Graves County, Kentucky
Encyclopedia
Graves County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Kentucky
. It was formed in 1824. As of 2000, the population was 37,028. Its county seat
is Mayfield
. The county is named for Major
Benjamin Franklin Graves, soldier
in the War of 1812
. The Mayfield Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Graves County.
Graves County is a “limited” dry county
, meaning that sale of alcohol in the county is prohibited except for wine and beer in restaurants in Mayfield
which have seating for at least 100 patrons or at the Mayfield Golf & Country Club.
The fertile land attracted early settlers from Virginia
, North Carolina
, South Carolina
and Tennessee
, who brought with them a degree of education and culture and a fierce determination to succeed on the land. Remarkable in their achievements as craftsmen and farmers they put down roots to blend a political, economic, and social environment unique, perhaps only to Graves County.
Tobacco was very much as part of the local economy over the years and Graves County has a rich history of the dark-fired and dark-air-cured leaf tobacco used in smokeless tobacco farming. A woolen mill, began operation prior to the Civil War and continued to grow with the men's clothing market. Several clothing companies were added and the town's minor league baseball team was even called the Mayfield Clothiers.
Made national news in September 2011 for jailing Amish men who refused to use orange safety triangle on buggies. These Swartzentruber Amish used reflective tape, but refused to use the orange triangle. After the appeal of their 2008 conviction was denied, Menno Zook, Danny Byler, Mose Yoder, Levi Hotetler, David Zook and Eli Zook refused to pay the small fines associated with their conviction. All six served sentences ranging from three to 10 days in the Graves County Jail, according to the jail's website. The men were "very polite, respectful, everything you would expect," said Graves County Chief Deputy Tim Warren. He said the men dressed up in their "Sunday best" to report for their jail sentences. The men are not forced to wear the orange county jail uniforms, Warren said. They are allowed to wear uniforms that are dyed a dark gray, but they are not allowed to wear their own clothes.
of 2000, there were 37,028 people, 14,841 households, and 10,566 families residing in the county. The population density
was 67 /sqmi. There were 16,340 housing units at an average density of 29 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 92.73% White
, 4.44% Black
or African American
, 0.20% Native American
, 0.20% Asian
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
, 1.30% from other races
, and 1.11% from two or more races. 2.40% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 14,841 households out of which 31.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.90% were married couples
living together, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.80% were non-families. 26.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.50% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,874, and the median income for a family was $38,054. Males had a median income of $32,016 versus $20,177 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $16,834. About 13.10% of families and 16.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.70% of those under age 18 and 14.10% of those age 65 or over.
Kentucky
The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...
. It was formed in 1824. As of 2000, the population was 37,028. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Mayfield
Mayfield, Kentucky
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,349 people, 4,358 households, and 2,667 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,549.8 people per square mile . There were 4,907 housing units at an average density of 734.8 per square mile...
. The county is named for Major
Major
Major is a rank of commissioned officer, with corresponding ranks existing in almost every military in the world.When used unhyphenated, in conjunction with no other indicator of rank, the term refers to the rank just senior to that of an Army captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel. ...
Benjamin Franklin Graves, soldier
Soldier
A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary...
in the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
. The Mayfield Micropolitan Statistical Area includes all of Graves County.
Graves County is a “limited” dry county
Dry county
A dry county is a county in the United States whose government forbids the sale of alcoholic beverages. Some prohibit off-premises sale, some prohibit on-premises sale, and some prohibit both. Hundreds of dry counties exist across the United States, almost all of them in the South...
, meaning that sale of alcohol in the county is prohibited except for wine and beer in restaurants in Mayfield
Mayfield, Kentucky
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,349 people, 4,358 households, and 2,667 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,549.8 people per square mile . There were 4,907 housing units at an average density of 734.8 per square mile...
which have seating for at least 100 patrons or at the Mayfield Golf & Country Club.
History
As one of Kentucky's largest counties, Graves's history of legends and leaders includes a US Vice President, four US Congressmen, famous and infamous heroes, singers and songwriters, noted writers and a legacy of historic sites.The fertile land attracted early settlers from Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
, North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
, 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 Tennessee
Tennessee
Tennessee is a U.S. state located in the Southeastern United States. It has a population of 6,346,105, making it the nation's 17th-largest state by population, and covers , making it the 36th-largest by total land area...
, who brought with them a degree of education and culture and a fierce determination to succeed on the land. Remarkable in their achievements as craftsmen and farmers they put down roots to blend a political, economic, and social environment unique, perhaps only to Graves County.
Tobacco was very much as part of the local economy over the years and Graves County has a rich history of the dark-fired and dark-air-cured leaf tobacco used in smokeless tobacco farming. A woolen mill, began operation prior to the Civil War and continued to grow with the men's clothing market. Several clothing companies were added and the town's minor league baseball team was even called the Mayfield Clothiers.
