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Montgomery County, Georgia

Coordinates: 32°10′N 82°32′W / 32.17°N 82.53°W / 32.17; -82.53
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Montgomery County
County
Montgomery County Courthouse (built 1907) in Mount Vernon
Montgomery County Courthouse (built 1907) in Mount Vernon
Map of Georgia highlighting Montgomery County
Location within the U.S. state of Georgia
Map of the United States highlighting Georgia
Georgia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 32°10′N 82°32′W / 32.17°N 82.53°W / 32.17; -82.53
Country United States
State Georgia
FoundedDecember 19, 1793; 231 years ago (1793)
Named forRichard Montgomery
SeatMount Vernon
Largest cityMount Vernon
Area
 • Total245 sq mi (630 km2)
 • Land240 sq mi (600 km2)
 • Water5.2 sq mi (13 km2)  2.1%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2018)
9,193
 • Density38/sq mi (15/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district12th
Websitemontgomerycountyga.gov

Montgomery County is a county located in the central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2010 census, the population was 9,123.[1] The county seat is Mount Vernon.[2]

Montgomery County is part of the Vidalia, GA Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Montgomery County is named in honor of Richard Montgomery, an American Revolutionary War general killed in 1775 while attempting to capture Quebec City, Canada. It was created on December 19, 1793, from a southern portion of Washington County, Georgia.[3]

Arthur Lott's Plantation was designated the first county seat in 1797.

In 1801, Tattnall County, Georgia was formed from the southern part of Montgomery County. The dividing line between Tatnall and Montgomery ran from the mouth of Limestone Creek on the Oconee River, just below modern Mount Vernon, Georgia, to the mouth of Wolf Creek on the Canoochee River below Metter, Georgia.

The Great Revision

On December 11, 1811, the county lines between Washington County, Montgomery County, and Laurens County were adjusted by the Georgia General Assembly. The northern section of Montgomery between the Oconee River and the Ohoopee River was transferred to Laurens. On December 10, 1812, the county line of Montgomery was significantly adjusted as part of the creation of Emanuel County. Its new boundaries became from the then Laurens and Telfair county line on the Oconee River to the north prong of the Little Ocmulgee River (near present Chauncey, Dodge County, Georgia) down the Little Ocmulgee River as it meanders to its confluence with the Ocmulgee River then downstream as it meanders to the Oconee River, then North 30 degrees to Milligan's Creek in Tatnall County, and then with it to the Montgomery County line.[4] Pendleton Creek (in modern Treutlen and Toombs counties) was used as the border between Montgomery and Emanuel. Because of these transitions Montgomery regained part of the land it had lost in the creation of Tatnall County in 1801 (land along the lower Oconee River), but also lost land along the upper Oconee River to Laurens County.

The creation of Emanuel County put the old county seat within Emanuel's border. On December 12, the Georgia General Assembly appointed the justices of the inferior court of Montgomery county to a commission to designate a new county seat and called for county business to be held until then at the home of James Alston. In 1813, the General Assembly recognized Mount Vernon as the new county seat.

The county line between Telfair County and Montgomery was adjusted once again in 1820 by the Georgia Genera Assembly. The new line differed in the upstream portion of the Little Ocmulgee River and better defined the line and gave Montgomery a small border with Pulaski County, Georgia and Telfair County some land on the northeast side of the Little Ocmulgee River. The line was to go upstream to its fork then to Browning's mill, a straight line to the mouth of Joiner's Creek (Near modern McRae, Georgia) at the second fork of the Little Ocmulgee River, and then up the second prong to Pulaski County Line.[5]

The land gained by Telfair County from Montgomery County on the northeast side of the Little Ocmulgee River was reversed by the Georgia General Assembly on December 18, 1833.[6]

American Civil War

At the time of the 1850 United States Census, Montgomery had 1,541 whites, 613 slaves. By the 1860 census, there were 2,014 whites, 977 slaves, and 6 Free people of color. The pine barrens and soil quality outside of the river lands made the area unsuitable for slave-heavy cotton producing plantation culture. Montgomery's status as a majority white county led the region developing different attitudes about secession from other areas of Georgia.

