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Tipton County, Tennessee

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Tipton County is a county located on the western end of the U.S. state of Tennessee, in the Mississippi Delta region. As of the 2020 census, the population was 60,970.[2] Its county seat is Covington.[3] Tipton County, founded in 1823, is part of the Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Tipton County
County
Tipton County courthouse in Covington, Tennessee
Tipton County courthouse in Covington, Tennessee
Map of Tennessee highlighting Tipton County
Location within the U.S. state of Tennessee
Map of the United States highlighting Tennessee
Tennessee's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 35°29′N 89°46′W / 35.49°N 89.76°W / 35.49; -89.76
Country United States
State Tennessee
FoundedOctober 29, 1823
Named forJacob Tipton, 18th-century soldier[1]
SeatCovington
Largest cityAtoka
Area
 • Total473 sq mi (1,230 km2)
 • Land458 sq mi (1,190 km2)
 • Water15 sq mi (40 km2)  3.2%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total60,970 Decrease
 • Density133/sq mi (51/km2)
Time zoneUTC−6 (Central)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−5 (CDT)
Congressional districts8th, 9th
Websitewww.tiptonco.com

History

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Indian cultures

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The Tipton phase and some of its associated sites

From about 10,000 BCE, Paleo-Indians and later Archaic-Indians lived as communities of hunter-gatherers in the area that covers the modern day southern United States.[4][5] From approximately 800 CE to 1600 CE, the Mississippi Delta was populated by tribes of the Mississippian culture, a mound-building Native American people who had developed in the late Woodland Indian period.[5][6] While there were chiefdoms and centers along the Mississippi and its tributaries, their major center was at Cahokia, in present-day Illinois east of St. Louis, Missouri.

The Tipton phase people were a local expression of the Mississippian culture. They still inhabited the region of modern-day Tipton County during the time of first contact with Europeans, at the arrival of the Spanish Hernando de Soto Expedition. By the end of the Mississippian period, the land was claimed and populated by the Chickasaw tribe.[7] The exact origins of the Chickasaw are uncertain.[8]

In about 1800, Europeans began settling the Chickasaw-inhabited lands east of the Mississippi River. Chickasaw land in what became known as West Tennessee and southwestern Kentucky was ceded in the Jackson Purchase. Both states grew considerably as a result of this purchase.[9] In 1818, both sides agreed to the transfer by signing the Treaty of Tuscaloosa.[10] The Chickasaw were to be paid annuities for 15 years, but the United States was often late with payment, or forced the people to take the value in goods. These were often delayed or were of poor quality.

1811 and 1812 earthquakes

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Due to topographic changes caused by the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes, part of what is now Tipton County was cut off from the state of Tennessee by a change in the course of the Mississippi River. The earthquake changed the course of the river near the settlement of Reverie, Tennessee. The old riverbed is west of Reverie. The river now runs east of Reverie, putting Reverie on the Arkansas side, while most of the area of Tipton County is located east of the river, on the Tennessee side.[11]

Establishment

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Tipton County attracted American settlers who established cotton plantations on its fertile soils and either brought or purchased enslaved African Americans as field laborers and house servants. There are also many records of indentured Irish [Caucasian] servants. This area was part of the cotton culture associated with the Mississippi Delta, which extended down to the Yazoo River in Mississippi. With the increase in population, the county was established on October 29, 1823, from parts of Shelby County, which borders Tipton County in the south. The land was former Chickasaw Indian territory. The county was named for Jacob Tipton (1765–1791), whose direct ancestor allegedly was Sir Anthony de Tipton, who in 1282, is said to have slain the Prince of Wales at the Battle of Snowdon. Jacob's father, who was from Armistead Blevins, supervised the organization of Shelby County. Jacob Tipton was killed by Native Americans in 1791 during the conflict over the Northwest Territory.[1] Jacob Tipton was the son of John Tipton, a rival of John Sevier during Tennessee's State of Franklin period.[12]

19th century

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Early Mississippi River steamboat commerce flourished in Tipton County. In 1830, the community of Randolph, one of the earliest settlements in Tipton County, was the most important shipping point in Tennessee and an early rival of Memphis for commercial supremacy. But its fortunes declined in later years.[13] Riverboat traffic gradually yielded to freight being shipped by railroad. The first rail service in Tipton County was established in December 1855, when the Memphis and Ohio Railroad completed the route from Memphis to Nashville, running through what is now Mason.

