Fort Mill, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Fort Mill is a fast-growing suburban town
in both York
and Lancaster counties in the U.S. state
of South Carolina
, and a suburb of the city of Charlotte, North Carolina
, and Rock Hill
. Approximately 10,811 people live inside the town's corporate limits as of the 2010 Census with a total of 34,968 people residing within the entire urban area.
Fort Mill township is home to notable businesses such as Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.
, Muzak
, Springs Industries, URS Corporation's Nuclear Center, and serves as the headquarters of Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps
.
. The Catawba
Indians made their home in present-day Fort Mill for many years. Scotch-Irish settlers began arriving in the 1750s and 1760s and a small settlement soon developed. Fort Mill grew rapidly in the late 19th century as textile mills were established. After many textile mill shut-downs the town continued to grow rapidly and became a major suburb of Charlotte
.
Highlights in Fort Mill's history include:
, the town has a total area of 4.6 square miles (12.00 km²), of which, 4.6 square miles (11.8 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (1.30%) is water. Interstate 77
passes through the western portions of the town, and exit 85 is signed "South Carolina Highway 160/Fort Mill." SC 160 is the main east-west street in Fort Mill.
The town of Fort Mill will be holding a final public hearing in October on a proposed annexation that will effectively double the town's physical size. Fort Mill has three golf courses. The city also maintains three parks, Harris Street Park, Steele Street Park, and Doby Bridge Park. All three parks have picnic shelters, children's playground
s, and restrooms. Doby Bridge and Harris Street Parks have lighted baseball
fields, Steele Street and Harris Street Parks have basketball
courts, and Steele Street Park has a small water park
. The town also maintains a banquet hall rentable through the parks and recreation department.
Fort Mill is located in a humid subtropical climate
, Cfa in the Köppen climate classification
. This means that the city experiences four distinct seasons, although the variation between the seasons is not as pronounced as in other parts of the United States. Generally, daily maximum temperatures in the summer are around 90°F (32°C), with nighttime low temperatures of approximately 70°F (21°C). In winter daily maximum temperatures average around 50°F (10°C) while nighttime low temperatures are near 30°F (-1°C). Occasional readings as high as 105°F (41°C), reaching a high of 108°F in 2007 or as low as -5°F (-20°C) in 1989. Summers are generally humid and prone to thunderstorms, while winters are rainy with sleet and occasional snow. Snow falls nearly 2-3 times every winter, but usually does not accumulate or persist as ground cover for at the least a few days. Fort Mill experiences rainfall related to tropical cyclone
s but is generally too far inland to experience damaging winds from same.
. Currently, the town council of Fort Mill consists of six board members, two of whom serve from at-large
districts, while the remainder of the council represent each of four wards. Elections are held in accordance with United States
election regulations
every two years, and council members serve staggered four year terms. The town council currently meets the second Monday of each month. The town of Fort Mill currently has five boards and commissions. These are the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Commission, the Historical Review Board, the Elections Commission, and the Housing Authority Board. Members of boards and commissions are appointed on a volunteer basis.
Fort Mill is the primary community within the Fort Mill School District, which also serves children from the nearby community of Tega Cay
. The Fort Mill school district is considered one of the best school districts in the state of South Carolina.
The current mayor is Danny P. Funderburk, who was sworn in January 14, 2008.
Fort Mill is currently represented by the following legislators:
The northern portions of Fort Mill Township are represented in the South Carolina House by Carl L. Gullick (R)
as part of South Carolina House District 48.
of 2000, there were 7,587 people, 2,914 households, and 2,141 families residing in the town. The population density
was 1,662.7 people per square mile (642.4/km²). There were 3,063 housing units at an average density of 671.3 per square mile (259.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 81.69% Caucasian
, 15.99% Black
, 0.20% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.70% from other races
, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.
There were 2,914 households out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples
living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the town the population was spread out with 31.1% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $44,627, and the median income for a family was $56,538. Males had a median income of $42,469 versus $27,253 for females. The per capita income
for the town was $20,519. About 8.1% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.
AAA minor league baseball
team, who play at Knights Stadium
. Half of Cedar Fair's popular Carowinds amusement park
is located in Fort Mill. Fort Mill is also known for its peach orchards and the Anne Springs Close Greenway. The Greenway is an extensive protected natural area consisting of approximately 2300 acres (9.3 km²) of lakes, forests, and pastures that provide trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
in both York
York County, South Carolina
York County is a county located in the north-central section of the U.S. state of South Carolina. According to the 2010 census, the county's population was 226,073. It is the second largest county in the Charlotte metropolitan area...
and Lancaster counties in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
, and a suburb of the city of Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte is the largest city in the U.S. state of North Carolina and the seat of Mecklenburg County. In 2010, Charlotte's population according to the US Census Bureau was 731,424, making it the 17th largest city in the United States based on population. The Charlotte metropolitan area had a 2009...
