Athens, Tennessee

Image:Samuel-cleage-house-tn2.jpg

The Cherokee were living in McMinn County at the time of the arrival of the first Euro-American explorers. The Athens area was situated nearly halfway between the Overhill Cherokee villages of Great Tellico to the north in Monroe County and Great Hiwassee along the Hiwassee River to the south. In 1819, the Cherokee signed the Calhoun Treaty, selling the land north of the Hiwassee (including all of modern McMinn County) to the United States. McMinn County was organized on November 13, 1819, at the home of John Walker in what is now Calhoun. The Native American village, Pumpkintown (a corruption of Potemkin town), was located on a farm about two miles east of present-day Athens. It is sometimes incorrectly identified as a forerunner of Athens. Athens was laid out and chosen as the county seat in 1822.C. Stephen Byrum, McMinn County (Memphis, Tenn: Memphis State University Press, 1984), 5-9, 20. The name "Athens" may have been chosen due to perceived topographical similarities to Athens, Greece.Bill Akins, "[http://www.cityofathenstn.com/history.html City of Athens - History] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160710162713/http://www.cityofathenstn.com/history.html |date=July 10, 2016 }}." Retrieved: November 27, 2007.

By 1834, the population of Athens had grown to over 500.Byrum, McMinn County, 21. Prominent early settlers included William Henry Cooke, who operated an iron forge near modern Etowah, and Samuel Clegg (or Cleage), a construction entrepreneur. Jesse Mayfield, whose descendants founded Mayfield Dairy Farms, arrived in the early 1820s.Byrum, McMinn County, 11-13. The Hiwassee Railroad received a charter in the mid-1830s to build a railroad connecting Knoxville, Tennessee, and Dalton, Georgia. The railroad began construction in 1837, although financial and legal problems delayed its completion until 1851. In 1836, General John Wool arrived in Athens to help coordinate the Cherokee Removal. Although initially voluntary, the operation became a forced removal in 1838 when many Cherokee refused to leave. The removal culminated in the forced march west that became known as the Trail of Tears. Wool set up his headquarters at the Bridges Hotel, which was located across the street from the McMinn County Courthouse.Information obtained from the McMinn County Heritage Book Committee marker at the Bridges Hotel site (c. 1997). Information accessed: November 26, 2007.

McMinn County was divided during the American Civil War. The well-established railroad brought numerous pro-secessionist and anti-secessionist speakers to the county, including Andrew Johnson, Horace Maynard, John Bell, and William "Parson" Brownlow. In 1861, McMinn County voted against secession by a narrow 1,144-904 margin. The county sent 12 units to the Union army and 8 units to the Confederate army. General William Tecumseh Sherman was briefly headquartered at the Bridges Hotel in McMinn County while preparing his "March to the Sea."Byrum, McMinn County, 23-32.

Image:Battle-of-athens-tennessee-marker1.jpg marker at the "Battle of Athens" site]]

After the Civil War, the railroad lured business opportunists to McMinn County. In 1887, several investors established the Athens Mining and Manufacturing Company with plans to convert the town into a model industrial community and initiate large-scale mining operations in the area. Textile mills, flour mills, and timber mills dominated the county's industry by the late 19th century, complemented by furniture and appliance factories in the 1920s.Byrum, McMinn County, 40-60.

In 1946, several McMinn County World War II veterans ran for local office in hopes of removing a county government deemed corrupt. On August 1, local authorities locked themselves in the county jail along with the ballot boxes. Suspecting foul play, the veterans armed themselves in revolt and assembled on a hill across the street from the jail. After an exchange of gunfire, the county authorities surrendered. The ballots were counted, and the veterans' ticket was elected, ending the Battle of Athens.Information obtained from Tennessee Historical Commission marker 2A 102 in Athens, Tennessee. Information accessed: November 26, 2007.

Athens is located at {{coord|35|26|53|N|84|36|7|W|type:city}} (35.448171, -84.602069).{{Cite web |date=February 12, 2011 |title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990 |url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html |access-date=April 23, 2011 |publisher=United States Census Bureau}} The city is situated amidst a series of narrow, elongate ridges and low hills that are characteristic of the Appalachian Ridge-and-Valley Province. The Unicoi Mountains rise roughly {{convert|20|mi|km}} east of Athens, and the Tennessee River flows nearly {{convert|20|mi|km}} to the west. Starr Mountain, one of the more noticeable ridges in McMinn County, is located roughly {{convert|15|mi|km}} southeast of Athens.