 
Union fleet passing Fort Randolph (1865)

Two Civil War forts, Fort Randolph and Fort Wright, were built near the settlement because of its strategic location on the second Chickasaw Bluff of the Mississippi River.[14][15] Following the Civil War, investment in infrastructure was renewed, and the Memphis and Paducah Railroad completed the tracks to Covington in July 1873. A telegraph line between Memphis and Covington was opened in 1882. In 1894, Covington was connected to electricity. Forced water mains have provided residents of Covington with water since 1898. In 1922, street paving began in the county seat. Since 1929, residents of Covington have had access to natural gas.[16] In the South Main Historic District in Covington, about 50 residences from the late 19th century and the early 20th century are still intact.[16] The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

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Cotton field in rural Tipton County, 2013

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 473 square miles (1,230 km2), of which 458 square miles (1,190 km2) is land and 15 square miles (39 km2) (3.2%) is water.[17] The major north–south route, U.S. Highway 51, bisects Tipton County and passes through Covington. The western boundary of Tipton County is the Mississippi River, separating Tennessee and Arkansas. As the river's course was altered in several places by the 1812 New Madrid earthquake, the official boundary still follows the old alignment of the river. As a result, a few of Tipton County's communities — including Reverie and Corona — became stranded on the Arkansas mainland side of the river, rather than the Tennessee side. Tipton County is situated on the southeastern edge of the New Madrid Seismic Zone, an area with a high earthquake risk.

Adjacent counties

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18305,317—
18406,80027.9%
18508,88730.7%
186010,70520.5%
187014,88439.0%
188021,03341.3%
189024,27115.4%
190029,27320.6%
191029,4590.6%
192030,2582.7%
193027,498−9.1%
194028,0362.0%
195029,7826.2%
196028,564−4.1%
197028,001−2.0%
198032,93017.6%
199037,56814.1%
200051,27136.5%
201061,08119.1%
202060,970−0.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[18]
1790-1960[19] 1900-1990[20]
1990-2000[21] 2010-2014[2]
 
Age pyramid Tipton County[23]

2020 census

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Tipton County racial composition[24]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 44,925 73.68%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 10,760 17.65%
Native American 180 0.3%
Asian 393 0.64%
Pacific Islander 39 0.06%
Other/Mixed 2,987 4.9%
Hispanic or Latino 1,686 2.77%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 60,970 people, 21,452 households, and 16,419 families residing in the county.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States Census,[25] there were 61,081 people, 21,617 households, and 16,562 families residing in the county. The population density was 133.36 persons per square mile (51.49 persons/km2) and the housing unit density was 47.20 units per square mile (18.22 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 77.77% White, 18.74% Black or African American, 0.60% Asian, 0.41% Native American, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origins were 2.08% of the population.

2000 census

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As of the census[26] of 2000, there were 51,271 people, 18,106 households, and 14,176 families residing in the county. The population density was 112 inhabitants per square mile (43/km2). There were 19,064 housing units at an average density of 42 units per square mile (16/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 77.86% White, 19.90% Black or African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 0.38% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. 1.21% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 18,106 households, out of which 39.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.20% were married couples living together, 13.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.70% were non-families. 18.70% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.17. In the county, the population was spread out, with 29.30% under the age of 18, 8.60% from 18 to 24, 30.40% from 25 to 44, 21.80% from 45 to 64, and 9.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.20 males. The median income for a household in the county was $41,856, and the median income for a family was $46,807. Males had a median income of $35,611 versus $23,559 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,952. About 10.30% of families and 12.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.30% of those under age 18 and 17.70% of those age 65 or over. In 2006, according to the U.S. Census Bureau population estimate, 57,380 people resided in 22,551 housing units in Tipton County. In comparison to a population of 51,271 in the year 2000, the county population increased by 11.9% in six years. 50.7% of the population in 2006 was female, 49.3% was male. Of the population in 2006, 79.2% were White, 18.8% were Black, .4% were of Native American or Alaska Native race and 1.6% were of another ethnicity.[27]

