Gilmer County, Georgia

Gilmer County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 31,353.[1] The county seat is Ellijay.[2] It was based on a historic Cherokee town also spelled as Elejoy in the eighteenth century. The county was created on December 3, 1832, and was named for George Rockingham Gilmer, a politician who served two non-consecutive terms as governor of the state.[3][4] Gilmer County is home of the annual Apple Festival, which is held in mid-October. Ninety percent of the land is in cropland and forest. Poultry raising and processing makes up the largest portion of the agricultural economy, which generates 33.2% of the total revenues. Manufacturing is about 20%.

Gilmer County
County
Gilmer County courthouse in Ellijay
Gilmer County courthouse in Ellijay
Map of Georgia highlighting Gilmer County
Location within the U.S. state of Georgia
Map of the United States highlighting Georgia
Georgia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°41′N 84°28′W
Country United States
State Georgia
Founded1832 (1832)
Named forGeorge Rockingham Gilmer
SeatEllijay
Largest cityEllijay
Area
 • Total431 sq mi (1,120 km2)
 • Land427 sq mi (1,110 km2)
 • Water4.7 sq mi (12 km2)  1.1%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total31,353
 • Density73/sq mi (28/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district9th
Websitewww.gilmercounty-ga.gov

History

This was long inhabited by cultures of indigenous peoples. It was part of the homeland of the Cherokee. They had a village, Elatseyi, meaning "new ground".[5] Other sources say it means "green place".[6] It was sometimes spelled "Elejoy" on 18th century colonial maps. It was located at the confluence of the Ellijay and Cartecay rivers, which create the Coosawattee River. The later European-American town of Ellijay developed at this site.

In 1832, Gilmer County was organized as Georgia started to encroach on Cherokee territory.[7] Ellijay was designated as the county seat in 1834.

On 12 January 1854, parts of Gilmer County as well as parts of neighboring Union County were taken to form the newly created Fannin County, Georgia.[8]

Blackberry Falls rapid on the Cartecay River near Ellijay

This is still a primarily rural county, with agriculture and forests supporting the economy. It also has a growing tourist sector, some based on whitewater kayaking and canoeing on the rivers in the area.

Economy

Farming is still important, although, by 2002, the amount of land in the county devoted to agriculture had declined to 24.7 thousand acres. Most farms are sized at 10-49 acres, or 50-179 acres. Poultry raising and processing make up the largest portion of the agricultural economy. Agriculture and directly related businesses, such as landscape services, generate $565.1 million, or 33.2% of the county's economic output. Manufacturing generates $351.4 million, or 20.6%.[9]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 431 square miles (1,120 km2), of which 427 square miles (1,110 km2) is land and 4.7 square miles (12 km2) (1.1%) is water.[10] The county is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The vast majority of Gilmer County is located in the Coosawattee River sub-basin in the ACT River Basin (Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin). Three very small parts of the eastern and northern edges of the county are located in the Conasauga River sub-basin of the ACT River Basin, while slightly larger portions of the northern and eastern border areas of Gilmer County are located in the Ocoee River sub-basin of the Middle Tennessee-Hiwassee basin.[11]

Adjacent counties

National protected area

Transportation

Major highways

Secondary highways
  • Old S.R. 5
  • Yukon Road
  • Burnt Mountain Road (Old S.R. 108)
  • Boardtown Road
  • Big Creek Road
  • Doublehead Gap Road
  • Whitestone Road
  • Conasauga Road

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18402,536—
18508,440232.8%
18606,724−20.3%
18706,644−1.2%
18808,38626.2%
18909,0748.2%
190010,19812.4%
19109,237−9.4%
19208,406−9.0%
19307,344−12.6%
19409,00122.6%
19509,96310.7%
19608,922−10.4%
19708,9560.4%
198011,11024.1%
199013,36820.3%
200023,45675.5%
201028,29220.6%
202031,35310.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[12]
1790-1960[13] 1900-1990[14]
1990-2000[15] 2010-2013[16]

2000 census

As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 23,456 people, 9,071 households, and 6,694 families living in the county. Estimates now put the population closer to 40,000 people. The population density was 55 people per square mile (21 people/km2). There were 11,924 housing units at an average density of 28 units per square mile (11 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 93.63% White, 0.27% Black or African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.26% Pacific Islander, 3.76% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. 7.74% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,071 households, out of which 30.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.10% were married couples living together, 8.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.20% were non-families. 22.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.30% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 28.50% from 25 to 44, 25.60% from 45 to 64, and 13.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 103.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $34,330, and the median income for a family was $41,805. Males had a median income of $31,217 versus $24,020 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,117. About 17.8% of families and 23.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 10.6% of those age 65 or over.[18]

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 28,292 people, 11,314 households, and 8,000 families living in the county.[19] The population density was 66.3 inhabitants per square mile (25.6/km2). There were 16,564 housing units at an average density of 38.8 units per square mile (15.0 units/km2).[20] The racial makeup of the county was 92.3% white, 0.5% black or African American, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 5.2% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin, of any race, made up 9.5% of the population.[19] In terms of ancestry, non-Hispanic people identified as 18.7% being Irish, 17.3% American, 16.3% of English ancestry, and 13.4% were German.[21]

Of the 11,314 households, 29.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.3% were non-families, and 24.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.92. The median age was 43.4 years.[19]

The median income for a household in the county was $36,741 and the median income for a family was $45,317. Males had a median income of $32,177 versus $27,288 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,439. About 12.4% of families and 18.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.1% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.[22]

2020 census
Gilmer County Racial Composition[23]
Race Num. Perc.
White 26,365 84.09%
Black or African American 127 0.41%
Native American 62 0.2%
Asian 131 0.42%
Other/Mixed 1,069 3.41%
Hispanic or Latino 3,599 11.48%

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 31,353 people, 12,021 households, and 8,028 families residing in the county.