Oostanaula Creek (sometimes spelled "Eastanalle" or a similar variation) rises in the hills north of Athens and traverses the city approximately {{convert|30|mi|km}} upstream from its mouth along Hiwassee River. Other major streams in the area include Mouse Creek, which parallels Oostanaula to the west, and Chestuee Creek, which parallels Oostanaula to the east.

Athens is centered around the junction of U.S. Route 11, which connects the city to Sweetwater to the north and Cleveland to the south, and State Route 30, which connects Athens to Etowah and U.S. Route 411 to the southeast and Decatur to the west. Interstate 75 passes west of Athens.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of {{convert|13.5|sqmi|km2}}, all land.

As is typical for the Southern United States, Athens has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa) featuring hot, humid summers and cool to cold, though not severe, winters.

{{Weather box|width = 70%

|location = Athens, Tennessee (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1962–present)

|single line = Y

|Jan record high F = 74

|Feb record high F = 81

|Mar record high F = 85

|Apr record high F = 91

|May record high F = 95

|Jun record high F = 103

|Jul record high F = 105

|Aug record high F = 103

|Sep record high F = 99

|Oct record high F = 98

|Nov record high F = 86

|Dec record high F = 77

|year record high F = 105

|Jan high F = 48.6

|Feb high F = 53.0

|Mar high F = 61.7

|Apr high F = 71.3

|May high F = 78.8

|Jun high F = 85.4

|Jul high F = 88.4

|Aug high F = 88.1

|Sep high F = 83.1

|Oct high F = 72.6

|Nov high F = 60.9

|Dec high F = 51.6

|year high F = 70.3

|Jan mean F = 38.4

|Feb mean F = 41.9

|Mar mean F = 49.5

|Apr mean F = 58.3

|May mean F = 66.8

|Jun mean F = 74.4

|Jul mean F = 77.9

|Aug mean F = 77.2

|Sep mean F = 71.5

|Oct mean F = 59.9

|Nov mean F = 48.6

|Dec mean F = 41.5

|year mean F = 58.8

|Jan low F = 28.2

|Feb low F = 30.9

|Mar low F = 37.3

|Apr low F = 45.3

|May low F = 54.8

|Jun low F = 63.4

|Jul low F = 67.5

|Aug low F = 66.3

|Sep low F = 59.9

|Oct low F = 47.2

|Nov low F = 36.2

|Dec low F = 31.3

|year low F = 47.4

|Jan record low F = -16

|Feb record low F = −14

|Mar record low F = 2

|Apr record low F = 22

|May record low F = 29

|Jun record low F = 36

|Jul record low F = 48

|Aug record low F = 48

|Sep record low F = 29

|Oct record low F = 23

|Nov record low F = 9

|Dec record low F = −4

|year record low F = -16

|precipitation colour = green

|Jan precipitation inch = 5.56

|Feb precipitation inch = 5.07

|Mar precipitation inch = 5.51

|Apr precipitation inch = 5.50

|May precipitation inch = 4.59

|Jun precipitation inch = 5.03

|Jul precipitation inch = 5.52

|Aug precipitation inch = 4.03

|Sep precipitation inch = 5.20

|Oct precipitation inch = 3.58

|Nov precipitation inch = 4.88

|Dec precipitation inch = 5.91

|year precipitation inch = 60.38

|Jan snow inch = 1.0

|Feb snow inch = 1.3

|Mar snow inch = 0.8

|Apr snow inch = 0.0

|May snow inch = 0.0

|Jun snow inch = 0.0

|Jul snow inch = 0.0

|Aug snow inch = 0.0

|Sep snow inch = 0.0

|Oct snow inch = 0.0

|Nov snow inch = 0.1

|Dec snow inch = 0.4

|year snow inch = 3.6

|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in

|Jan precipitation days = 11.6

|Feb precipitation days = 11.9

|Mar precipitation days = 12.4

|Apr precipitation days = 10.9

|May precipitation days = 11.5

|Jun precipitation days = 11.7

|Jul precipitation days = 12.1

|Aug precipitation days = 10.3

|Sep precipitation days = 8.4

|Oct precipitation days = 8.2

|Nov precipitation days = 9.6

|Dec precipitation days = 12.4

|year precipitation days = 131.0

|unit snow days = 0.1 in

|Jan snow days = 0.7

|Feb snow days = 0.7

|Mar snow days = 0.2

|Apr snow days = 0.0

|May snow days = 0.0

|Jun snow days = 0.0

|Jul snow days = 0.0

|Aug snow days = 0.0

|Sep snow days = 0.0

|Oct snow days = 0.0

|Nov snow days = 0.1

|Dec snow days = 0.3

|year snow days = 2.0

| source 1 = NOAA{{Cite web |title=NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |url=https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mrx |access-date=May 29, 2021 |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |archive-date=November 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116080734/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mrx |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |title=Station: Athens, TN |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00400284&format=pdf |access-date=May 29, 2021 |website=U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991-2020) |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration}}

}}

{{US Census population

|1860= 678

|1870= 974

|1880= 1100

|1890= 2224

|1900= 1849

|1910= 2264

|1920= 2580