, and Rock Hill
Rock Hill, South Carolina
Rock Hill is the largest city in York County, South Carolina and the fourth-largest city in the state. It is also the third-largest city of the Charlotte metropolitan area, behind Charlotte and Concord, North Carolina. The population was 71,459 as of . Rock Hill has undergone rapid growth between...
. Approximately 10,811 people live inside the town's corporate limits as of the 2010 Census with a total of 34,968 people residing within the entire urban area.
Fort Mill township is home to notable businesses such as Continental Tire the Americas, LLC.
Continental tire
A Continental tire is an upright, external, mounted spare tire behind an automobile's trunk compartment. The term also describes a non-functional bulge that is stamped into the trunk lid or a cosmetic accessory to the rear of the car giving the impression of a spare tire mount.-Development:The...
, Muzak
Muzak
Muzak Holdings LLC is a company based in metro Fort Mill, South Carolina, United States, just outside of Charlotte, North Carolina. Founded in 1934, Muzak Holdings is best known for distribution of background music to retail stores and other companies....
, Springs Industries, URS Corporation's Nuclear Center, and serves as the headquarters of Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps
Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps
Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps is a Drum Corps International World Class drum and bugle corps, based in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The corps organization was founded in 1988 as the Charlotte Drum Corps Association, but the corps did not enter competition as Carolina Crown until the 1990 season...
.
History
The town of Fort Mill was established in 1873, taking its name from a colonial-era fort built by the British and a grist mill on nearby Steele CreekSteele Creek, North Carolina
Steele Creek is primarily considered to be a community and neighborhood in the southwestern part of Mecklenburg County in North Carolina. It is generally defined geographically by the original boundaries of Steele Creek Township...
. The Catawba
Catawba
Catawba may refer to several things:*Catawba , a Native American tribe*Catawban languages-Botany:*Catalpa, a genus of trees, based on the name used by the Catawba and other Native American tribes*Catawba , a variety of grape...
Indians made their home in present-day Fort Mill for many years. Scotch-Irish settlers began arriving in the 1750s and 1760s and a small settlement soon developed. Fort Mill grew rapidly in the late 19th century as textile mills were established. After many textile mill shut-downs the town continued to grow rapidly and became a major suburb of Charlotte
CHARLOTTE
- CHARLOTTE :CHARLOTTE is an American blues-based hard rock band that formed in Los Angeles, California in 1986. Currently, they are signed to indie label, Eonian Records, under which they released their debut cd, Medusa Groove, in 2010. Notable Charlotte songs include 'Siren', 'Little Devils',...
.
Highlights in Fort Mill's history include:
- In the mid-18th century, Thomas Spratt and his wife Elizabeth were traveling through upper South Carolina in their wagon. They spent a night among the friendly CatawbaCatawbaCatawba may refer to several things:*Catawba , a Native American tribe*Catawban languages-Botany:*Catalpa, a genus of trees, based on the name used by the Catawba and other Native American tribes*Catawba , a variety of grape...
Indians and were invited to stay and live in the area on a large tract of land given to them. They became the first white settlers in the Fort Mill area and their descendants still reside there.
- The town of Fort Mill was the site of the last Confederate Government Cabinet meeting (1865). Jefferson DavisJefferson DavisJefferson Finis Davis , also known as Jeff Davis, was an American statesman and leader of the Confederacy during the American Civil War, serving as President for its entire history. He was born in Kentucky to Samuel and Jane Davis...
and the Confederate Cabinet passed through the area during their flight from Richmond in 1865. The last meeting of the full Confederate Cabinet was held at the White Homestead in Fort Mill. Fort Mill's Confederate Park contains the nation's only monument to slaves fighting on the ConfederateConfederate States of AmericaThe Confederate States of America was a government set up from 1861 to 1865 by 11 Southern slave states of the United States of America that had declared their secession from the U.S...
side of the American Civil WarAmerican Civil WarThe American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
.
- Fort Mill was the home of Elliott White SpringsElliott White SpringsElliott White Springs , was a South Carolina businessman and an American flying ace of World War I, credited with shooting down 16 enemy aircraft.-Early life:...
