Winchester, Tennessee
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Winchester is a city located in Franklin County, Tennessee Template:GR. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 7,329.
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History
Winchester was created as the seat of justice for Franklin County by act of the Tennessee Legislature on November 22, 1809. The town is named for James Winchester, a soldier in the American Revolution, first Speaker of the Tennessee Legislature, and a Brigadier General in the War of 1812.
The city was occupied first by Confederate and then by Union troops during the Civil War. It lay on the line of retreat to Chattanooga followed by the Confederate Army of Tennessee during the campaign of 1863.
Recreation in Winchester received a significant boost when the Tennessee Valley Authority started construction of the Tims Ford Dam along the Elk River in 1966. The project was complete in 1972 and Tims Ford Lake is now known for excellent boating and bass fishing opportunities.
The city hosts an annual Dogwood Festival each April.
Geography
Winchester is located at 35°11'18" North, 86°6'45" West (35.188390, -86.112525)Template:GR.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 27.6 km² (10.7 mi²). 25.8 km² (10.0 mi²) of it is land and 1.8 km² (0.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 6.47% water.
Demographics
As of the censusTemplate:GR of 2000, there are 7,329 people, 2,992 households, and 2,013 families residing in the city. The population density is 283.5/km² (734.6/mi²). There are 3,318 housing units at an average density of 128.4/km² (332.6/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 84.51% White, 12.35% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.23% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. 2.25% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 2,992 households out of which 27.5% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% are married couples living together, 13.7% have a female householder with no husband present, and 32.7% are non-families. 29.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.36 and the average family size is 2.89.
In the city the population is spread out with 22.6% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 24.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 83.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 81.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $32,500, and the median income for a family is $41,183. Males have a median income of $31,959 versus $21,629 for females. The per capita income for the city is $16,533. 19.9% of the population and 13.3% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 28.6% of those under the age of 18 and 19.4% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.
Famous Residents
For a relatively small town, Winchester has counted a large number of citizens who became eminent beyond its borders.
Four governors of Tennessee were born in or lived there:
Three natives have been formally honored by the British Crown:
- Sir John Templeton, financier and philanthropist
- Sir Francis Joseph Campbell, pioneer in educating the blind
- Lady Ida Beasly Elliott, missionary in Burma
Winchester was also the birthplace of Dinah Shore, singer and TV personality.
In addition, President Andrew Jackson once owned considerable property in the town.
External links
- Chamber of Commerce page (http://www.franklincountychamber.com/)
- City-data.com Winchester page (http://www.city-data.com/city/Winchester-Tennessee.html)
- City history from the Winchester Planning Department (http://www.winchester-tn.com/history.html)
- Civil War trail in Winchester (http://www.tennesseebackroads.org/battle8.htm)
- Winchester Dogwood Festival (http://www.winchesterdogwoodfestival.com/)
