Montgomery County, Tennessee
Encyclopedia
Montgomery County is a county located in the U.S. state
of Tennessee
. The county seat
is Clarksville
. The population was 172,331 at the 2010 census
. It is one of the four counties included in the Clarksville, TN–KY
Metropolitan Statistical Area.
, a settler who founded the city of Clarksville
, Tennessee
, in Montgomery County. The county was initially organized as Tennessee County, North Carolina
, but its name was changed in 1796, the year that Tennessee was admitted as a state, to reduce confusion. In the same year, much of the eastern portion of the county was removed from its jurisdiction and incorporated with territory taken from Sumner County
to form Robertson County. Subsequent acts of the Tennessee General Assembly
further reduced the area of the county; it obtained its current size and boundaries in 1871.
Montgomery County was the site of several saltpeter mines. Saltpeter is the main ingredient of gunpowder and was obtained by leaching the earth from several local caves. Bellamy Cave, located near Stringtown, contains the remains of two dozen saltpeter leaching vats and was apparently a large operation. Cooper Creek Cave also shows evidence of extensive mining and contains the remains of "many saltpeter hoppers" (Barr, 1961). Dunbar Cave is also reported to have been mined for saltpeter during the Mexican War, but commercial development has erased any evidence of this mining. In all likelihood, Bellamy Cave and Cooper Creek Cave were mined during the War of 1812. Little mining in this area is likely to have occurred duing the Civil War, because this part of Tennessee fell under Federal control very early in the war. (Larry E. Matthews, "Dunbar Cave: The Showplace of the South", 2011, ISBN 978-1-879961-41-8, 240 pages.)
, the county has a total area of 544 square miles (1,409 km²), of which 539 square miles (1,396 km²) is land and 5 square miles (12.9 km²) (0.84%) is water.
Montgomery County lies in a region of well-developed karst topography
and has a cave system named Dunbar Cave
. Dunbar Cave is the centerpiece of Dunbar State Park, which encompasses approximately 110 acres and is one of the most visited units in the Tennessee State Park System.
Dunbar Cave
Dunbar Cave was explored by prehistoric Indians. Remains of their cane torches have been found in the cave and archaeologists have excavated numerous artifacts inside the entrance. (Larry E. Matthews, "Dunbar Cave", 2005, ISBN 1-879961-22-9). During a research trip into the cave on January 15, 2005, Park Ranger Amy Wallace, History Professor Joe Douglas, local historian Billyfrank Morrison, and Geologist Larry E. Matthews, discovered Indian Glyphs on the walls of the cave. Subsequent investigations by archaeologists from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville confirmed that these drawings were left by Mississippian Era Indians. (Jan F. Simek, Joseph C. Douglas, and Amy Wallace, "Ancient Cave Art at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area", Tennessee Conservationist Magazine, September/October 2007, pages 24 – 26). These Indian Glyphs were featured on the tour of the cave. However, in 2009 the cave was closed due to the presence of White Nose Syndrome detected in one single bat. The above ground portion of the Park is still open to the public.
of 2000, there were 134,768 people, 48,330 households, and 35,957 families residing in the county. The population density
was 250 people per square mile (96/km²). There were 52,167 housing units at an average density of 97 per square mile (37/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 73.17% White
, 19.18% Black
or African American
, 0.53% Native American
, 1.82% Asian
, 0.21% Pacific Islander
, 2.18% from other races
, and 2.91% from two or more races. 5.16% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 48,330 households out of which 40.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.70% were married couples
living together, 12.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.60% were non-families. 20.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the county, the population was spread out with 28.40% under the age of 18, 12.30% from 18 to 24, 34.30% from 25 to 44, 17.20% from 45 to 64, and 7.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 101.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,981, and the median income for a family was $43,023. Males had a median income of $30,696 versus $22,581 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $17,265. About 7.90% of families and 10.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.70% of those under age 18 and 10.70% of those age 65 or over.
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 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...
. The 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 Clarksville
Clarksville, Tennessee
Clarksville is a city in and the county seat of Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States, and the fifth largest city in the state. The population was 132,929 in 2010 United States Census...
. The population was 172,331 at the 2010 census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
. It is one of the four counties included in the Clarksville, TN–KY
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...
Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
The county was named for John MontgomeryJohn Montgomery (pioneer)
Colonel John Montgomery was an early American soldier, settler, and explorer. He is credited with founding the city of Clarksville, Tennessee, and the county of Montgomery County, Tennessee is named for him....
, a settler who founded the city of Clarksville
Clarksville, Tennessee
Clarksville is a city in and the county seat of Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States, and the fifth largest city in the state. The population was 132,929 in 2010 United States Census...