Made national news in September 2011 for jailing Amish men who refused to use orange safety triangle on buggies. These Swartzentruber Amish used reflective tape, but refused to use the orange triangle. After the appeal of their 2008 conviction was denied, Menno Zook, Danny Byler, Mose Yoder, Levi Hotetler, David Zook and Eli Zook refused to pay the small fines associated with their conviction. All six served sentences ranging from three to 10 days in the Graves County Jail, according to the jail's website. The men were "very polite, respectful, everything you would expect," said Graves County Chief Deputy Tim Warren. He said the men dressed up in their "Sunday best" to report for their jail sentences. The men are not forced to wear the orange county jail uniforms, Warren said. They are allowed to wear uniforms that are dyed a dark gray, but they are not allowed to wear their own clothes.
Geography
According to the 2000 census, the county has a total area of 556.46 square miles (1,441.2 km²), of which 555.59 square miles (1,439 km²) (or 99.84%) is land and 0.87 square miles (2.3 km²) (or 0.16%) is water.Adjacent counties
- McCracken CountyMcCracken County, KentuckyMcCracken County is a county located in the Jackson Purchase, the extreme western end of the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 65,514. The county seat, largest city, and only incorporated community is Paducah....
(north) - Marshall CountyMarshall County, KentuckyMarshall County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population was 30,125. The 2007 Census Bureau population estimate was 31,258. Its county seat is Benton. It was a dry county until 2004, when residents of Calvert City voted to allow sales of liquor by the drink in...
(northeast) - Calloway CountyCalloway County, KentuckyCalloway County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1823. As of 2010, the population was 37,191. Its county seat is Murray, Kentucky. The county is named for Colonel Richard Callaway, one of the founders of Boonesborough...
& Henry County, Tennessee (southeast) - Weakley County, Tennessee (south)
- Hickman CountyHickman County, KentuckyHickman County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1822. The elevation in the county ranges from to above sea level. As of 2000, the population was 5,262. Its county seat is Clinton. It is the least densely populated county in the state and is a prohibition or...
(southwest) - Carlisle CountyCarlisle County, KentuckyCarlisle County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1886 and as of 2000, had a population of 5,351. Its county seat is Bardwell, Kentucky. The county is named for John Griffin Carlisle, a Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from Kentucky...
(northwest)
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 37,028 people, 14,841 households, and 10,566 families residing in the county. 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 67 /sqmi. There were 16,340 housing units at an average density of 29 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 92.73% White
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...
, 4.44% Black
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...
or African American
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...
, 0.20% Native American
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...
, 0.20% Asian
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...
, 0.01% Pacific Islander
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...
, 1.30% 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 1.11% from two or more races. 2.40% of the population were Hispanic
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...
or Latino
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...
of any race.
There were 14,841 households out of which 31.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.90% 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, 10.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.80% were non-families. 26.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county the population was spread out with 24.50% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.50 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $30,874, and the median income for a family was $38,054. Males had a median income of $32,016 versus $20,177 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 county was $16,834. About 13.10% of families and 16.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.70% of those under age 18 and 14.10% of those age 65 or over.
Cities, towns, and communities
- FelicianaFeliciana, KentuckyFeliciana is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. It is located on Kentucky Route 94....
- Bell CityBell City, KentuckyBell City is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
- BoazBoaz, KentuckyBoaz is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
- CubaCuba, KentuckyCuba is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
- DukedomDukedom, Kentucky and TennesseeDukedom is an unincorporated community in both Graves County, Kentucky and Weakley County, Tennessee in the United States, straddling the state line in the western part of both states...
(partial) - FolsomdaleFolsomdale, KentuckyFolsomdale is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
- HickoryHickory, KentuckyHickory is a census-designated place in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. Located north of Mayfield and south of Paducah in far western Kentucky. The Old Hickory Clay Company headquarters is located in Hickory....
- Fancy FarmFancy Farm, KentuckyFancy Farm is a census-designated place in Graves County, Kentucky, United States, about ten miles west of the county seat, Mayfield on Kentucky Route 80, in the rural western portion of the state called the Jackson Purchase. Fancy Farm was settled by Roman Catholics starting in 1829, and is known...
- FarmingtonFarmington, KentuckyFarmington is a census-designated place in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. Farmington is located 7 miles southeast of Mayfield and 13 miles west of Murray...
- FelicianaFeliciana, KentuckyFeliciana is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. It is located on Kentucky Route 94....
- KalerKaler, KentuckyKaler is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
- LowesLowes, KentuckyLowes is a census-designated place in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. Lowes is northwest of Mayfield. The 2010 United States Census reported that Lowes’s population is 98.-Notable people:...
- LynnvilleLynnville, KentuckyLynnville is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. On April 25, 2011, an EF1 tornado causing some damage, part of the April 25–28, 2011 tornado outbreak, traveled from Martin, Tennessee to Lynnville....