, WWI flying ace, author, industrialist, and a member of the South Carolina Hall of Fame.
- In the 1980s, Fort Mill was the home to TV evangelist Jim BakkerJim BakkerJames Orsen "Jim" Bakker is an American televangelist, a former Assemblies of God minister, and a former host of The PTL Club, a popular evangelical Christian television program.A sex scandal led to his resignation from the ministry...
's now defunct Heritage USAHeritage USAHeritage USA was a Christian theme park, water park, and residential complex built in Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA, by PTL Club founders televangelist Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Bakker Messner...
(now reopened as Heritage International MinistriesHeritage International MinistriesHeritage International Ministries is the new name given to the former Heritage USA facilities in Fort Mill, South Carolina purchased by MorningStar Fellowship Church in 2004...
).
Geography and climate
According to the United States Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the town has a total area of 4.6 square miles (12.00 km²), of which, 4.6 square miles (11.8 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (1.30%) is water. Interstate 77
Interstate 77
Interstate 77 is an Interstate Highway in the eastern United States. It traverses diverse terrain, from the mountainous state of West Virginia to the rolling farmlands of North Carolina and Ohio. It largely supplants the old U.S...
passes through the western portions of the town, and exit 85 is signed "South Carolina Highway 160/Fort Mill." SC 160 is the main east-west street in Fort Mill.
The town of Fort Mill will be holding a final public hearing in October on a proposed annexation that will effectively double the town's physical size. Fort Mill has three golf courses. The city also maintains three parks, Harris Street Park, Steele Street Park, and Doby Bridge Park. All three parks have picnic shelters, children's playground
Playground
A playground or play area is a place with a specific design for children be able to play there. It may be indoors but is typically outdoors...
s, and restrooms. Doby Bridge and Harris Street Parks have lighted baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
fields, Steele Street and Harris Street Parks have basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
courts, and Steele Street Park has a small water park
Water park
A waterpark is an amusement park that features waterplay areas, such as water slides, splash pads, spraygrounds , lazy rivers, or other recreational bathing, swimming, and barefooting environments...
. The town also maintains a banquet hall rentable through the parks and recreation department.
Fort Mill is located in a humid subtropical climate
Humid subtropical climate
A humid subtropical climate is a climate zone characterized by hot, humid summers and mild to cool winters...
, Cfa in the Köppen climate classification
Köppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
. This means that the city experiences four distinct seasons, although the variation between the seasons is not as pronounced as in other parts of the United States. Generally, daily maximum temperatures in the summer are around 90°F (32°C), with nighttime low temperatures of approximately 70°F (21°C). In winter daily maximum temperatures average around 50°F (10°C) while nighttime low temperatures are near 30°F (-1°C). Occasional readings as high as 105°F (41°C), reaching a high of 108°F in 2007 or as low as -5°F (-20°C) in 1989. Summers are generally humid and prone to thunderstorms, while winters are rainy with sleet and occasional snow. Snow falls nearly 2-3 times every winter, but usually does not accumulate or persist as ground cover for at the least a few days. Fort Mill experiences rainfall related to tropical cyclone
Tropical cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a storm system characterized by a large low-pressure center and numerous thunderstorms that produce strong winds and heavy rain. Tropical cyclones strengthen when water evaporated from the ocean is released as the saturated air rises, resulting in condensation of water vapor...
s but is generally too far inland to experience damaging winds from same.
Government
The government of Fort Mill takes place within the framework of a mayor-council systemMayor-council government
The mayor–council government system, sometimes called the mayor–commission government system, is one of the two most common forms of local government for municipalities...
. Currently, the town council of Fort Mill consists of six board members, two of whom serve from at-large
At-Large
At-large is a designation for representative members of a governing body who are elected or appointed to represent the whole membership of the body , rather than a subset of that membership...
districts, while the remainder of the council represent each of four wards. Elections are held in accordance with United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
election regulations
Elections in the United States
The United States has a federal government, with elected officials at the federal , state and local levels. On a national level, the head of state, the President, is elected indirectly by the people, through an Electoral College. In modern times, the electors virtually always vote with the popular...
every two years, and council members serve staggered four year terms. The town council currently meets the second Monday of each month. The town of Fort Mill currently has five boards and commissions. These are the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Planning Commission, the Historical Review Board, the Elections Commission, and the Housing Authority Board. Members of boards and commissions are appointed on a volunteer basis.