Parks and recreation

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Welcome sign at the county border
 
Cannon in front of the Nature Center and Veteran's Memorial in Covington. Marker in the background shows Nathan Bedford Forrest's last speech. (2007)

Tipton County Museum

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The Tipton County Museum is located in Covington. The museum houses various history exhibits featuring artifacts from Tipton County's rich heritage and a nature center depicting the unique ecosystem of West Tennessee. Taxidermies of local species and mastodon bone fragments give insight into the natural history. Adjacent to the museum, a 20-acre (8.1 ha) park with a 1⁄2-mile (800 m) walking trail can be found. Natural woodland and man-made wetlands are the sites for a few smaller local species, such as turtles and birds. The Veterans Memorial in front of the museum commemorates the soldiers from the county who lost their lives in wars.[16][28]

County parks

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The county's parks include:[16]

Munford

  • Centennial Park - Walking Track, 5 Baseball/Softball Fields, Picnic Area, Concessions, Restrooms, Covered Playground, Media Room
  • City Park - Gazebo, Walking Track, Playground, Open Space
  • Poplar Park - Football Field, 2 Tennis Courts, Restrooms, Concessions Stand, Covered Picnic Areas, Gazebo, Playground, Open Practice Area, Skate Park
  • Valentine Park - 2 Playgrounds, Picnic Pavilion, Restroom Facilities, Soccer Fields, 2 18 Hole DISC Golf Course, Stocked Lake, Nature Trail
  • Hope Park - Walking Track, Outdoor Fitness Equipment, Pavilion [29]

Atoka

  • Adkison Park - a 1/8 mile asphalt walking track, a small playground feature, benches and picnic tables, "The Bobby McDill Scout Hut - the home base of Boy Scout Troop 60 - is located within the park."
  • Nancy Lane Park - 18-hole disc golf course, 4-diamond softball complex with concession stand, 1 playground, nature trail
  • Pioneer Park - fishing pond, fountain, playerground, 1/3 mile walking track
  • Walker Park - Concession stand, splash pad, lighted athletic field, sand volleyball courts, playground, 1.15 mile walking track[30]

Covington

  • Shelton Park - a 1-acre (0.40-hectare) landscaped garden park with gazebo and picnic tables.
  • Patriot Park - opened in 2004; its centerpiece is an A-4 Skyhawk attack bomber.
  • Cobb Parr Memorial Park - Large playground, Tipton County Bar-B-Q Festival is held here annually
  • Frazier Park - a 10-acre (4.0-hectare) park with a 1⁄2-mile (800 m) fitness trail, playgrounds and ballfields.[31]

Communities

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Civil War exhibit in the Tipton County Museum (2008)

Tipton county is composed of 12 communities, four of which are unincorporated communities.[32]

Cities

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Towns

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Unincorporated communities

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Politics

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United States presidential election results for Tipton County, Tennessee[33]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 20,070 73.49% 6,837 25.04% 401 1.47%
2016 16,910 72.02% 5,785 24.64% 786 3.35%
2012 16,672 69.23% 7,133 29.62% 276 1.15%
2008 17,165 67.80% 7,931 31.33% 220 0.87%
2004 14,178 65.41% 7,379 34.04% 120 0.55%
2000 10,070 60.84% 6,300 38.06% 182 1.10%
1996 7,585 50.40% 6,596 43.82% 870 5.78%
1992 6,757 49.26% 5,652 41.20% 1,308 9.54%
1988 6,052 61.02% 3,824 38.56% 42 0.42%
1984 5,945 60.21% 3,895 39.45% 34 0.34%
1980 4,339 46.15% 4,934 52.48% 128 1.36%
1976 3,329 36.70% 5,667 62.47% 76 0.84%
1972 5,542 71.52% 1,853 23.91% 354 4.57%
1968 1,422 16.86% 2,071 24.55% 4,943 58.59%
1964 3,073 44.57% 3,821 55.43% 0 0.00%
1960 1,829 30.91% 3,853 65.12% 235 3.97%
1956 983 16.26% 4,828 79.87% 234 3.87%
1952 1,312 19.54% 5,351 79.68% 53 0.79%
1948 209 4.46% 3,066 65.50% 1,406 30.04%
1944 310 7.11% 4,046 92.80% 4 0.09%
1940 288 4.71% 5,815 95.13% 10 0.16%
1936 116 2.42% 4,683 97.58% 0 0.00%
1932 154 5.02% 2,892 94.23% 23 0.75%
1928 425 18.25% 1,889 81.11% 15 0.64%
1924 218 10.01% 1,917 88.06% 42 1.93%
1920 906 23.99% 2,816 74.58% 54 1.43%
1916 281 11.80% 2,035 85.47% 65 2.73%
1912 564 31.60% 987 55.29% 234 13.11%