- MayfieldMayfield, KentuckyAs of the census of 2000, there were 10,349 people, 4,358 households, and 2,667 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,549.8 people per square mile . There were 4,907 housing units at an average density of 734.8 per square mile...
- MelberMelber, KentuckyMelber is an unincorporated community in Graves and McCracken counties in the U.S. state of Kentucky....
- PottsvillePottsville, KentuckyPottsville is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
- SedaliaSedalia, KentuckySedalia is a Census-designated place in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. The 2010 United States Census reported that Sedalia’s population is 295....
- SymsoniaSymsonia, KentuckySymsonia is a census-designated place in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. The community lies in the far northeastern part of the county, southeast of Paducah, northwest of Benton, and north of the county seat Mayfield, in the Jackson Purchase region of the state...
- ViolaViola, KentuckyViola is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
- Water ValleyWater Valley, KentuckyWater Valley is a city in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 316 as of the 2000 census.-Geography:Water Valley is located at ....
- West ViolaWest Viola, KentuckyWest Viola is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
- WingoWingo, KentuckyWingo is a city in Graves County, Kentucky, United States. The population was 581 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wingo is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
- DublinDublin, KentuckyDublin is an unincorporated community in Graves County, Kentucky, United States....
Notable natives
- Lucien AndersonLucien AndersonLucien Anderson was a United States Representative from Kentucky. He was born near Mayfield, Kentucky. He attended the public schools and studied law...
— U.S. RepresentativeUnited 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... - Alben W. BarkleyAlben W. BarkleyAlben William Barkley was an American politician in the Democratic Party who served as the 35th Vice President of the United States , under President Harry S. Truman....
— U.S. Representative, Senator, and Vice President - Lon Carter BartonLon Carter BartonLon Carter Barton was a U.S. local historian.He was particularly interested in the Civil War history of the Jackson Purchase portion of Kentucky, located in the far western part of the state, the Civil War as fought locally, and the Kitty League Baseball.Barton was a U.S...
— Historian, state representative - Andrew BooneAndrew BooneAndrew Rechmond Boone was a United States Representative from Kentucky. He was born in Davidson County, Tennessee and moved with his parents to Mayfield, Kentucky in 1833. He attended the public schools...
— U.S. Representative - Herschel GreenHerschel GreenHerschel "Herky" Green was a World War II flying ace in the United States Army Air Force. Green was the leading ace of the Fifteenth Air Force downing 18 enemy aircraft and destroying 10 more on the ground. He flew in 1943 and 1944 in the North Africa and Italian campaigns. He flew with the 325th...
- World War IIWorld War IIWorld War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
flying aceFlying aceA flying ace or fighter ace is a military aviator credited with shooting down several enemy aircraft during aerial combat. The actual number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an "ace" has varied, but is usually considered to be five or more...
in the United States Army Air Force - Noble Jones GregoryNoble Jones GregoryNoble Jones Gregory , a Democrat, represented Kentucky in the United States House of Representatives.Gregory was born and raised in Mayfield, Kentucky. He worked in various positions at the First National Bank of Mayfield from 1917 through 1936...
— U.S. Representative - William Voris GregoryWilliam Voris GregoryWilliam Voris Gregory , a Democrat, was a United States Representative from Kentucky.Gregory was born in Graves County and after college he taught school and served as superintendent of schools there...
— U.S. Representative - Carroll HubbardCarroll HubbardCarroll Hubbard, Jr. , a Democrat, represented Kentucky in the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 1993.Hubbard grew up in Murray, Kentucky, graduated from Georgetown College in 1959 and from the University of Louisville law school in 1962...
— U.S. Representative - John Paul Hogan
- Bobbie Ann MasonBobbie Ann MasonBobbie Ann Mason is an American novelist, short story writer, essayist, and literary critic from Kentucky.With four siblings Mason grew up on her family's dairy farm outside of Mayfield, Kentucky. As a child she loved to read, so her parents, Wilburn and Christina Mason, always made sure she had...
— author - Kevin SkinnerKevin SkinnerPatrick Kevin Skinner , better known as Kevin Skinner, is an American country music singer from the Jackson Purchase region of Kentucky. He was the winner of the fourth season of America's Got Talent.- Early life :...
— country singer and reality show winner - Adrian SmithAdrian Smith (basketball)Adrian Howard Smith is a retired American Northeast Mississippi Community College, University of Kentucky, NBA, and ABA player....
— former NBANational Basketball AssociationThe National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
player - Jimmy WorkJimmy WorkJimmy Work was an American country musician best known for the country standard "Making Believe".Work was born in Ohio but moved to Dukedom, Tennessee with his family at age two...
-Song Writer http://www.answers.com/topic/jimmy-work?cat=entertainment
See also
- Dry counties
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Graves County, KentuckyNational Register of Historic Places listings in Graves County, KentuckyThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Graves County, Kentucky.It is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Graves County, Kentucky, United States...