, 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...
, in Montgomery County. The county was initially organized as Tennessee County, 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...
, but its name was changed in 1796, the year that Tennessee was admitted as a state, to reduce confusion. In the same year, much of the eastern portion of the county was removed from its jurisdiction and incorporated with territory taken from Sumner County
Sumner County, Tennessee
Sumner County is a county located in the U.S. state of Tennessee. As of 2000, the population was 130,449. Its county seat is Gallatin, but its largest town is Hendersonville...
to form Robertson County. Subsequent acts of the Tennessee General Assembly
Tennessee General Assembly
The Tennessee General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Tennessee.-Constitutional structure:According to the Tennessee State Constitution of 1870, the General Assembly is a bicameral legislature and consists of a Senate of thirty-three members and a House of Representatives of...
further reduced the area of the county; it obtained its current size and boundaries in 1871.
Montgomery County was the site of several saltpeter mines. Saltpeter is the main ingredient of gunpowder and was obtained by leaching the earth from several local caves. Bellamy Cave, located near Stringtown, contains the remains of two dozen saltpeter leaching vats and was apparently a large operation. Cooper Creek Cave also shows evidence of extensive mining and contains the remains of "many saltpeter hoppers" (Barr, 1961). Dunbar Cave is also reported to have been mined for saltpeter during the Mexican War, but commercial development has erased any evidence of this mining. In all likelihood, Bellamy Cave and Cooper Creek Cave were mined during the War of 1812. Little mining in this area is likely to have occurred duing the Civil War, because this part of Tennessee fell under Federal control very early in the war. (Larry E. Matthews, "Dunbar Cave: The Showplace of the South", 2011, ISBN 978-1-879961-41-8, 240 pages.)
Geography
According to the U.S. 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 county has a total area of 544 square miles (1,409 km²), of which 539 square miles (1,396 km²) is land and 5 square miles (12.9 km²) (0.84%) is water.
Montgomery County lies in a region of well-developed karst topography
Karst topography
Karst topography is a geologic formation shaped by the dissolution of a layer or layers of soluble bedrock, usually carbonate rock such as limestone or dolomite, but has also been documented for weathering resistant rocks like quartzite given the right conditions.Due to subterranean drainage, there...
and has a cave system named Dunbar Cave
Dunbar Cave State Park
Dunbar Cave State Park is a 110 acre park in Clarksville, Tennessee, situated around Dunbar Cave. Dunbar Cave is the 280th largest cave complex in the world, stretching 8.067 miles inward. In front of the cave entrance is a large concrete poured structure with three distinct arches...
. Dunbar Cave is the centerpiece of Dunbar State Park, which encompasses approximately 110 acres and is one of the most visited units in the Tennessee State Park System.
Dunbar Cave
Dunbar Cave was explored by prehistoric Indians. Remains of their cane torches have been found in the cave and archaeologists have excavated numerous artifacts inside the entrance. (Larry E. Matthews, "Dunbar Cave", 2005, ISBN 1-879961-22-9). During a research trip into the cave on January 15, 2005, Park Ranger Amy Wallace, History Professor Joe Douglas, local historian Billyfrank Morrison, and Geologist Larry E. Matthews, discovered Indian Glyphs on the walls of the cave. Subsequent investigations by archaeologists from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville confirmed that these drawings were left by Mississippian Era Indians. (Jan F. Simek, Joseph C. Douglas, and Amy Wallace, "Ancient Cave Art at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area", Tennessee Conservationist Magazine, September/October 2007, pages 24 – 26). These Indian Glyphs were featured on the tour of the cave. However, in 2009 the cave was closed due to the presence of White Nose Syndrome detected in one single bat. The above ground portion of the Park is still open to the public.
Adjacent counties
- Christian CountyChristian County, KentuckyChristian County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1797. As of 2000, its population was 72,265. Its county seat is Hopkinsville, Kentucky...
, KentuckyKentuckyThe 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...
(north) - Todd CountyTodd County, KentuckyTodd County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. As of 2000, the population is 11,971. Its county seat is Elkton. The county is named after Colonel John Todd, who was killed at the Battle of Blue Licks in 1782...
, KentuckyKentuckyThe 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...