On January 22, 1861, Montgomery County representatives, Thomas M. McRae and Solon Homer Latimer, were among the 89 delegates who voted no to Georgia's immediate secession from the Union at the state secession convention. In addition, McRae and Latimer were among the 6 delegates who voiced their protest by against the Ordinance of Secession in the published document.

In the interior of the county around Gum Swamp (Modern Chauncey, Georgia) near the Pulaski County, Telfair County, and Montgomery County lines a deserter gang fought against Confederate forces.[7]

Additional counties created

On August 18, 1905, Montgomery County gained and lost some territory during the creation of Toombs County. On August 14, 1912, the parts of Montgomery County between the Little Ocmulgee River and the Oconee River became Wheeler County. On August 21, 1917, Montgomery lost additional territory during the creation of Treutlen County, Georgia.

Modern

More recently, the county was noted for its practice of organizing segregated proms, a practice that had continued since integration of its schools in the 1970s.[8][9][10] Following publicity about this practice, Montgomery County students took the initiative to integrate the prom in 2010.[11]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 245 square miles (630 km2), of which 240 square miles (620 km2) is land and 5.2 square miles (13 km2) (2.1%) is water.[12]

The southeastern quarter of Montgomery County is located in the Altamaha River sub-basin of the larger river basin by the same name. The western half of the county, from Tarrytown south, is located in the Lower Oconee River sub-basin of the Altamaha River basin. The northeastern quarter of Montgomery County, northeast of a line from Tarrytown to Higgston, is located in the Ohoopee River sub-basin of the same Altamaha River basin.[13]

Major highways

Adjacent counties

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18003,180—
18102,954−7.1%
18201,869−36.7%
18301,269−32.1%
18401,61627.3%
18502,15433.3%
18602,99739.1%
18703,58619.7%
18805,38150.1%
18909,24871.9%
190016,35976.9%
191019,63820.0%
19209,167−53.3%
193010,0209.3%
19409,668−3.5%
19507,901−18.3%
19606,284−20.5%
19706,099−2.9%
19807,01115.0%
19907,1632.2%
20008,27015.5%
20109,12310.3%
20208,610−5.6%
U.S. Decennial Census[14]
1790-1960[15] 1900-1990[16]
1990-2000[17] 2010-2013[1]

2000 census

As of the census[19] of 2000, there were 8,270 people, 2,919 households, and 2,063 families living in the county. The population density was 13/km2 (34/mi2). There were 3,492 housing units at an average density of 6/km2 (14/mi2). The racial makeup of the county was 69.72% White, 27.24% Black or African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2.13% from other races, and 0.62% from two or more races. 3.28% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,919 households, out of which 34.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.10% were married couples living together, 13.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.30% were non-families. 25.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.00% under the age of 18, 12.80% from 18 to 24, 30.20% from 25 to 44, 21.40% from 45 to 64, and 10.60% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $30,240, and the median income for a family was $38,418. Males had a median income of $27,572 versus $21,342 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,182. About 15.80% of families and 19.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.70% of those under age 18 and 23.90% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 9,123 people, 3,287 households, and 2,350 families living in the county.[20] The population density was 38.1 inhabitants per square mile (14.7/km2). There were 3,921 housing units at an average density of 16.4 per square mile (6.3/km2).[21] The racial makeup of the county was 69.0% white, 26.3% black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, 3.3% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 5.3% of the population.[20] In terms of ancestry, 24.7% were English, 12.3% were American, and 5.9% were Irish.[22]

Of the 3,287 households, 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.4% were married couples living together, 15.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.5% were non-families, and 24.9% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.05. The median age was 37.0 years.[20]

The median income for a household in the county was $35,182 and the median income for a family was $45,989. Males had a median income of $36,909 versus $27,037 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,168. About 16.4% of families and 18.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.3% of those under age 18 and 20.6% of those age 65 or over.[23]

2020 census

Montgomery County racial composition[24]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 5,665 65.8%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 2,120 24.62%
Native American 11 0.13%
Asian 34 0.39%
Other/Mixed 209 2.43%
Hispanic or Latino 571 6.63%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 8,610 people, 3,097 households, and 2,102 families residing in the county.