Fort Mill is the primary community within the Fort Mill School District, which also serves children from the nearby community of Tega Cay
Tega Cay, South Carolina
Tega Cay is a planned city in York County, South Carolina, United States. The city is a suburb of Charlotte, North Carolina and Rock Hill, South Carolina. The population was 4,044 at the 2000 census....
. The Fort Mill school district is considered one of the best school districts in the state of South Carolina.
The current mayor is Danny P. Funderburk, who was sworn in January 14, 2008.
Fort Mill is currently represented by the following legislators:
- US SenateUnited States SenateThe United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
: Senior Senator Lindsey GrahamLindsey GrahamLindsey Olin Graham is the senior U.S. Senator from South Carolina and a member of the Republican Party. Previously he served as the U.S. Representative for .-Early life, education and career:...
(R)Republican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
and Junior Senator Jim DeMintJim DeMintJames Warren "Jim" DeMint is the junior U.S. Senator from South Carolina, serving since 2005. He is a member of the Republican Party and a leader in the Tea Party movement. He previously served as the U.S. Representative for from 1999 to 2005.-Early life and education:DeMint was born in...
(R)Republican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... - US HouseUnited States House of RepresentativesThe United States House of Representatives is one of the two Houses of the United States Congress, the bicameral legislature which also includes the Senate.The composition and powers of the House are established in Article One of the Constitution...
: J. "Mick" Michael Mulvaney (R)Republican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
, as part of South Carolina's 5th congressional districtSouth Carolina's 5th congressional districtThe 5th Congressional District of South Carolina is a congressional district in northern South Carolina bordering North Carolina. It includes all of Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lancaster, Marlboro, Newberry and York counties and parts of Florence, Lee... - South Carolina SenateSouth Carolina SenateThe South Carolina Senate is the upper house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the lower house being the South Carolina House of Representatives...
: Chauncey K. Gregory (R)Republican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
as part of South Carolina Senate District 16 - South Carolina House of RepresentativesSouth Carolina House of RepresentativesThe South Carolina House of Representatives is the lower house of the South Carolina General Assembly, the upper house being the South Carolina Senate. It consists of 124 Representatives elected to two year terms at the same time as US Congressional elections...
: Deborah Long (R)Republican Party (United States)The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
as part of South Carolina House District 45
The northern portions of Fort Mill Township are represented in the South Carolina House by Carl L. Gullick (R)
Republican Party (United States)
The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S...
as part of South Carolina House District 48.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 7,587 people, 2,914 households, and 2,141 families residing in the town. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,662.7 people per square mile (642.4/km²). There were 3,063 housing units at an average density of 671.3 per square mile (259.3/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 81.69% Caucasian
Caucasian race
The term Caucasian race has been used to denote the general physical type of some or all of the populations of Europe, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, Western Asia , Central Asia and South Asia...
, 15.99% Black
Black
Black is the color of objects that do not emit or reflect light in any part of the visible spectrum; they absorb all such frequencies of light...
, 0.20% Native American, 0.49% Asian, 0.70% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.30% of the population.
There were 2,914 households out of which 41.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 17.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.5% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 3.09.
In the town the population was spread out with 31.1% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 32.4% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 79.0 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $44,627, and the median income for a family was $56,538. Males had a median income of $42,469 versus $27,253 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the town was $20,519. About 8.1% of families and 10.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33% of those under age 18 and 11.7% of those age 65 or over.
Attractions
Fort Mill is home to the Charlotte KnightsCharlotte Knights
The Charlotte Knights are a minor league baseball team representing Charlotte, North Carolina. The team, which plays in the International League, is the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox of the American League...
AAA minor league baseball
Minor league baseball
Minor league baseball is a hierarchy of professional baseball leagues in the Americas that compete at levels below Major League Baseball and provide opportunities for player development. All of the minor leagues are operated as independent businesses...
team, who play at Knights Stadium
Knights Stadium
Knights Stadium is the home of the International League's Charlotte Knights, the AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. It was opened in 1990 and seats 10,002 fans. The park is actually across the state line from Charlotte, North Carolina in Fort Mill, South Carolina.Knights Stadium is easily...
. Half of Cedar Fair's popular Carowinds amusement park
Amusement park
thumb|Cinderella Castle in [[Magic Kingdom]], [[Disney World]]Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people...
is located in Fort Mill. Fort Mill is also known for its peach orchards and the Anne Springs Close Greenway. The Greenway is an extensive protected natural area consisting of approximately 2300 acres (9.3 km²) of lakes, forests, and pastures that provide trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.