Government and politics

Gilmer County is governed by a three-member Board of Commissioners. The current board chairman is Charlie Paris. The Post 1 Commissioner is Hubert Parker and the Post 2 Commissioner is Karleen Ferguson. Other current government officials include: Sheriff, Stacy Nicholson; Probate Judge, Scott Chastain; Magistrate Judge, Kevin Johnson; Clerk of Court, Amy Johnson; Tax Commissioner, Rebecca Marshall; Coroner, Jerry Hensley. All are members of the Republican Party.

Some of the past chairmen of the Board of Commissioners include J.C. Sanford (2011-2014), Mark Chastain (2009–2010), Jerry Farist (2005–2008), and Rayburn Smith (1997–2004). Merle Howell served as the first chairman of the three-member board starting on January 1, 1996. She was recalled by the voters of Gilmer County, who elected Rayburn Smith in July 1997.

Up until 1988, Gilmer County was governed by a sole commissioner. Cicero Logan served as commissioner from 1946 until 1959. Harold Hefner was elected in 1958 and served from 1959 until 1972. Gilmer County's last sole commissioner was Benjamin N. Whitaker who served from 1973 until 1988.

In 1988, Gilmer County changed to a five-member board of commissioners who then hired a “county manager” to run day-to-day operations of the county. The first five-member board included Mack Logan, Ruel Reece, Garvin Davis Jr., John Penland, and Charles Aaron. Jim Bailey served as county manager.

Politics

The voters of Gilmer, like neighboring Rabun, Towns, Pickens and Fannin counties, were different in their historic partisan preferences from other parts of Georgia. Since the post-Civil War period, it had a competitive Republican party. At the turn of the 20th century, the disfranchisement of most blacks in Georgia resulted in the state's white conservatives voting mostly for Democratic candidates at the state and national level. In contrast, these northern Georgia counties voted for Republican presidential candidates in several early 20th-century elections.

United States presidential election results for Gilmer County, Georgia[24]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 13,429 81.25% 2,932 17.74% 166 1.00%
2016 10,477 81.55% 1,965 15.29% 406 3.16%
2012 8,926 80.76% 1,958 17.71% 169 1.53%
2008 8,408 75.17% 2,614 23.37% 164 1.47%
2004 7,414 73.97% 2,510 25.04% 99 0.99%
2000 4,941 67.04% 2,230 30.26% 199 2.70%
1996 3,121 49.06% 2,464 38.74% 776 12.20%
1992 2,661 45.19% 2,311 39.25% 916 15.56%
1988 3,353 70.65% 1,363 28.72% 30 0.63%
1984 2,972 70.66% 1,234 29.34% 0 0.00%
1980 2,170 47.83% 2,246 49.50% 121 2.67%
1976 1,261 33.54% 2,499 66.46% 0 0.00%
1972 2,729 78.04% 768 21.96% 0 0.00%
1968 2,074 51.55% 690 17.15% 1,259 31.30%
1964 2,167 50.09% 2,159 49.91% 0 0.00%
1960 1,850 55.69% 1,472 44.31% 0 0.00%
1956 1,857 59.29% 1,275 40.71% 0 0.00%
1952 1,324 49.35% 1,359 50.65% 0 0.00%
1948 1,203 47.36% 1,275 50.20% 62 2.44%
1944 793 47.29% 884 52.71% 0 0.00%
1940 653 42.93% 865 56.87% 3 0.20%
1936 1,047 48.14% 1,128 51.86% 0 0.00%
1932 616 33.73% 1,210 66.27% 0 0.00%
1928 1,012 65.67% 529 34.33% 0 0.00%
1924 912 54.03% 776 45.97% 0 0.00%
1920 662 54.80% 546 45.20% 0 0.00%
1916 258 16.54% 742 47.56% 560 35.90%
1912 52 7.93% 488 74.39% 116 17.68%

Attractions

Gilmer County is home to an impressive specimen of yellow poplar known colloquially as "the big poplar". This particular specimen is 100 feet tall and approximately 20 feet in circumference at its base. The tree can be accessed via Bear Creek Trail in the Chattahoochee National Forest.

Communities

Cities

Census-designated place

Unincorporated communities

James Dickey's novel Deliverance was set on a fictional river modeled on the Coosawattee, prior to the construction of the dam producing Carters Lake. It was adapted as a 1972 thriller movie of the same name. It was filmed further north in the state, in Rabun County.[25][26][27]

See also

References
  1. "Census - Geography Profile: Gilmer County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "Gilmer County". Georgia.gov. Archived from the original on August 28, 2008. Retrieved November 10, 2011.
  4. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 137.
  5. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 117.
  6. "The Names Stayed". Calhoun Times and Gordon County News. August 29, 1990. p. 64. Retrieved April 29, 2015.
  7. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 94. ISBN 0-915430-00-2. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 17, 2003.
  8. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 76. ISBN 0-915430-00-2. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 17, 2003.
  9. "GCeconomy">Boatright, Sue; Flanders, Archie (March 2008). "Gilmer County Economy" (PDF). University of Georgia, Center for Agribusiness & Economic Development. Retrieved January 28, 2021.
  10. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  11. "Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Interactive Mapping Experience". Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  12. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  13. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  14. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  15. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved June 22, 2014.
  16. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  17. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  18. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  19. "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  20. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  21. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  22. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  23. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  24. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 20, 2018.
  25. Gatling, William (June 30, 2010). "Deliverance and the Coosawattee". Georgia Canoeing Association. Archived from the original on September 30, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  26. "Filming Locations for Deliverance (1972), in Georgia". The Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  27. "Brown's Guide to Georgia". December 22, 2010. Archived from the original on December 22, 2010. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
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