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Angela Wallace Finley, "Tipton County," Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture, 2009. Retrieved: February 9, 2013.
  2. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 21, 2016. Retrieved December 7, 2013.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ Guy Prentice (2003). "Pushmataha, Choctaw Indian Chief". Southeast Chronicles. Retrieved February 11, 2008.
  5. ^ a b Smith, Gerald P. (1996). "The Mississippi River Drainage of Western Tennessee". In Charles H. McNutt (ed.). Prehistory of the Central Mississippi Valley. University of Alabama Press. pp. 97–118. ISBN 0-8173-0807-5.
  6. ^ "History & Archaeology: Mississippian Period: Overview". The New Georgia Encyclopedia. October 3, 2002. Archived from the original on March 1, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2008.
  7. ^ Smith, Gerald P. (1990). "The Walls Phase and its Neighbors". In David H. Dye; Sheryl Ann Cox (eds.). Towns and Temples Along the Mississippi. University of Alabama Press. pp. 135–169. ISBN 0-8173-0455-X.
  8. ^ Cushman, Horatio (1899). "Choctaw, Chickasaw, and Natchez". History of the Choctaw, Chickasaw and Natchez Indians. Norman, Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 18–19. ISBN 0-8061-3127-6.
  9. ^ "Jackson Purchase". excerpt from The Kentucky Encyclopedia edited by John E. Kleber. 1992. Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
  10. ^ "Treaties". Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  11. ^ "Tipton - Tennessee History for Kids". Archived from the original on July 6, 2010. Retrieved April 20, 2010. www.tnhistoryforkids.org
  12. ^ Als Colonel John Tipton: Sons. Retrieved: April 18, 2013.
  13. ^ Tennessee Historical Markers (8th ed.). Tennessee Historical Commission. 1996. ISBN 0-87402-021-2.
  14. ^ "TN Encyclopedia: Fort Wright". The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture. Retrieved February 9, 2013.
  15. ^ Foote, A. H. (March 5, 1862). "The Evacuation of Columbus. The Town Reduced to a Heap of Ruins by the Rebels. Their Retreat to Fort Randolph (...) - (Dispatch from Flag-Officer Foote)" (PDF). The New York Times. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2009.
  16. ^ a b c d Covington-Tipton County Community Guide. Covington, Tennessee: Tipton County Chamber of Commerce. 2005.
  17. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  18. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  19. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  20. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  21. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2015.
  22. ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  23. ^ Based on 2000 census data
  24. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 8, 2021.
  25. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
  26. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  27. ^ "Tipton County QuickFacts from the U.S. Census Bureau". U.S. Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 21, 2016. Retrieved October 4, 2008.
  28. ^ "Tipton County Museum". Tipton County. Archived from the original on June 14, 2007. Retrieved October 4, 2008.
  29. ^ "Munford Parks and Recreation Department City Parks". Archived from the original on May 31, 2019. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
  30. ^ "Park Facilities - atokatn TN". Archived from the original on March 22, 2018. Retrieved May 31, 2019.
  31. ^ "Parks".
  32. ^ "Elected and appointed officials of Tipton County" (PDF). www.tiptonco.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 11, 2021.
  33. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
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