|1930= 5385

|1940= 6930

|1950= 8618

|1960= 12103

|1970= 11790

|1980= 12080

|1990= 12054

|2000= 13220

|2010= 13458

|2020= 14084

|footnote=Sources:{{Cite web |title=Census of Population and Housing|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|access-date=December 10, 2013|publisher=US Census Bureau}}{{Cite web|title=Athens (city) QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/4702320.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212162143/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/47/4702320.html|archive-date=December 12, 2013|access-date=December 10, 2013|publisher=US Census Bureau}}{{cite web|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=P1_001N,NAME&for=place:*&in=state:47&key=5ccd0821c15d9f4520e2dcc0f8d92b2ec9336108|title=Census Population API|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=October 15, 2022}}

}}

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 14,084 people, 5,530 households, and 2,991 families residing in the city.

As of the census of 2010,{{Cite web |last= |title=U.S. Census website |url=https://www.census.gov |access-date=October 5, 2019 |website=United States Census Bureau}} there were 13,458 people, 5,704 households, and 3,498 families residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 84.87% White, 9.12% Black, 0.35% Native American, 1.64% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, and 2.61% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origins constituted 5.27% of the population.

Out of all of the households, 61.33% were family households, 42.39% were married couples living together, 26.30% had children under the age of 18 living in them, 4.33% had a male householder with no wife present, and 14.60% had a female householder with no husband present. 34.52% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.39% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.91.

The population was spread out, with 22.69% under the age of 18, 59.97% ages 18 to 64, and 17.34% age 65 and over. The median age was 39.1 years. 53.52% of the population were females and 46.48% were males.

The median household income was $31,062 and the median family income was $44,419. Males had a median income of $37,120 versus $28,889 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,259. About 22.2% of families and 24.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 35.8% of those under the age of 18 and 17.2% of those age 65 and over

As of the census of 2000, there were 13,220 people, 5,550 households, and 3,590 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|976.3|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 6,086 housing units at an average density of {{convert|449.4|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the city was 86.33% White, 9.32% African American, 0.23% Native American, 1.38% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 1.34% from other races, and 1.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.01% of the population.

There were 5,550 households, out of which 30.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.89.

The population consisted of 23.9% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,277, and the median income for a family was $39,563. Males had a median income of $32,170 versus $20,917 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,877. About 14.6% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 22.1% of those age 65 or over.

The City of Athens employs a Council-Manager form of government. Citizens elect a five-member council. Councilmembers are elected to four year terms, which are staggered. The Council is responsible for approving budgets, passing local ordinances, and setting policy, but members are forbidden by the City Charter from giving direct orders to city staff. The Council hires a City Manager, who is responsible for hiring, firing, and managing city staff. A Council Study Session takes place once per month, and a City Council Meeting takes place once per month.

Law enforcement services in Athens are provided by the City of Athens Police Department. The Department's authorized strength is thirty-two sworn officers.

Image:Tennessee-wesleyan-college-tn1.jpg

University and vocational school:

• McMinn County Higher Education Center
• Tennessee Wesleyan University
• Tennessee College of Applied Technology of Athens

McMinn County Schools operates public high schools serving the city.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st47_tn/schooldistrict_maps/c47107_mcminn/DC20SD_C47107.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: McMinn County, TN|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=January 28, 2022}}

High schools:

• McMinn County High School

Athens City Schools operates public elementary and middle schools.