(northeast) - Robertson County (east)
- Cheatham County (southeast)
- Dickson County (south)
- Houston County (southwest)
- Stewart County (west)
Elected officials
- County Mayor: Carolyn P. Bowers
- Assessor of Property: Betty M. Burchett
- Trustee: Brenda E. Radford
- Sheriff: Norman E. Lewis
- Circuit Court Clerk: Cheryl J. Castle
- County Clerk: Kellie A. Jackson
- Register of Deeds: Connie W. Bell
- Highway Supervisor: Robert M. Frost
Appointed department heads
- Administration and Development: Phil Harpel
- Accounts & Budgets: Erinne J. Hester
- Human Resources: Sheryl R. Gossard
- Adult Probation: Sherry Robertson
- Ambulance Service (EMS): Jimmie Edwards
- Animal Control & Adoption: David Selby
- Archives & Preservation of Records: Jill Hastings-Johnson
- Bi-County Landfill & Solid Waste Management System: Pete Reed
- Building & Codes: Rod Streeter
- Building Maintenance: Clint Camp
- Clerk & Master of Chancery Court: Ted Crozier
- Community Corrections: Rex Cummings
- Court Safety Program: Lisa McClain
- Health Department: Andre Fresco
- Information Systems: Marcus Johnson
- Juvenile Court: Larry Ross
- Parks & Recreation: Jerry Allbert
- Projects & Facilities: Clint Camp
- Public Information Officer: Elizabeth Black
- Purchasing: Jane Davis
- Veterans Service Organization: Jerry Rivers
- Lieutenant of Patrol MCSO: John R. Smith
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 134,768 people, 48,330 households, and 35,957 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 250 people per square mile (96/km²). There were 52,167 housing units at an average density of 97 per square mile (37/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 73.17% 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...
, 19.18% 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...
, 0.53% 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...
, 1.82% 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...
, 0.21% 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...
, 2.18% 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 2.91% from two or more races. 5.16% 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 48,330 households out of which 40.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.70% 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, 12.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.60% were non-families. 20.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 5.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the county, the population was spread out with 28.40% under the age of 18, 12.30% from 18 to 24, 34.30% from 25 to 44, 17.20% from 45 to 64, and 7.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 30 years. For every 100 females there were 101.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $38,981, and the median income for a family was $43,023. Males had a median income of $30,696 versus $22,581 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 $17,265. About 7.90% of families and 10.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.70% of those under age 18 and 10.70% of those age 65 or over.
Cities, towns, and unincorporated communities
- ClarksvilleClarksville, TennesseeClarksville is a city in and the county seat of Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States, and the fifth largest city in the state. The population was 132,929 in 2010 United States Census...
- Cunningham
- Dotsonville
- Excell
- Fredonia
- NeedmoreNeedmore, TennesseeNeedmore, Tennessee is a neighborhood in the city of Clarksville, Tennessee. The community is characterized by middle class housing, with one of the biggest features being the Clarksville Speedway, located on Needmore road. The neighborhood is served by the city's North precinct for police, along...
- New ProvidenceNew Providence, TennesseeNew Providence, Tennessee was a small railroad town in northern middle Tennessee. It was a mostly working class city until about the mid 20th century when it was annexed by the nearby city of Clarksville, Tennessee...
- Oakwood
- OakridgeOakridge, TennesseeOakridge is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States. It is part of the Clarksville, TN–KY Metropolitan Statistical Area. It should not be confused with the city of Oak Ridge in eastern Tennessee.-External links:*...
- Orgains Crossroads
- PalmyraPalmyra, TennesseePalmyra is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States. It is located along State Route 149 southwest of Clarksville. The town has its own post office with the ZIP Code of 37142. Palmyra has a rich civil war history where MAJ GEN Joseph Wheeler of the Confederate army...
- Port RoyalPort Royal, TennesseePort Royal is a historic unincorporated community on the border of Montgomery and Robertson counties in the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is home to Port Royal State Park. It is located at the confluence of the Red River and Sulphur Fork Creek.-History:...
- SangoSango, TennesseeSango is an unincorporated community in the northeastern corner of Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States, approximately five miles east of Clarksville. It is conveniently located near Exit 11 of Interstate 24, and approximately 30 minutes northwest of Nashville...
- SouthsideSouthside, TennesseeSouthside is an unincorporated community in Hardin County, Tennessee, United States. Southside is located at the intersection of Tennessee State Route 57 and Tennessee State Route 142 near the Mississippi border....
- Shiloh
- Rossview
- St. BethlehemSaint Bethlehem, TennesseeSaint Bethlehem or St. Bethlehem, also called "St. B" by locals, is a community in Montgomery County, Tennessee, located just northeast of downtown Clarksville. St. Bethlehem has been incorporated into Clarksville city limits and is no longer a separate community, although locals still refer to...
- Sailors Rest
- Tarsus
- WoodlawnWoodlawn, TennesseeWoodlawn is an unincorporated community in Montgomery County, Tennessee, United States. It is located along State Route 79 west of neighboring Clarksville. The community has a post office with the ZIP Code of 37191....