8% | |
1960 | 16,335 | −10.7% | |
1970 | 16,330 | 0.0% | |
1980 | 18,933 | 15.9% | |
1990 | 20,170 | 6.5% | |
2000 | 24,298 | 20.5% | |
2010 | 27,444 | 12.9% | |
2020 | 28,774 | 4.8% | |
2023 (est.) | 29,959 | [1] | 4.1% |
U.S. Decennial Census[52] 1790–1960[53] 1900–1990[54] 1990–2000[55] 2010[56] 2020[1] |
As of 2024, Cherokee County has the second-oldest population of any county in North Carolina. The county's median age is 52.2, just behind Brunswick County. Ten percent of Cherokee County residents are veterans; the county has the highest concentration of veterans in the state after counties with significant military and naval facilities.[49] Cherokee County ranks second in the state for residents age 16-24 who are neither in school nor employed.[57]
As of 2024, Cherokee County has the third-lowest per capita income in the state: $40,021. One-fourth of its children live in poverty.[57]
2020 census
[edit]Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2000[58] | Pop 2010[59] | Pop 2020[60] | % 2000 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
White alone (NH) | 22,875 | 23,341 | 25,366 | 94.14% | 92.34% | 88.16% |
Black or African American alone (NH) | 382 | 327 | 373 | 1.57% | 1.19% | 1.30% |
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 394 | 336 | 417 | 1.62% | 1.22% | 1.45% |
Asian alone (NH) | 68 | 131 | 158 | 0.28% | 0.48% | 0.55% |
Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 3 | 8 | 0 | 0.01% | 0.03% | 0.00% |
Other Race alone (NH) | 2 | 3 | 66 | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.23% |
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 271 | 610 | 1,495 | 1.12% | 2.22% | 5.20% |
Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 303 | 688 | 899 | 1.25% | 2.51% | 3.12% |
Total | 24,298 | 27,444 | 28,774 | 100.00% | 100.00% | 100.00% |
As of the 2020 census, there were 28,774 people, 12,471 households, and 8,465 families residing in the county.
2000 census
[edit]At the 2000 census,[61] there were 24,298 people, 10,336 households, and 7,369 families residing in the county. The population density was 53 people per square mile (20 people/km2). There were 13,499 housing units at an average density of 30 units per square mile (12 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.82% White, 1.59% Black or African American, 1.63% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.45% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. 1.25% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 34.3% were of American, 10.8% Irish, 10.6% German and 10.3% English ancestry according to Census 2000. 97.7% spoke English and 1.2% Spanish as their first language.
There were 10,336 households, out of which 25.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.80% were married couples living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 25.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.76.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.60% under the age of 18, 6.50% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 28.80% from 45 to 64, and 19.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females there were 94.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $27,992, and the median income for a family was $33,768. Males had a median income of $26,127 versus $18,908 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,814. About 11.70% of families and 15.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.20% of those under age 18 and 18.00% of those age 65 or over.
Law, government, and politics
[edit]Government
[edit]Mandated by the laws of the State of North Carolina, Cherokee County is governed by an elected five-member board of commissioners who each serve a four-year term. The board directs the actions of the appointed Cherokee County Manager. The commission, as of 2023, is composed of Ben Adams, Dr. Dan Eichenbaum, Jan Griggs (vice-chair), Randy Phillips, and Cal Stiles (chair). Maria Hass is the clerk to the board and Darryl Brown is the county attorney.[62]
Cherokee County is a member of the regional Southwestern Commission Council of Governments.
Cherokee County faces more than $50 million in costs related to lawsuits over its Department of Social Services practice of separating children from families with an unlawful form to bypass judicial approval.[63]
Public safety
[edit]Sheriff and police
[edit]Court protection, jail management, and security for county owned property plus patrol and detective services for unincorporated county areas is provided by the Cherokee County Sheriff. The towns of Murphy and Andrews have municipal police departments. The Qualla Boundary tribal police provide security for the Cherokee Nation's Qualla Boundary territories throughout the county.[64][65]
Fire and EMS
[edit]Fire protection is provided by thirteen all-volunteer fire departments in the county including those at Culberson and Murphy.[66] Cherokee County Fire Inspector activity is part of the Cherokee County Building Code Enforcement Office.[67]
Politics
[edit]Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2024 | 13,883 | 77.89% | 3,686 | 20.68% | 255 | 1.43% |