Middle schools:

• Athens City Middle School

Elementary schools:

• City Park
• West Side
• North City
• Ingleside

Rogers Creek and E.K. Baker schools, operated by McMinn Schools, are not in the Athens city limits, despite having Athens postal addresses.{{cite web|url=https://www.ekbakerelementary.com/o/ekbe|title=Home|publisher=E.K. Baker Elementary School|accessdate=January 28, 2022|quote=E.K. Baker Elementary 1044 County Road 172 Athens, Tennessee 37303}} - It is not in the [https://cms9files.revize.com/athenstn/Document_Center/Team%20Anthens/City%20Manager/Community%20Development/Zoning%20Appeals/CD_2021-01_Official%20Zoning%20Map%20Print.pdf Athens city limits], despite the "Athens, Tennessee" postal address.{{cite web|url=https://www.rogerscreekwarriors.com/o/rce|title=Home|publisher=Rogers Creek Elementary School|accessdate=January 28, 2022|quote=Rogers Creek Elementary 137 County Road 82 Athens, Tennessee 37303}} - It is not in the city limits, despite the "Athens, Tennessee" postal address.

Private schools:

Fairview Christian Academy ( K-12)

Christ Legacy Academy (K-12)

• Eric Axley - professional golfer who plays on the PGA Tour
• George Washington Bridges - Congressman and Southern Unionist
• J. Lawrence Cook - piano roll artist."[http://www.doctorjazz.co.uk/page16.html J. Lawrence Cook - An Autobiography of the Early Years]." Retrieved: April 23, 2008.
• John Tyler Morgan - represented Alabama in the United States Senate as a staunch segregationist. Served in the Confederate Army as a brigadier general."[http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=M000954 Morgan, John Tyler - Biographical Information]." Biographical Directory of the United States Congress. Retrieved: April 23, 2008.
• JaJuan Smith - former basketball player for the University of Tennessee, played at McMinn County High School{{Cite web |last=Crawley |first=Stan |date=February 6, 2006 |title=Superb Play Of Vols' JaJuan Smith No Surprise To McMinn Coach |url=http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_79913.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218130117/http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_79913.asp |archive-date=2006-02-18 |website=Chattanoogan.com}}

McMinn County is covered by both the Chattanooga and Knoxville{{Cite web |title=County by County News |url=http://www.wate.com/county-by-county-news |access-date=February 21, 2018 |website=wate.com |publisher=Nextstar Broadcasting}} media markets. Athens is served by one daily newspaper publication, The Daily Post Athenian as well as seven radio stations, (four FM, and three AM), and one Comcast TV channel, 95.

• FM
• Jack FM Country, (which is actually licensed to Hopewell, Tennessee)
• WJSQ Country
• J-103 religious (licensed to Etowah, TN) simulcast with WBDX in Chattanooga
• WKPJ-LP 104.5 religious, an affiliate of 3ABN Radio Network
• AM
• WCPH 1220 Adult Standards, (licensed to Etowah, TN) an affiliate of The Music of Your Life
• WYXI 1390 Oldies
• WLAR 1450 Oldies (Formerly Simulcast of WJSQ)

{{flagicon|JPN}} Isahaya, Nagasaki Perfecture, Japan{{cite web | last=Brusseau | first=Andy | title=Athens welcomes guests from 'sister city' Isahaya | website=The Daily Post-Athenian | date=2024-04-29 | url=https://www.dailypostathenian.com/news/article_78d79034-164a-11e8-8086-10604b9f0f84.html | access-date=2024-10-30}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Athens, Tennessee}}

{{official website|http://www.cityofathenstn.com/}}

• [http://athenschamber.org/ Athens Area Chamber of Commerce]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20160205061359/http://www.mtas.tennessee.edu/public/CHARTERS.nsf/0/B69D12D2C10D18B3852568CC0061DAD7/$File/athens.cht.pdf?OpenElement City charter]

{{Coord|display=title|35.448171|-84.602069}}

{{Athens, Tennessee}}

{{McMinn County, Tennessee}}

{{Tennessee county seats}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Cities in Tennessee

Category:Cities in McMinn County, Tennessee

Category:County seats in Tennessee

Category:Populated places established in 1823

Category:1823 establishments in Tennessee