Communities

Politics

United States presidential election results for Montgomery County, Georgia[25]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 2,960 74.60% 980 24.70% 28 0.71%
2016 2,670 74.66% 847 23.69% 59 1.65%
2012 2,662 69.41% 1,135 29.60% 38 0.99%
2008 2,521 70.16% 1,045 29.08% 27 0.75%
2004 2,150 67.82% 1,007 31.77% 13 0.41%
2000 1,465 58.39% 1,013 40.37% 31 1.24%
1996 1,163 43.31% 1,233 45.92% 289 10.76%
1992 1,009 38.56% 1,185 45.28% 423 16.16%
1988 1,228 57.49% 903 42.28% 5 0.23%
1984 1,365 58.96% 950 41.04% 0 0.00%
1980 948 35.91% 1,663 62.99% 29 1.10%
1976 626 28.00% 1,610 72.00% 0 0.00%
1972 1,370 80.26% 337 19.74% 0 0.00%
1968 352 15.38% 503 21.98% 1,433 62.63%
1964 1,409 61.61% 878 38.39% 0 0.00%
1960 381 20.80% 1,451 79.20% 0 0.00%
1956 271 20.48% 1,052 79.52% 0 0.00%
1952 290 14.16% 1,758 85.84% 0 0.00%
1948 117 6.91% 1,048 61.90% 528 31.19%
1944 94 14.03% 575 85.82% 1 0.15%
1940 75 9.78% 686 89.44% 6 0.78%
1936 81 7.83% 945 91.39% 8 0.77%
1932 17 1.90% 868 97.20% 8 0.90%
1928 98 22.53% 337 77.47% 0 0.00%
1924 87 19.21% 353 77.92% 13 2.87%
1920 148 46.69% 169 53.31% 0 0.00%
1916 66 6.06% 1,002 92.01% 21 1.93%
1912 22 2.37% 854 92.03% 52 5.60%

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 150. ISBN 0-915430-00-2.
  4. ^ Acts of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia, Passed at Milledgeville, at an Annual Session, in November and December, 1812. Vol. 1. pp. 83, 119.
  5. ^ Acts of the Georgia State General Assembly of the State of Georgia, Passed at Milledgeville, at an Annual Session, in November and December, 1820. Vol. 1. Milledgeville, Georgia. p. 75.
  6. ^ Acts of the General Assembly of the state of Georgia, Passed in Milledgeville, at an Annual Session in November and December, 1833. Vol. 1. Milledgeville, Georgia. p. 55.
  7. ^ Wetherington, Mark V. (2005). Plain Folk's Fight: The Civil War and Reconstruction in Piney Woods Georgia. Chapel Hill, North Carolina: The University of North Carolina Press. p. 223.
  8. ^ Shapiro, Dana (May 2003). "Separate but equal?". Spin. Retrieved March 22, 2010.
  9. ^ Sara Corbett (May 21, 2009). "A Prom Divided". The New York Times.
  10. ^ Leonard Doyle (June 21, 2009). "Segregated high school proms divide Georgia's students". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved March 17, 2010.
  11. ^ Kelley, Brooke (2010). "Montgomery County to have first integrated prom". WTOC Savannah). Retrieved January 28, 2018.
  12. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  13. ^ "Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Interactive Mapping Experience". Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  14. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  15. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  16. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  17. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 24, 2014.
  18. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved July 31, 2019.
  19. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  20. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  21. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  22. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  23. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  24. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  25. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 22, 2018.

32°10′N 82°32′W / 32.17°N 82.53°W / 32.17; -82.53

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