2020 | 12,628 | 76.89% | 3,583 | 21.82% | 212 | 1.29% |
2016 | 10,844 | 76.47% | 2,860 | 20.17% | 477 | 3.36% |
2012 | 9,278 | 72.11% | 3,378 | 26.25% | 211 | 1.64% |
2008 | 8,643 | 68.67% | 3,785 | 30.07% | 158 | 1.26% |
2004 | 7,517 | 67.12% | 3,635 | 32.46% | 47 | 0.42% |
2000 | 6,305 | 65.17% | 3,239 | 33.48% | 130 | 1.34% |
1996 | 3,883 | 49.26% | 3,129 | 39.69% | 871 | 11.05% |
1992 | 4,021 | 45.91% | 3,686 | 42.09% | 1,051 | 12.00% |
1988 | 4,557 | 63.78% | 2,567 | 35.93% | 21 | 0.29% |
1984 | 4,894 | 63.73% | 2,776 | 36.15% | 9 | 0.12% |
1980 | 3,849 | 54.37% | 3,114 | 43.99% | 116 | 1.64% |
1976 | 3,210 | 46.88% | 3,571 | 52.15% | 67 | 0.98% |
1972 | 4,113 | 62.28% | 2,411 | 36.51% | 80 | 1.21% |
1968 | 3,768 | 53.18% | 2,402 | 33.90% | 915 | 12.91% |
1964 | 3,106 | 44.83% | 3,823 | 55.17% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 4,294 | 57.32% | 3,197 | 42.68% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 3,830 | 57.40% | 2,843 | 42.60% | 0 | 0.00% |
1952 | 3,228 | 48.98% | 3,363 | 51.02% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 2,615 | 46.93% | 2,771 | 49.73% | 186 | 3.34% |
1944 | 2,625 | 50.41% | 2,582 | 49.59% | 0 | 0.00% |
1940 | 2,674 | 45.68% | 3,180 | 54.32% | 0 | 0.00% |
1936 | 3,214 | 48.06% | 3,473 | 51.94% | 0 | 0.00% |
1932 | 3,131 | 48.14% | 3,348 | 51.48% | 25 | 0.38% |
1928 | 3,239 | 62.89% | 1,911 | 37.11% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 2,314 | 56.73% | 1,742 | 42.71% | 23 | 0.56% |
1920 | 2,506 | 58.73% | 1,761 | 41.27% | 0 | 0.00% |
1916 | 1,362 | 50.00% | 1,362 | 50.00% | 0 | 0.00% |
1912 | 734 | 34.67% | 906 | 42.80% | 477 | 22.53% |
1908 | 1,310 | 62.62% | 782 | 37.38% | 0 | 0.00% |
1904 | 980 | 59.65% | 663 | 40.35% | 0 | 0.00% |
1900 | 1,157 | 59.73% | 774 | 39.96% | 6 | 0.31% |
1896 | 987 | 56.11% | 770 | 43.77% | 2 | 0.11% |
1892 | 692 | 47.72% | 692 | 47.72% | 66 | 4.55% |
1888 | 888 | 56.89% | 673 | 43.11% | 0 | 0.00% |
1884 | 678 | 56.74% | 517 | 43.26% | 0 | 0.00% |
1880 | 649 | 47.34% | 722 | 52.66% | 0 | 0.00% |
Politically, Cherokee County is dominated by the Republican Party.[69] No Democratic presidential candidate has carried Cherokee County since Jimmy Carter in 1976, and the past six Republican candidates have all exceeded 65 percent of the county's vote, with Donald Trump exceeding 75 percent in 2016, 2020, and 2024.
Cherokee County lies within the 50th State Senate district, represented by Republican Senator Jim Davis, in the North Carolina Senate. It lies within the 120th district, and is represented by Republican Kevin Corbin, in the North Carolina House of Representatives.
Education
[edit]Cherokee County Schools manages 13 schools including Murphy, Andrews, and Hiwassee Dam high schools. The school system has a total enrollment of 3,081 students.[70]
Higher education is offered at Tri-County Community College in Murphy.
The John C. Campbell Folk School, is located in Brasstown, an unincorporated village near Murphy. It exists partly in Cherokee County and partly in Clay County. This education center focuses on creative folk arts, music, and dance for all ages.[71]
Media
[edit]The Cherokee Scout has been published weekly in Murphy since 1889. After merging with The Andrews Journal on January 1, 2019, the Scout has been the only newspaper serving Cherokee County.[72]
WKRK 1320 AM, WCVP 600 AM, and WCNG 102.7 FM are three radio stations currently broadcast from Murphy.
Local TV 4 is a Murphy-based television news station.
Communities
[edit]Towns
[edit]Census-designated place
[edit]Village
[edit]Unincorporated communities
[edit]- Bellview
- Culberson
- Friendship
- Grape Creek
- Hanging Dog
- Hothouse
- Liberty
- Martins Creek
- Owl Creek
- Peachtree
- Ranger
- Rhodo
- Texana
- Tomotla
- Topton
- Unaka
- Violet[73]
- Wehutty
Townships
[edit]- Beaverdam
- Hothouse
- Murphy
- Notla
- Shoal Creek
- Valleytown
See also
[edit]- List of counties in North Carolina
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Cherokee County, North Carolina
- Upper Hiwassee Highlands AVA, wine region partially located in the county
References
[edit]- ^ a b c "QuickFacts: Cherokee County, North Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 21, 2024.
- ^ "The History of Murphy, North Carolina". Mountain Country Cabin Rentals. July 2, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2022.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ "Cherokee County, North Carolina". www.carolana.com. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
- ^ Conn, J. Stephen (September 24, 2010), De Soto Historical Marker, retrieved April 13, 2024
- ^ Hyatt, Jr., Bass (2018). "Unicoi Turnpike". In Avett, Wally (ed.). Brasstown Valley Myths & History. Blairsville, Georgia: Straub Publishing. p. 14. ISBN 9780991372669.
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Works cited
[edit]- Corbitt, David Leroy (1987). The formation of the North Carolina counties, 1663–1943. Raleigh: North Carolina Division of Archives and History.
External links
[edit]- Geographic data related to Cherokee County, North Carolina at OpenStreetMap
- Official website
- Cherokee County, North Carolina profile with photos